The country we live in has been affected and influenced by something that we now call a “Gang”. According, to Dictionary.com a gang is defined as a group of youngsters or adolescents who associate closely, often exclusively, for social reasons, especially such a group engaging in delinquent behavior. Since the early 1900’s The United States of America has been affected by gangs. They originated from the Italian immigrants that were closely related to the Sicilian mafia and others that were located in New York City, there main motive was to steal and kill to achieve what they wanted. Since the Italian Mafia in New York City many other ethnicity 's have popped up in the gang violence scene. Starting in the 1950’s and 1960’s Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans began bonding together to form gangs, and by the time the 1970’s and 1980’s came around there were many national gang alliances that swept from Los Angles California to New York City and many smaller towns in between. Along with all the widespread gang activities there was also a lot of illegal drug running throughout the country for gangs for that they can finance there gang activities. With all the widespread gang activity involving many different racial ethnicities comes certain hurdles that local and state governments are going to have to monitor and trouble shoot to figure out the proper recipe for the least amount of citizens get involved in the violence. This can be a tough task at certain points throughout
When individuals decided to get involve in those type of activities many of them do it for specific reasons. For example, people join gang for acceptance, protection, and some are forced into it, because of their family are gang affiliated. Gangs partake endlessly in finding different method for individuals to more effectively get the things they want, particularly power. Therefore, people that are easily influenced tends to gravitate toward gang activities for recognition in the community. According to Goldman, Giles, & Hogg (2014), “Gang members’ actions impact other gang members as well as the wider community; everyone is at risk of being a victim of gang violence” (p. 825). Gang violence goes further than racial issue, but it more intensely touches African American and Latino communities.
This is a ‘touchy’ subject to most, as most people who live in an urban setting know someone either initiated into a gang or affiliated with a gang in one way or another. This is not a subject that is only skin deep. This is something that was created out of years of struggle and oppression, until the pressure years of social injustice found an outlet in the form of rebellion and organizations designed to fight the power that once suppressed them. At least that is how it began. Now the Gang mentality isn’t about protecting the community, it’s about power, local respect, fortune, and most of all fear. These are the same organizations that recruit children and adolescents to become drug dealers and
Gang crimes is one of the main issues in our community and what the residents in most areas in the united states are currently worried about one thing in mind about gangs and one of the answers is violence that incudes drive by shootout in their neighborhoods due to rival gangs coming on other gang’s territory for financial reasons for example like getting people in that area to pay protection money or sell drugs ,recruiting and to gain more ground and parents today are worried for the safety of their kids when they go to school and out while waiting for the bus to come and pick them up every day. Gangs today in our modern society have four important dimensions’ age, size, commitment and attraction.
Many people are known to join gangs as a way to feel acceptance. In doing this there is a sense of belonging, and the belief that one’s well being will be cared about. And that if anything were to come up, help would be there if ever needed. Others join as a way for protection. Violence is becoming more of the American culture, and it is only becoming worse. High schools are a prime example of this. Students act out in violent fits of rage for questionable reasons. Rather than merely fight someone one-on one, they have their friends help them against their adversary. To many people this is considered cowardice, yet to them it is more of a form of protection. Not only that, it is a way to send a message that if one person is affected, everyone in the gang is affected. When each member is affected there is bound to be tragic
Originally gangs started because of, “class distinction, bias, and racism.” (Valdez, 2009). Class distinction, bias, and racism still exist today, but are no longer
In conclusion, the gathered data and research on the efficacy of existing anti-gang laws and programs is dependent on the circumstances surrounding the local government in the target area. The success of gang prevention and intervention is highly dependent on government, local and state funding, immigration enforcement, schooling, community involvement and other similar factors. Initiatives such as G.R.E.A.T. and A Better LA. provide measurable benefits but do not solidify success to the majority. Programs that are successful at teaching the consequences of gang involvement and assist with improving police and community relations are worth the investment. While the programs and initiatives may not be a saving grace for those at risk for gang activity, they have proven to reduce delinquent behavior.
communities. Each juvenile will be assigned a Big and they will serve as a mentor, as someone the juvenile can turn to when they feel they have no one else. Both the juvenile and big will have a chance to create a bond with one another and provide support for one another.
