Crippin' in Zion

The story of a young Tongan-American man killed in a Utah federal courtroom, sparked heavy media attention in the month of April. This buzz was especially rampant in the Polynesian Mormon community, where there is a large population of Pacific Islanders that have established roots, by way of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many Pacific Islanders called this tragic event a gross misuse of force on account of the federal officer that shot Siale Angilau multiple times as he lunged at a witness with a pen, leaving him dead at the scene. Mr. Angilau was a member of the Tongan Crip Gang, which has its origins in Inglewood, California, which also has a large Tongan-American population. When one hears of Utah, we may not necessarily think of Crips and Bloods, but with the constant emigration of Pacific Islanders to "Zion" the issue cannot be ignored. Many Pacific Islanders move to Utah, Idaho and other Mormon enclaves to find opportunity, and I've heard that some believe that these places are literally where their savior Jesus Christ will return and usher in a new kingdom, here on Earth. Mormon missionaries continue to prosthelytize in the South Pacific, as well as other poor areas in the world in order to spread, what they believe, as the "gospel". Some may ask, "if Mormonism is so wholesome and loving, then what happened to this young man?" Why caused him to join a predominately Tongan gang, which has been responsible for assaults, roberries, and even murders in the greater Salt Lake City area. I've at times given my opinions on why young men, especially minorities, join gangs. It's obvious that it's for survival, comradery, and ethnic understanding. If anything, this show of social acceptance amongst minority men demonstrates that no culture is above reproach when two social orders clash. What I mean by that is, Tongan culture is very influential and strong in the lives of many Tongan gang members. But when met with the teachings of Mormonism and all the good that it supposedly offers, it still can't keep these young men from "banging" Monday-Saturday and in church serving sacrament on Sunday. I think some cultures are just more prone to violence than others. Of course certain conditions may ignite this, but Tongan culture, along with other Polynesian cultures pride themselves on being "warriors" and fighters until the end. When coming to the Americas, this mentality is not left in the islands, but brought with them. After the tragic event, a local nurse, Todd Shrum said, "Tongan Trash ... kill them all", in reference to the shooting death of Siale Angilau. This bloviating unfortunately caused Mr. Shrum to lose his job. But his outburst is telling. I think it's safe to say that many white Utah Mormons feel the same way. That perhaps their lily-white "Zion" is being over ran by brown savages that not even the "gospel" can civilize.