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Gang Life By
Jason Marque Sole
Four factors are primary in the formation of juvenile gangs
(William Gladden Foundation, 1992) *First, youth experience a sense of alienation and
powerlessness because of a lack of traditional support structures, such as family and school. This can lead to feelings of frustration and anger, and a desire to obtain support outside of traditional institutions.
*Second, gang membership gives youth a sense of belonging and becomes a major source of identity for its members. In turn, gang membership affords youth a sense of power and control, and gang activities become an outlet for their anger.
*Third, the control of turf is essential to the well-being of the gang, which often will use force to control both its territory and members.
*Finally, recruitment of new members and expansion of territory are essential if a gang is to remain strong and powerful. Both "willing" and "unwilling" members are drawn into gangs to feed the need for more resources and gang members.
The Socialization Process
“Many youth view joining a gang as normal and respectable, even when the
consequence is a series of delinquent and violent acts. Gang affiliation may
constitute part of an expected socialization process in certain
communities when they are viewed as embodying such values as honor, loyalty,
and fellowship.”
John J. Wilson, 1994
Instant Gratification
“Gang life offers power and quick money, acquisitions that usually take
a lifetime to accumulate following the proper steps of accomplishment through education and the job field.”
National Drug & Safety League, 2008
The Hegemony
“Street gangs are an amalgam of racism, of urban underclass poverty,
of minority and youth culture, of fatalism in the face of rampant
deprivation, of political insensitivity, and the gross ignorance of inner-city
America on the part of most of us who don’t have to survive there.”
John J. Wilson, 2000
Retaliation is a must!
“In seeking to protect and promote their reputation, gangs often engage in
prolonged wars, which are kept alive between larger fights by small incidents and threats of violence. One gang may claim precedence, which means that
the other group must challenge them if they want to retain their honor and
reassert their reputation.”James C. Howell, 1999
It's so crucial that we are able to reach our students at a young age – before
they wind up in gangs.
Gangs take root in schools for many reasons, but the primary attraction of gangs is their ability to respond to student needs that are not otherwise being met; they often provide youth with a sense of family and acceptance otherwise lacking in their lives.
Many children fear leaving the gang life because they feel that they will get beaten or even killed by their gang members for knowing too much.
No Outlets!
“When kids reach the point, at 15 or 16, when they are in gangs, the resources to help them get out just aren’t there. If you are a hardcore gang member, there
is nowhere you can go.”
Kevin Johnson
MANY KIDS ARE REACHING OUT FOR OUR HELP!
