Gang Leader for a Day

<p>Sudhir Venkatesh the young sociologist who became famous in Freakonomics (<i>Why do drug dealers still live with their moms?</i>) describes his time living with the gangs on the Southside of Chicago and answers another question: what's it like to live in hell?<br><br>In the Robert Taylor Homes projects on Chicago's South Side, Sudhir befriends J.T., a gang leader for the Black Kings. As he slowly gains J.T.'s trust, one day, in order to convince Sudhir of his own CEO-like qualities, J.T. makes him leader of the gang... <br><br>Why does J.T. make his henchmen, the 'shorties', stay in school? What is the difference between a 'regular' hustler and a 'hype' - and is Peanut telling him the truth about which she is? And, when the FBI finally starts cracking down on the Black Kings, is it time to get out - or is it too late?</p> <p>Sudhir Venkatesh the young sociologist who became famous in Freakonomics (<i>Why do drug dealers still live with their moms?</i>) describes his time living with the gangs on the Southside of Chicago and answers another question: what's it like to live in hell?<br><br>In the Robert Taylor Homes projects on Chicago's South Side, Sudhir befriends J.T., a gang leader for the Black Kings. As he slowly gains J.T.'s trust, one day, in order to convince Sudhir of his own CEO-like qualities, J.T. makes him leader of the gang... <br><br>Why does J.T. make his henchmen, the 'shorties', stay in school? What is the difference between a 'regular' hustler and a 'hype' - and is Peanut telling him the truth about which she is? And, when the FBI finally starts cracking down on the Black Kings, is it time to get out - or is it too late?</p>