Breanna R.
5/13/2011
Period 2
Research Paper
Gangs
Many people believe that gangs are all about causing trouble and violence. Gangs are looked to for protection, loyalty and a sense of identity. Members consider themselves part of a family and view their gang as a source of pride. Gangs may fulfill the need for acceptance, recognition and respect. People choose to join gangs for respect and protection.
A street gang is a group of people who share a name or symbol and join together for a reason. Marks or tattoos, symbols or names on their bodies. They wear particular items, styles, brands, or colors of clothing. Some gangs wear bandannas of a certain color or baseball caps of a particular team. Gang members use types of signs, to recognize each other, represent them self, and many other reasons. Some use special hand signs or handshakes to great each other or tell others the gang to which they belong. A gang sign or a symbol is a method used by gang members to make themselves known to rivals or allies. Traditionally speaking, these signs and symbols have manifested themselves in the form of gang-related tattoos, attire, graffiti and even hand signs.
Gang members all around the world have many reasons why they join a gang. A gang might be small in size and operate locally, or be large and have connections around the world. The major reasons for joining a gang are poverty, immigration, racism, discrimination, language barriers, family problems, community problems, male or female interest, money, materialism, independence, reputation, respect, retaliation, revenge entertainment. Gangs are looked to for protection, loyalty and a sense of identity. Gangs may fulfill the need for acceptance and recognition as well. Reasons for joining gangs are numerous and varied. Not only do they have to do with personal choices, but sometimes they are related to environment, race and fear. Understanding the reasons behind gang recruitment can go a long way in preventing people from joining gangs.
If gangs or gang members feel disrespected, retaliation or revenge is a guarantee. Retaliation can range from bullying or a beating, all the way to murder. It’s hard to escape the pressure to join a gang when your mom, your dad, your brother or grandmother is part of a gang. Some families have been involved with gangs for many years. A sense of belonging, acceptance and loyalty. Gangs may offer a sense of identity to their members and a way to gain attention or status. Kids who do not have strong ties to their families, communities, schools, or places of worship may turn to gangs for companionship and as a substitute family. Many people join gangs because they do not receive adequate family attention and the gang provides love, identity, and status; in turn they develop loyalty to the gang. Many people also feel that if they are gang affiliated they will be loved, respected, and protected with a group of people who are known as each other as family.
The need for physical safety and protection, in neighborhoods and areas where gangs are present, kids sometimes feel, or are told, that belonging to a gang will provide protection and respect from other gangs or people.People join gangs as a way to protect their own families, especially if family members are also involved in a gang, in which case they may be obligated to follow in their relatives' footsteps.In certain neighborhoods, gangs are a way of life, and those who don't join a specific one may be exposed to violence from both sides. Gangs provide a sense of family to those who lack a stable family environment. Most all gang members treat each other like “family"
References
Aufiero, Barbara. "Reasons Teenagers Join Gangs
eHow.com." eHow
How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice for the Curious Life
eHow.com. N.p., 23 Jan. 2011. Web. 18 May 2011.
"My Gangfree Life." Gang Alternatives Program (GAP). N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2011.
Palomares, Rueben . "Why Do Teens Join Gangs? - NAM." New America Media. N.p., 19 May 2006. Web. 18 May 2011.
Lawton Police Gang Unit, n.d. Web. 18 May 2011. .
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