Gangs : Americ Growing Problem

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GANGS IN AMERICA: GROWING PROBLEM Currently in the United States of America, there are 33,000 or more active gangs, that operate on a regular basis. Many gangs in America are violent and radical. Yet there are also gangs that start with good intentions but soon turn to multi-million drug enterprises. Common gang members are embossed in a community that already possesses ties to the local economy. To fully understand gangs and the lifestyle of their members, a knowledge of the history behind gangs and why they are popular, the characteristics and appeal of a gang, and the programs and education being put forth to stop the growing industry known as gangs. HISTORY OF GANGS Marcus Hoover of Stanford University credits California as the origin of gangs in the article “Where All the Madness Began: A Look at Gang History” since it is the home of both the notorious Bloods and the opprobrious Crips. Hoover defined a gang member as this: “any person who actively participates in any gang with knowledge that its members engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity, and who willfully promotes, furthers, or assists in any felonious criminal conduct by members of that gang.” Research shows that the leading cause for gangs popularity and growth is the lack of a stable home system and a non-family presence. During the time of mobs, author Claire Sterling states; in her article “The Mafia Poses a New Threat to America” from Gangs: Opposing Viewpoints; teens and adults would find comfort in a group, which they believed had their best interest in mind. Gangs are not just in America, gangs operate all over the globe. Gangs know good and well exactly what they are doing. Although not all acts of certain individuals can be b... ... middle of paper ... ...ang constituents are more loyal and prone to commit nefarious acts that tend to be violent, obstreperous, or illicit. Communities that entail an active gang tend to be reluctant to admit to their predicament, gangs have ties over the area in which they operate (Genelin). Laron Douglas explains; in “Gangs Seek Progress” in Gangs: Opposing Viewpoints; gangs conduct business in a variety of ways, gangs often target local businesses so they can get a grasp of the local economy and obtain an expanded cash flow and profit. “Not all gangs have names, identifying signs, or symbols; and gang members may include associates affiliated with the gang for purposes of criminal activity. Hardcore gang members devote their lives to the gang, but criminal associates do not” (Hoover). Gangs that are not recognized due to the fact the difficulty of classifying or analyzing involvement.

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