Beatriz Johnston Hernández

In the following viewpoint, Beatriz Johnston Hernández asserts that gang truces, if designed properly, can reduce violence. She contends, however, that while truces may stop the killing, they do not change the economic and social conditions that led to the formation of gangs in the first place. According to Hernández, in order to eliminate gangs, violence, and drug dealing, truces must provide gang members with economic opportunities, job training, counseling, and other services. Hernández is a correspondent for El Processo, a magazine published in Mexico City.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Hernández’s view, what are some of the programs that must be implemented if cities are to provide a viable alternative to gangs?
2. According to Michael Zinzun...