Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Blog Tour ~ Michael Estepa


In your opinion do you believe that gangs are more prevalent in poorer, disadvantaged communities?

This is a very good question but in my opinion, gangs are more prominent where ever there is money to be made. I can understand why people in general would instantly think that gang members are more active in disadvantaged areas due to the lack of resources made available to them as compared to more advantaged areas. However, at the end of the day it really comes down to the individual person’s self belief, exposure and moral sense. I am friends with people who grew up with very little, were exposed to drugs and violence on an almost daily basis and still went on to succeed in life.

Many years ago (like twenty plus years ago), it was obvious that gangs tended to exist in poorer areas, however, fast – forward to the present and you will notice that gangs are just about anywhere the money is. For example, during the 1970’s/80’s when cocaine was first introduced to the American people by then Columbian drug lord – Pablo Escobar, the drug was being sold to A-list celebrities, musicians, politicians, etc as well as on the streets. In the end, gangsters go where the money is.

People who become gangsters don’t necessarily come from a poor background because I have seen friends who come from financially stable families, who are incredibly gifted in their studies, and with the world at their feet they still turn to a life of crime. In my book, Purged by Darkness the reader will discover the motives behind some of the characters reasons for joining and their economic status at the time, which clearly shows that not all people who go on to become gangsters are poor to begin with.

Purged by Darkness by Michael Estepa

In the gang lifestyle, honour and loyalty is what is expected of you. Fear, death and betrayal is what often follows. In this world, no one wins and all those involved, often find themselves in too deep to ever get out. The story revolves around six friends, as it follows their journey inside the organised crime syndicate, known as the Triads. With their love for each other and their loyalties not far behind, it is this same quality that will push their friendship beyond all limits. For this group of friends, it is all they have. Love is what keeps them together, but will it be enough to survive in a world where bullets speak louder than words and death awaits them at every turn?

Michael's site

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