Reaction to former gangster Bal Buttal’s new campaign to save teens
Bal Buttar, a reformed man lived most of his active life as a notorious gangster. His crimes may be unforgivable by the law, but none the less, his campaign can save more lives than he took in the past. After a decade of repentant living, he was finally laid to rest.Shot twice in the head in 2001, Buttar is now paralyzed from chest down. He began his criminal life after sharing a cell with the notorious Bindy Johal. Gangster life has been glamorized all these years because it depicts easy money, power and sense of adventure for vulnerable teens. For a child like Buttar who suffered both from attention-deficit, hyper activity syndrome (ADHD) and racism at school, being a tough guy seemed a fast solution for his need for power and respect. For the next 4 years he was involved in a number of gangsta-land crimes such as drug trafficking, smuggling and murder which operated around cities around Vancouver, Surrey and Port Coquitlam areas.
The present situation...
Gangster activities has been increasing over the years, not just in this country. But what concerns me is the fact that this life is attractive to our young people. Teenagers who are supposed to be at school.
Who are at risk for engaging juvenile crime activities? Based on what I read on Buttal’s story from the Vancouver Sun, these are the common factors for kids to join gangs.
- teens 12-17, mostly male (race does not actually matter)
- victims of poverty and poor health in childhood
- victims of child abuse such as corporal punishment and verbal abuse
- had experienced discrimination, racism and bullying at elementary school
- lives within communities with active gangster activities
To give back for the second shot at life, Buttar worked on writing a book to encourage kids to stay on the right track and away from gangster life. This would be one of the best things he can do, for a quadriplegic man.
This story teaches us two things: one is that we have to inform our kids, co-parents and teachers that mutual respect should be enforced. No one has the right to bully or tease other people just because of the differences. Children at risk should also be paid attention and guided in to cope up with their lives. Second is that it is never too late for people to turn back from their old ways and start a new life. You are free to pass this post on, hopefully help the community through information.