Video: Lost in the Struggle

Question 1

Why does Chuckie (Fung Yuen) sell drugs?

Answer 1

because he doesn’t like taking money from his mom, he can’t get a job (applied to 20-30) so he says how else is he supposed to make money?

Question 2

How long is Chuckie’s wrapsheet

Answer 2

Chuckie has a very extensive wrapsheet that stems back to youth convictions

Question 3

What is Chuckie’s first rule

Answer 3

Self Preservation

Question 4

What is Chuckie’s views on guns

Answer 4

He has a gun, he doesn’t want to use it but he will if he has to: if someone is messing with his family or him

Question 5

How did Chuckie get involved in this lifestyle?

Answer 5

Eventually he was involved in a gang, started as just hanging out but moved up to fighting and protecting yourself
Became infatuated with guns and slowly moved up. No father figure

Question 6

What happened to Chuckie last summer?

Answer 6

Last summer he was robbed by 9 armed men - he knew the attackers, he knew that payback was a possibility but didn’t know that they would target his family. Afterwards he had to defend his pride and family, he swallowed his pride for his mother - that night he decided he wanted to do good, stop getting into fights, selling drugs, hanging out with other bad people.

Question 7

What does Chuckie wear to protect himself?

Answer 7

A bullet proof vest everywhere he goes

Question 8

Did Chuckie finish high school?

Answer 8

He was expelled from school at 15 for bringing a bb gun, 2 years later he brought a real gun and was expelled again.
He is 20 and back in high school trying to get a diploma

Question 9

What does Chuckie do as part of his probation?

Answer 9

As part of his probation he is visiting schools - at first he thought it was a joke but the kids respond to him so he likes it - in order to establish a connection you have to share something to get something back

Question 10

What does he tell the kids pride gets you?

Answer 10

Killed

Question 11

What is Chuckie’s rationale for beating up Freshy

Answer 11

He believes if you talk too big or get too cocky someone will regulate you - if you’re lucky it will be someone who cares.
He knows beating up Freshy is the right thing to do to deter him from the lifestyle, he said he talked to him before but he didn’t listen so he attacked him and showed him he should stop what he is doing

Question 12

What technique of Neutralization is Chuckie using when he justifies beating up Freshy?

Answer 12

idk yet

Question 13

After trying to start a new life, what does Chuckie do to get money quick?

Answer 13

He robbed someones house to get the money he owes - half the debt is owed by Burns but he refuses to pay, according to the code Chuckie has the right to revenge but he doesn’t want to do it

Question 14

How does Chuckie end up getting the money to pay the debt?

Answer 14

The debt is owed in 2 days and he only has 200$ - he wants to earn the money the legit way but he had to borrow the money from his brother to pay back the debt - he feels bad for going to them for help after all he put them through

Question 15

What does Chuckie say about his position in the street life?

Answer 15

He has one foot in each world wanting to get out of the streets - he is lost in the struggle, he wants someone to come rescue him

Question 16

What kinds of charges does Burns have?

Answer 16

Never charged for stealing but lots of assault charges, weapons

Question 17

What other kind of career do Burns and (mainly Chuckie) have?

Answer 17

Music careers, Chuckie’s music is sold all over Jane and Finch

Question 18

Does Burns think he has choices? What can he not remember not being?

Answer 18

Believes he doesn’t have choices – some of his 1st memories are people being killed and he cant remember not being angry

Question 19

What kind of problem does Burns say he has?

Answer 19

Says he had a temper problem - bullying

Question 20

Burns says he never has a chance cause

Answer 20

A father who disowned him, a school who rejected him

Question 21

How did Burns initially run into the police?

Answer 21

One night he got into a violent fight with his sister and threatened to go get a gun, his mother called the police and after that he kept racking up charges

Question 22

What made Burns reevaluate his life?

Answer 22

One night his half brother was shot dead (one of the most wanted criminals) when his enemies caught up to him
He realized what happened to his brother could easily happen to him.

Question 23

How does Burns start to turn his life around?

Answer 23

Tried to get a job working as a youth counsellor in a community centre – they knew of his past but they were asking him questions about how his experience could help others he was excited
He has never held a real job before, he has plenty of experience with rejection

Question 24

There is a perception that the police target

Answer 24

the Community (Jane and Finch) and young men in particular

Question 25

What does the probation officer do?

Answer 25

Probation officer shows up to warn Burnz’ mother (interrogating her) that he is not allowed out after 9pm without his mother.
After 24 hours the officer is back harassing his mother, he decides to turn himself in “facing my problems like a man” - his first conviction as an adult. After 1 night he is released to his mother with the cost of a 500$ bond, he still has to attend a trial.

Question 26

Does Burnz get the job?

Answer 26

Burns doesn’t get the job so he returns to the street full time selling marijuana

Question 27

What happens to Burnz and Chuckie?

Answer 27

Burnz wont repay the debt, they have a falling out over the money. Burnz says he will kill Chuckie if it comes down to that.

Question 28

What major change occurs in Burnz’ life? How does he react?

Answer 28

His 17 year old girlfriend becomes pregnant, he is excited and realizes he has to provide for his family so he goes looking for jobs again. He lands a job at a local car dealership for 8.75/hour, 2 weeks in he quit over pay - now he’s angry again

Question 29

Who is Freshy’s hero?

Answer 29

Chuckie, some people call him Brown Chuckie

Question 30

What is different about Freshy from the other two?

Answer 30

He is 16, his parents are from Bangladesh work successful careers and send him to a good school. The attraction of the street is too much, he makes counterfeit money,
Its all about choices for him. His parents know and help him order stock.

Question 31

Why does Freshy risk a good future?

Answer 31

He says everyone wants to take a risk, if he gets caught he will probably realize he should stop but he likes risk taking.

Question 32

What kind of reality check did Freshy get?

Answer 32

Says his chances of being caught are low, he calls himself a slick guy because he knows what hes doing, he is somewhat of a wannabe.
One night he thinks he is outside with friends but Chuckie beats him up,
He learned beware those you call your friends - he was shocked.

Question 33

What ends up happening to Burnz?

Answer 33

Burns was charged with 1st degree murder, sentenced last summer he was convicted of 2nd degree murder (automatic life sentence) he is eligible for parole in 16 years, he is now in jail.

Question 34

What ends up happening to Chuckie?

Answer 34

He was working as a security guard with aspirations of being a police officer, his employer found out about his past and fired him. He is focused on his music and anything else is unknown.

Question 35

What ends up happening to Freshy?

Answer 35

Freshy graduated from High School as Valedictorian and graduated from UofT and is now working there in student affairs.