I live for my mother and I die for my neighborhood. Meanings of violence and death in Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha, Alfredo Nateras Domínguez

Abstract

Since the book that summons us refers to the Mara Salvatrucha and the Barrio 18 and the meanings they give to violence and death, it may be appropriate to start my intervention with an anecdote that also explains in part why I am here, presenting the book by Alfredo Nateras, admired and dear friend. One can ask Nateras, but what need? Why so much trouble? Subject to the fact that you may want to give us an answer here, let me venture a couple of ideas in this regard. I would say that it does so because of the demand that interest and commitment pose. I explain. In other words: the young person as a transitory moment in which through education the good is incorporated into production, or the young person who, without this element of force applied, reveals his true nature as a rebel without a cause.