Not as Tough as You Think

This video drama explores the themes of gun violence, critical decision-making, machismo, leaders and followers and issues related to self-esteem. A series of bad decisions sets up a group of friends who become involved in a fatal shooting in the inner city. The video focuses on Laverne who, at first shuns involvement with the group but he soon comes under the spell of Terry, the hot-headed and prideful ring leader. Terry makes fun of Laverne and calls him a “punk” for balking at crashing a birthday party in the neighborhood with the rest of the gang members. Laverne looks on from a distance as the other boys attempt to crash the party. The confrontation leads to a run in with Ray, the celebrants father who is fatally shot. The video ends with all of the boys, including Laverne in prison. © Transformation Techniques