Do Vice Lords Eat Pork? Examining the Rumors and Facts

One of the oldest and most well-known street gangs in Chicago is the Vice Lords. The Vice Lords have long been known for having strict rules and codes of conduct for their members. This is because they defend their territory violently and do illegal things. One of the most persistent rumors about the Vice Lords is that they are not allowed to eat pork or anything made from pork. But is this really true? This article will look at the history and rules of the Vice Lords, as well as evidence for and against the pork taboo, and try to find the truth behind this urban legend.

A Brief History of the Vice Lords

The Vice Lords gang was first formed in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood in the late 1950s. The gang, which was led by Edward “Pepilo” Perry, wanted to keep their neighborhood safe and keep local kids from getting into trouble. But over time, the Vice Lords grew into a well-known criminal group that dealt in drugs, weapons, and violent crimes. They came up with a complicated set of rules for behavior, leadership roles, and membership ranks. Vice Lords were easy to tell apart from other gangs thanks to tattoos, hand signs, colors, and rules for how to act. As their illegal activities expanded in Chicago and beyond, their fearsome reputation grew.

The Supposed Pork Prohibition

Among the many rules Vice Lords allegedly follow the pork taboo stands out. According to the legend Vice Lords are strictly barred from consuming pork products like bacon, ham, pepperoni, hot dogs, and pork chops. Eating pork supposedly risks punishment within the gang. This pork ban has become ingrained in popular culture, referenced in songs, movies, and books about Chicago gangs. But very little evidence supports it being an official rule.

Some trace the pork myth back to the Nation of Islam, citing the religious group’s influence when the Vice Lords first formed. Adherents to the Nation of Islam follow a strict diet with no pork. So early Vice Lords founders may have avoided pork too due to NOI dietary codes. Others note the prevalence of pork rules among Chicago’s Black Muslim groups in the 1960s. The Vice Lords’ shifting views on Islam may have led to false assumptions about a pork ban.

Looking at the Facts and Evidence

While the pork prohibition makes for an intriguing gang legend, facts and insider accounts paint a different picture Most evidence suggests avoiding pork is a personal choice, not a requirement, for Vice Lords

• Gang literature doesn’t talk about pork; Vice Lords guides like the “Lords’ Prayer” don’t have any rules against it. Their laws emphasize loyalty, discipline, and secrecy – not diet.

• Individual choice: Former members state pork avoidance is up to the individual. Some choose not to eat it, others do. It’s not collectively enforced.

• Priority on business: Former leaders emphasize making money over diet or religious rules. Illegal activities take precedence over food taboos.

• Links to Islam varied: Though some leaders converted to Islam, most members did not. The Nation of Islam connection was short-lived and overstated.

• Jail diet: Incarcerated members eat whatever is served, including pork products. No special accommodations are made.

• No reliable firsthand accounts: No ex-Vice Lords report punishment for eating pork. The rule exists in rumor only.

Reasons for Misconception

Despite the lack of evidence, the pork myth persists both in and outside the gang. Some reasons this inaccurate belief remains prevalent include:

• Sensational media: News outlets hyped tenuous Nation of Islam ties in early Vice Lords history. This false link with NOI dietary laws still impacts perceptions.

• Pop culture portrayals: Movies, music, and books depicting Chicago gangs as banning pork helped cement the legend in public consciousness.

• Conflation with other groups: Pork avoidance among other Black nationalist and Islamic groups got misattributed to the Vice Lords as well.

• Self-perpetuating myth: With no official verification or rebuttal, endless repetition of the pork rule has kept it alive.

• Opaque inner workings: The gang’s secretive nature prevents full insight into their rules and practices. This allows myths to flourish.

• Reputation and intimidation: The Vice Lords benefit from fear and mystique. Myths like the pork taboo help cement their formidable reputation on the streets.

The Reality of Gang Dietary Rules

While the Vice Lords appear to have no official stance on pork, food and diet still matter for gangs. Their hazardous lifestyles and lack of access to proper nutrition cause many health issues. So gangs often promote general rules and standards around diet, though enforcement is informal:

• Avoid fast food and junk food when possible
• Drink water instead of soda and sweetened drinks
• Reduce alcohol consumption and drug use
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed foods
• Take vitamins and supplements to help with nutrition
• Cook food instead of always eating out
• Prioritize fitness along with diet

These diet guidelines help mitigate poor health stemming from gang involvement. But taboos on specific foods like pork seem nonexistent for the Vice Lords.

In the end, the pork prohibition looks to be an unfounded myth when it comes to the Vice Lords. While some members may personally avoid it, eating pork clearly does not violate any official rules or result in punishment. With no evidence beyond unverified rumors, we can conclude the pork taboo is an urban legend. The true dietary concerns of the Vice Lords likely mirror those of most Americans from poor urban backgrounds trying to navigate systemic health obstacles. Beyond sensational myths, their circumstances and challenges remain far more complex.