The subject of gang violence produces strong thoughts and emotions in a lot of people like citizens, police officers and the victims who witness these crimes take place. Gang members are aware of the public feelings about their crimes, but they do not give any regard because they are fused in their own culture. In large cities all over the world whether they be third world or industrialized municipalities gangs are a real and often times are an overwhelming terror. While there are many theories that discuss entry into gangs, there is not a lot that go into detail about the gang confrontations, feuds, and culture. Those that actually only venture on how individuals leave gangs. Many theorist do not analysis, explain, and or offer a detail examination
Gang violence is a critical social and economic issue and extracts a large problem to The United States.
Gang brutality is a dangerous and has affected the community socially and economically. “About 95% of hardcore gang members are high school dropouts” (Think Twice 2011). Gangs influence people of all different ages and backgrounds. It is a group of youngster convicts, who are often to themselves unless around their social group, who comes together to be on their worst behavior. Gang involvement in the world has caused a big problem in society today because of their widespread influence.
Despite the discrete and sly manner of gangs, their presence and acts have affected and continue to affect the U.S in many aspects. Since their early beginnings in the 1780s, shortly after the Revolutionary War, gangs have had control and power in many areas of the U.S. When gangs were still a new idea in the U.S most had real jobs and few were involved in serious crimes (Wolff 6). It wasn’t until the nineteenth century, a time where the U.S economy was in a rut and people were fighting for jobs, until these gangs became a problem. Most of these gang formations sprung from European immigrants who came to America and were pushed aside. This led to them having to struggle with finding jobs, which in turn gave
The abundance of gangs can bring fear and violence to every block of a city. In addition to suffering unacceptably high numbers of deaths and injuries, gang plagued
Gang membership and violence in the US in on the rise despite a decades-long decline in overall crime. Because of the deep impact these groups have on the well-being of American children and the population in general, it is essential to determine the contributing factors to gang formation, recruitment, and activity. This report analyzes various factors relating to gang membership, trends in activity, and gang formation in the US. The data used is found in a variety of scholarly reports including comprehensive studies by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the National Gang Center. These studies use information compiled by the National Gang Threat Assessment, the National Drug Intelligence Center, the National Drug Threat Survey, and other groups like the FBI. This data is used to draw quantitative conclusions as well as some qualitative statements relating to prevention.
In conclusion gangs are a violent reality that people have to deal with in today's cities. What has made these groups come about? Why do some kids feel that being in a gang is an acceptable and prestigious way to live? There are many different theories to these questions. On the surface, gangs may appear to be shallow and materialistic; a result of human beings' personal wants, but there are speculations that are more profound. In reference to the way humans are influenced in society, there is valid evidence to distribute blame at negative forces of economic disadvantages, capitalism, and the media.
Our government estimated over twenty-five thousand people joins a gang annually since the twentieth century, and over seven hundred and fifty thousand gang members have been reported over time. What are the influences of gangs, and joining them? There are many reasons to this train of destruction. One of the many reasons young people join gangs is because of their surroundings and disadvantages in their areas. One theory that supports this statement is the Social Disorganization This theory states that “delinquency emerges in neighborhoods where neighborhood relation and social institutions have broken down and can no longer maintain effective social controls.” [Cultural Disorganization and crime, Charis E. Kurbin, 194]. Cultural Transmission theory is also a reason, this theory states that the surrounding cultures and society are what is influencing, not just young people but all people. Also, many kids living in unfortunate do not have a father figure to look upon. Drugs is another reason; it shows power and with that power comes money. Money is one of the top reasons young people join gangs. Young people are easily influenced and that is because they see all the nice things like; cars, clothes, and jewelry. Young people want to be just like that, and they think it’s a lifestyle instead of thinking about the consequences. Protection is one key thing gang members seek, they start to feel untouchable because they have members who will do just that. Also, young people join