Compassion and Kinship: Fr Gregory Boyle at TEDxConejo 2012

Summary

The speaker shares a heartfelt message about the importance of kinship and compassion, drawing from his experiences working with gang members in Los Angeles. He emphasizes the transformative power of seeing ourselves in others, particularly those marginalized and forgotten. Through stories of former rivals finding common ground and the establishment of Homeboy Industries, he illustrates how community and mutual support can overcome past divisions and build a more just and peaceful society.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting for positive change, as referenced by the prophet Habakuk.
• 🤝 The vision of creating a community of kinship is central to the speaker's message, aiming to see the world differently and to foster a sense of belonging.
• 🌐 Mother Teresa's belief that the world's problems stem from forgetting our interconnectedness is highlighted as a key diagnostic of societal ills.
• 💔 The speaker discusses the need to stand against the marginalization and dehumanization of certain groups, advocating for compassion and dignity for all.
• 📱 The humorous anecdote about learning to text from gang members illustrates the speaker's commitment to staying connected and understanding different communities.
• 😅 A light-hearted story about a text message exchange between former rivals shows how relationships can change and heal over time.
• 🏭 The Homeboy Industries' journey from a small endeavor to a large organization that helps former gang members is detailed, showing the power of community support.
• 🌟 The impact of providing services like tattoo removal is underscored, highlighting the practical ways Homeboy Industries helps people reintegrate into society.
• 🍽️ A story involving Diane Keaton at the Homegirl Cafe illustrates the unexpected connections and kinship that can form in these supportive environments.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker shares a touching story about a former gang member's daughter going to college, showing how hope and change can ripple through families.
• 🕊️ The narrative of transformation from enemies to friends among workers at Homeboy Industries is a recurring theme, demonstrating the power of shared experiences and mutual respect.

Q & A

What was the speaker's experience at the foster grandparents gathering?

The speaker shared an emotional encounter after speaking at a foster grandparents gathering where a grandmother tearfully told him that after hearing him the previous year, she realized that life never gets better.

What does the speaker suggest is the vision for a community?

The speaker suggests that the vision for a community is to create a community of kinship where God might re-recognize it, and where people remember that they belong to each other.

How does the speaker describe the transformation of Manuel and Snoopy's relationship?

The speaker describes how Manuel and Snoopy, once enemies who shot bullets at each other, now exchange text messages, illustrating the concept of kinship.

What is the purpose of Homeboy Industries?

Homeboy Industries is a gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry center that aims to provide services and employment opportunities for former gang members and those who have been to prison.

What is the significance of the tattoo removal service at Homeboy Industries?

The tattoo removal service is significant as it helps individuals remove gang-related tattoos, which can be a barrier to employment and social integration.

How does the speaker describe the change in Bandit's life?

The speaker describes Bandit's transformation from a gang member selling crack cocaine to becoming a supervisor of a warehouse, owning a home, and having a family.

What is the message behind the story of Bandit's daughter going to college?

The story of Bandit's daughter going to college symbolizes the breaking of generational cycles and the hope for a better future through education.

What does the speaker mean when he says 'the soul feels its worth'?

The speaker means that when individuals recognize their own value and potential, they are less susceptible to negative influences and more capable of positive change.

How does the speaker address the issue of enemies working together at Homeboy Industries?

The speaker addresses the issue by acknowledging the initial tension but highlighting the eventual realization among workers that they are not enemies but colleagues, which leads to a sense of kinship.

What is the significance of the story about 'Puppet'?

The story of 'Puppet' illustrates the tragic consequences of gang violence and the potential for transformation, as even his enemy 'Youngster' recognized him as a friend after his death.

What is the main takeaway from the speaker's message?

The main takeaway is the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and kinship, and the potential for positive change when we support and uplift one another.