Free Beowulf Essays: Shared Values †Then and Now :: Epic Beowulf essays

Beowulf:   Shared Values – Then and Now  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The values and characteristics which were held ideal in the epic Beowulf can still be found in today's culture if one knows where to look.   Gangs have become commonplace almost everywhere in the world. The similarities between modern gangs and tribes of ancient anglo-saxon warriors is quite pronounced. To many gang members being part of the gang is like a status quo. The gang member believes he or she is now part of a larger family. Many would-be gang members look up to gangs as if they are a role-model of some sort, wanting to someday be a part of this elite group who inspires fear in many people. Almost always, gang members believe that they must always be showing just how 'bad' they are. They will stop at almost nothing to outdo a rival gang's outrageous feat or even a friendly gang member's boasting. Law matters very little to these gang members, they make their own laws to follow. Gang member are rarely seen by themselves as they are fearful to travel alone through life's 'wilderness' without the comfort of knowing their friends are there to back them. However, gangs are very visible in packs. When roaming together they walk and talk as if they fear no one and nothing. They want the world to know just how 'bad' they are. When traveling together, no boast is too far-fetched. It doesn't matter whether or not it is true, only that the rest of the world believe it. Gangs are almost always at war with rival gangs. They rarely is ever believe in treaties between one and another but would much rather fight it out to prove which gang is superior. There are no restrictions against weapons and daggers, chains, guns, spikes, and brass knuckles are very common. It is very unlikely for a gang member to not be carrying at least two weapons at all times. Gang members often like to personalize their weapons too. For instance, brass knuckles may have the gang member's initials engraved in them to show possession, or a favorite gun or dagger may be intimately named. Such weapons are often highly valued and if lost will be sought after intensively by the distraught party. Gangs often carry with them superstitions. Perhaps the most prominent one is the fact that many gang members will not go into battle without their favorite weapon.