The Warriors

  Iconic Films

If you haven't seen the movie, The Warriors, I doubt few people haven't at least heard about it.

In short it's a story of a street gang in New York fighting their way home after being framed for a murder.

It amazed me to hear many people considered the gangs in warpaint being silly; in the history of the USA, Native Americans were known for their warpaint. The Cheyenne used to have warriors called Dog Soldiers who would paint themselves white, don their best headwear, and tie themselves to a post, unwilling to leave until death.

As far back as history goes men, and women have adorned themselves with paint to fight to the death.

There are two concepts at play in the film, could the gangs call a truce to fight the police? Yes.

If they succeeded in the struggle what would happen next? As each gang would claim they did more than the others, to boost their status.

Could it happen? I doubt it, as each gang has its territory, and they could risk being overthrown if they got drawn into a battle away from their turf, support, and supplies. As with most endeavours like this, you need to trust the others not to either form a group, or wait until you are away, then move in on your lands.