[link] *_{This NEWS Editorial was inspired by a previous NEWS article by ~Bongo101}

[link] Get A Life: 10 Facts About Gangs (video)

Gang Gangs by ~Shade101

Gangs in the United States are not a new or recent phenomenon. Their history has been traced back to the post Revolutionary War days and originally they formed as a means of self-protection and as social clubs. In the early nineteenth century , Irish immigrants formed the first street gangs in New York City. Later with the arrival of immigrants of many ethnicities, other gangs began to form, mostly by race or culture.

To Die For by ~ladyX-009
DBOYRONE request by ~smeajul


Gang violence, particularly assaults, drive-by shootings, homicides and brutal home invasion robberies account for one of the largest, single, personal threats to public safety. Gang members do crimes against people who are unable to defend them self, they work in the darkness, from speeding cars or sneaking up on someone. The fear and personal tragedy inflicted by street gangs has touched millions of Americans whose children have been seduced by the glamour and availability of dangerous drugs and substances.

Living on the Edge by ~silverwingeddarkness
Gangstas and Homeboys by =Ancient-Hoofbeats
Misguided Youth by ~SelarioN

Some youths may claim gang membership around other teens to seem tough, and gangs might inflate membership numbers to make their gang seem more powerful. ­­Most gang members are exposed to gangs at a young age. The money and respect that older gang members earn impresses them. They may begin hanging around gang members, finding out who is important and learning what the gang does. This can happen as early as age 10 or 11. Gangs intentionally recruit children and use them to carry weapons and drugs or commit other crimes because they tend to attract less attention from police. If caught they serve shorter sentences in juvenile detention centers than an adult gang member would serve in prison.

gangs by ~nicey-bear
Teen liberals by ~instantvoodo
Ghetto Violence by ~Angerdust
Seeing Red by ~VomitDoll

Youth will join a gang for various reasons. The overwhelming reason for kids to join is to meet a need that is not being fulfilled by their family, school, or environment. The following are some of the reasons why youth decide to become involved with gangs.

Naivety Attention Low self-esteem Desire for friendship and a sense of belonging Love Peer pressure Respect Fear/ Need for protection Sense of power Victim of poverty or inequality Family tradition Excitement Access to drugs, guns, sex, and money A belief that gang life will make them superior Family problems/lack of positive communication None or little adult supervision - no role model Glamorization of gangster life by media (movie, TV, music industries)


Stopping Gangs

There is no easy way to stop gangs, because the underlying conditions that lead to gangs are complex. Police crackdowns can temporarily lower gang influence in a specific area. However, when poverty and despair remain, gangs will inevitably recruit new gang members to replace those who go to prison. While police presence is vital in keeping neighborhoods safe, a more successful long-term approach requires multiple tactics that all boil down to one thing: give people something to live for other than a gang.

Gang Life Is Not The Answer by ~umert

_{*SwordOfScotland Club Founder}