As a Hispanic American former gang member who spent time in a California youth facility, the author emphasizes the need for youth to understand that change is possible. The prison system, however, says the exact opposite, that change is not possible for poor people and immigrants. Prison tends to reinforce the most inhumane aspects of the street culture, and the capitalist society tends to treat some individuals and groups as though they cannot be rehabilitated or changed. In response to the capitalist philosophy permeating streets and jails, young people need to be prepared to take charge of their lives and their communities.