Tattoos on the Heart - Greg Boyle Overview

Study Notes

Greg Boyle

Holds a master's degree in English, showcasing a refined, humorous, and serious writing style influenced by experiences as a Jesuit priest.
Early missionary work in Bolivia solidified Spanish language skills, aiding outreach to gang members near Dolores Mission Church in LA.
Founded Homeboy Industries, a nonprofit dedicated to helping gang members through employment, education, and severing gang ties.
Has buried nearly 200 young individuals due to gang violence, emphasizing the tragic consequences of his community work.
Advocates for kinship, peace, and compassion, stressing acceptance of marginalized individuals for societal healing.

The Homies and Homegirls of LA

The book is a non-fiction memoir composed of interconnected anecdotes about various individuals involved in gang life.
Each story is given equal focus, illustrating the lives, struggles, and successes of numerous gang members.
Boyle's interaction often leads to significant positive changes in the lives of these individuals.

Mike Wallace

A reporter for 60 Minutes who contrasts sharply with Boyle; arrives in a limousine and flak jacket, unlike Boyle’s humble approach.
Initially expects to find “monsters” among gang members but discovers their capacity for suffering, love, and redemption.
Represents a cold perspective, while Boyle embodies compassion and hope.

Theme: Redemption

Central to every chapter, derived from Boyle’s Jesuit beliefs and the redemptive power of Christ.
Boyle aims to help marginalized individuals redeem themselves through Homeboy Industries, demonstrating that change is possible.
Highlights the negative impact of demonizing and ostracizing gang members from society.

Theme: Compassion

Boyle consistently shows compassion to all individuals, directly affecting their lives positively.
Believes society instills feelings of unworthiness in marginalized groups, which can be disrupted by treating them as equals.
Compassion leads to kinship, promoting the idea that bringing humanity together reflects the true agenda of God.

Theme: Unnecessary Death

Boyle oversees the funerals of nearly 200 young victims of gang violence, highlighting the tragic loss of potential lives.
Many victims had distanced themselves from gang life before their deaths, underlining the randomness of violence.

Symbol: Boyle's Dream

Boyle dreams of a homegirl named Natalie who sings beautifully in front of a hostile crowd, symbolizing her inner goodness and potential for change.

Symbol: Pedro's Dream

Pedro's dark room dream represents his struggle and potential enlightenment; he recognizes Boyle's role in guiding him to a better life.

Symbol: La Shady's Dream

La Shady dreams of a coffin from which a dove emerges, symbolizing the potential for redemption and the need to uncover her inner goodness.

Essay Themes

Boyle’s Jesuit training informs his compassionate outreach; early experiences in Bolivia broadened his worldview and effectiveness as a priest.
Homeboy Industries faced threats due to societal fears and ignorance surrounding gang members' reputations.
Boyle contrasts with Mike Wallace, with their differences highlighting perspectives shaped by compassion versus detachment.
Kinship, as defined by Boyle, is rooted in acceptance and shared humanity, often obstructed by social realities like racism and poverty.
The success of Homeboy Industries suggests its model could benefit broader communities across the nation.

G@G (Graduation at Jesuit Schools)

Open to Growth: Graduates mature socially, emotionally, and intellectually, taking responsibility for personal growth.
Intellectually Competent: Exhibiting mastery in academics and intellectual inquiry, emphasizing lifelong learning.
Religious: Understanding Catholic doctrine and developing a relationship with God.
Loving: Forming identity through deeper relationships and moving beyond self-centeredness.
Committed to Doing Justice: Developing awareness of community needs and preparing to contribute as responsible members of society.

Description

Explore the life and works of Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest whose experiences greatly influence his writing in 'Tattoos on the Heart.' This quiz focuses on Boyle's educational background, mission work, and literary style that seamlessly blends humor and seriousness.