I was waiting in my car for my drug dealer on Madison and 17th Street in Paterson NJ. But Z never just appeared. Sometimes I had to wait for him to show up at my car for an hour. There weren’t many places to park in the inner city so I choose to park by what looked like a really peaceful place near Z’s house and sat in my car waiting, and waiting, and waiting; Until;

I noticed a gang member dealing drugs on the other corner from where I parked. My sitting there and the car I had were apparently hurting his drug business and the type of car I had increased his customers nervousness. I had one of those cars the cops always use and my being there for over one hour already made him begin losing business.

So he walked over to me and in a very nice manner asked me whom I am waiting for so long and I told him my dealer Z. He wanted to use my cell phone to be certain I told him the truth and Z confirmed I am his client and not a cop.

In another five minutes Z came out and we took care of our business transactions. Thereafter, Z and the other dealer had A STRAIGHT FORTH TALK ABOUT HOW NEXT TIME, Z’s CUSTOMERS should stay on Z’s side of the street and not sit by the other dealers business block for long periods of time again and the two men agree and shook hands.

There was no violent stereotypes and the entire issue was handled with extreme respect.

Having the chance to watch gang diplomacy is one of the most fascinating and interesting social exchanges between gang members.

It’s not at all any longer the all out shoot em up to solve probalems between gangs in Paterson NJ.

Inversely, it is more reminiscent of diplomatic discourse occurring within  the purview of United Nations in NYC.

You’d be very surprised in studying gang diplomacy these days. I look forward to completing my new book on the subject soon.