The Parker J Cole Show -- The Search for Family

It is not good for man to be alone.

There are people who consider themselves loners. They submit they prefer their own company to those of others. For many reasons, people who are loners generally have an idea that to be by themselves is better. But humans have an innate need to be around others, even if it's just one close personal friend. We hunger for companionship and togetherness even when we speak the contrary. For the most part, we find togetherness in the family unit. For our children especially, family is important for development, security, and ultimately helps us to define who we are. 

Because of the need for togetherness, if a child can't get it from the family they are a part of, they will seek alternatives to be one with someone, perhaps anyone. Enter the initiationn of a gang. Gangs provide a sort of a familial unit a child longs for. With gangs, you have brother or sisterhood, loyalty, and a hierarchcy of power. Yet, most often gangs do more harm than good but why are so many attracted to this form of bond in their search for family?

Join me as I talked with author Yasmin Shiraz, author of Loyal that deals with the topic of gangs, families, and choices. You can call in at 646-668-8485, press 1 to be live on air. Or, download Stitcher on your mobile device. Or, click on the link here. Tune in.