Youth Gangs - 2071 Words

Jimmie Simpson University of Phoenix Although some may argue that gang activity and youth involvement has grown exponentially through the years, it has been an ongoing epidemic for decades. Methods, levels of violence, rules, and motivations may have changed over the years, but the basic infrastructure has remained the same. The earliest accounts of youth involvement in gangs first appeared in Europe or Mexico, while the earliest record of youth gangs appearing in the United States are recorded as early as 1783. In the early 1800’s youth gangs appeared to spread in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago, in the form of poverty stricken Irish immigrants. Kids banded together and ran the streets stealing food and goods†¦show more content†¦In order to become a member of a gang, most gangs typically have new members â€Å"put on† by being beaten up by a large number of older members of the gang. After this, the new member must commit a crime and earn his stripes, either by robbing someone, bea ting someone up, or in other cases, shooting and killing someone. All members must prove themselves (Howell, 1998). To an outsider, it might seem crazy that a kid would want to join a gang, but to a poor inner-city kid who has very little, gangs provide a family like relationship for kids who feel they are all alone. They provide protection and respect that allows a young person to walk through his or her neighborhood and stay unharmed (Howell, 1998). Wherever there is one gang, there is always another who is it is at war with. All over the nation, gangs are constantly battling over money, drugs, territory, weapons, and respect. Over time, rules of the streets change. It is known that Blacks and Latinos have always had their differences, whether they belonged to a gang or not. So it goes without saying that Black and Latino gangs are also at war. However, there are battles within the Crip or Blood sets also. To an outsider it all seems so silly, but the inner workings of gangs are s imilar to any other business. They each have a territory, they hold meetings, members get disciplined for stepping out of line, and there is a hierarchy of positions and job descriptions. Although there are many reasons forShow MoreRelatedCauses Of Youth Gangs821 Words   |  4 PagesA gang is a group of people who associate closely, often exclusively, for social reasons. The issue of youth gangs has received considerable media, political and police attention in Australia in recent years. Young people like to belong to a peer group. Those who feel left out of social groups may end up joining a gang or just associating with an antisocial group of peers. Other reasons young people join gangs can be for example; protection, identity, fellowship and intimidation. 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