Crips and Bloods: Made in America

Crips and Bloods: Made in America examines the growth of the Crips and the Bloods, two prominent gangs in America whose rivalry to date has claimed over fifteen thousand lives. The film focuses on the external factors that have led young African Americans to turn to gangs and questions the law enforcement and political response to the growth of gang culture.

Former members of these gangs attest to how African American youths are neglected by predominantly white organisations, leaving them with no place to develop a sense of identity. The gangs therefore offered a sense of safety and a newfound unity among young men.

Set in south-central Los Angeles, the documentary shows that children who end up joining gangs usually lack opportunities and have little to no chance of achieving a successful future. Furthermore, it demonstrates how the experiences of African Americans fuelled the Watts riots and how these events were portrayed by the media.