How does Maverick's past demonstrate the difficulties involved in breaking away from a negative cycle?

Maverick had a difficult and troubled past. He was incarcerated at the same time his father was and for the same reason.....street gangs. Maverick followed in his father's footsteps, and his sacrifice for King afforded him the opportunity to leave the King Lords..... the fact that he had to spend time in prison time in order to break free from the gang illustrates the difficulty of breaking a negative cycle.