Steve, I certainly didn't mean to imply that you did not know the meaning of the word "respect". After more time to reflect, you are of course correct, and I also use "respect" to mean "concern about the consequences if you don't acknowledge power". As I normally use this meaning with reference to natural phenomena: the sea, weather conditions, snow conditions etc, I didn't make the connection with the "gangsta" usage. Mea cula, mea culpa.

I think your comments about self respect, Jon W's, Chets' and my own comments are all heading in the same direction, although coming from different starting points. From my own point of view, Chets' inmates and their peers will never break out of their cycle unless a} they want to, and b) break out of the mind trap they are currently in. Unfortunately, as Chet has pointed out, their current modus vivendi has high and immediate payoffs - flash cars, clothes and "respect" of their peers (and death of course - but who considers that when you are young and immortal?) whereas the class struggle for the community as a whole is long, hard and has no guarantee of success, or benefits for those who suffer along the way. Sorry to be so depressing - must be a virtual Monday!

Pete M