Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets

From the beginning of his time in Chicago, Venkatesh is interested in learning more about black people’s urban living experiences. His initial discussions with Charlie and Old-Time in Washington Park point to the fact that a form of segregation continues to exist in the city. Venkatesh admits that these conversations are his first real exposure to black American culture and his desire to learn more eventually leads him to the projects. J.T.’s decision to return to the projects and join the Black Kings is based on his frustration with the opportunities available to him as a black man. He can make more money and earn more respect as a gangster than he can in the world of “legitimate” business. Throughout the book, the word “nigger” is used constantly by the tenants to refer to themselves and others. However, when he is gang leader for a day, Venkatesh uses the term and T-Bone warns him not to call him that again or he’ll beat him. Coming from anyone but a black person, “nigger” is a derogatory term. Ms. Bailey also raises the issue of race: when Venkatesh first tells her about his research, she asks him if he’s going to be studying white people.