Not so safe
Luis had a hard time adapting to a new city and new society and he was frequently bullied by the children he went to school with. One would think that at least his family would provide him with a sense of protection and security, but this unfortunately did not happen. Ironically, Luis notes that while he was hurt by the way he was treated by his schoolmates, he was hurt more by the way his own brother used to abuse him and take his anger out on him. This not only hurt Luis but also made him feel as if he could never be safe anywhere.
Trying to help
For a long time Alfonso is unable to find a stable job so they are forced to move from one place to another. When Alfonso is hired as a substitute Spanish teacher, he tries to implement some new teaching methods that had the purpose of helping his students learn more rapidly and better the language he was teaching them. Unfortunately, the people who were running the school did not appreciate his efforts and Alfonso was eventually fired from his position. The irony consists in the fact that Alfonso was being punished for trying to help his pupils and help them get better at what they were trying to learn.
Attracted by violence
Luis mentions that he first got involved with gangs when he was in middle school. The gang he joined was not a violent one and he called it as being more of a club than a gang. When Luis went to high school, he was able to see more violent gangs as well, shooting people and making life difficult for everyone. Ironically, those aspects where what attracted Luis to the gang life and what made him want to become a gang member as well.
Should have stayed quiet
Luis mentions in the first chapters an incident that happened to him and to one of his friends shortly after they were accepted into the Tribe. The two boys were playing one day when a car passed by them. To brag about being in a gang, the boys began shouting at the car, telling them the name of the gang they were a part of. Ironically, the people in the car were members of the opposite gang and they shot at the two boys. Clavo was hit and he even lost an eye in the altercation. If the boys were to remain quiet, nothing would have happened and Clavo would have still had his eye.
Gangs and music
The most important thing for the gang members was the way they were perceived by the others. It was important for them that everyone saw them as tough guys. Because of this, it is ironic to find that most gang members had a passion for music and played some type of instrument, be it an instrument not considered as being conventionally macho.
