Gangs are nothing new. At the turn of the century (the early 1900s), many large police departments on the east coast had gang units to monitor the immigrant gangs who got together to protect their neighborhoods and to gather for social reasons. Gangs as most people think of them today were probably first recognized by the public with the inception of the Los Angeles gangs in the early seventies.
Why do kids join gangs?
The stereotype that comes to many people’s minds is that kids who join gangs come from single-parent homes. They likely live with their mother, who has to go out and make a living for her family, and sometimes work two jobs to make ends meet. With the mother away from home, the kids have too much freedom and not enough supervision. …show more content…
Often, a drive-by shooting or other act of violence occurs following an event which has been perceived as a “dis.” If a gang member is confronted by a rival gang when he is alone, he will leave and return later with his “homies” either immediately afterwards or after they have had time to plan and equip themselves for retaliation. He needs to retaliate in order to keep his reputation intact. Many times, these acts of violence occur as a result of infringement on drug territory or because of drug deals gone bad.
Common Characteristics of Gangs
Gangs usually wear certain types or colors of clothing to identify themselves to their own members and as a warning to other gangs. Often tattoos, brands, or some other type of identifying marks of their gang’s name, logo, or other symbol are flaunted on their bodies. Most gangs have a system of communication using hand signs and graffiti. Graffiti can be used to send messages to other gangs, such as challenges, warnings, or announcements of deeds done or about to take place.
Gang members will break the law to further their own reputation and the reputation of their gang on the streets. Some sell drugs, steal cars, rob businesses and private homes, and assault a range of victims, even to the point of killing innocent people as a symbol of their gang loyalty. Guns and other weapons are common and they do not hesitate to use them to further their
Why do kids join gangs?
The stereotype that comes to many people’s minds is that kids who join gangs come from single-parent homes. They likely live with their mother, who has to go out and make a living for her family, and sometimes work two jobs to make ends meet. With the mother away from home, the kids have too much freedom and not enough supervision. …show more content…
Often, a drive-by shooting or other act of violence occurs following an event which has been perceived as a “dis.” If a gang member is confronted by a rival gang when he is alone, he will leave and return later with his “homies” either immediately afterwards or after they have had time to plan and equip themselves for retaliation. He needs to retaliate in order to keep his reputation intact. Many times, these acts of violence occur as a result of infringement on drug territory or because of drug deals gone bad.
Common Characteristics of Gangs
Gangs usually wear certain types or colors of clothing to identify themselves to their own members and as a warning to other gangs. Often tattoos, brands, or some other type of identifying marks of their gang’s name, logo, or other symbol are flaunted on their bodies. Most gangs have a system of communication using hand signs and graffiti. Graffiti can be used to send messages to other gangs, such as challenges, warnings, or announcements of deeds done or about to take place.
Gang members will break the law to further their own reputation and the reputation of their gang on the streets. Some sell drugs, steal cars, rob businesses and private homes, and assault a range of victims, even to the point of killing innocent people as a symbol of their gang loyalty. Guns and other weapons are common and they do not hesitate to use them to further their