Gang+War+Editorial

__**Gang America**__ "The American Dream," the one fixation people strive to live-the good life in America. But is our “American Dream” slowly diminishing or has it yet to exist, for the negativity subsiding in our time have led us down a path of tragedy, deceit, and tribulation; ranging anywhere from the daily poverty which faces this world, to the exceptionally uncontrollable issue concerning the global involvement of gangs. Gangs- the national association established decades ago have now taken a toll on citizens around the world. In spite the staggering numbers of gang related crimes and acts of violence in the states, gang crime has somewhat become accustomed to the dangerous streets in America.

As one of the strongest nations in the world, America has shown much weakness. Yes of coarse so does the rest of the world, but numerous amounts of crime take place in the U.S. almost a thousand times more then some other countries of the world; gang relation being one of the many ongoing issues. Gang, by definition, is the “brotherhood” of individuals who establish organizations and share common identities. Although there seems to be a misconception on how gangs were formed initially, problems still strike the children of the streets. It isn’t like one morning someone awoke with the aspiring idea to cause mutilating harm to the people of the world for years to come; but instead the most common reason for gang commerce, derives straight from lack of home and a stable family. As individuals are accepted into gangs, they feel as though they have been accepted into a family, a sense to belong. Self-esteem issues, as well as the fight for conventional acknowledgement drives the passion for acceptance. Often times, gangs are family’s who fend for their own, their life, and their territory.

Before one is allowed the “privilege” of acceptance into a group of undermined hoodlums, one must prove themselves worthy and capable of handling the most threatening of situations and the courage to risk their lives. Initiation, the term used before declared a rightful member of a gang, includes numerous performances of commendable duties for the clan (usually acts of crime and mishap), kind of like meeting the member standard. Sooner or later, kids who follow in this street path of uncertainty and uncharitable violent crimes, eventually become a product of their environment, and learn the ways of the street.

Gang life is lamentable and full of disgraceful practices including drug abuse, gun abuse, and fear for life. The most notorious cities for high violent crime rate in the history of the United States is undeniably Los Angeles, Chicago, and last but not least, New York City. With nearly 1,000 multiple gangs, and virtually 200,000 gang members, the streets of gang cities are labeled without a doubt. Gang congregation’s range anywhere from men and women, to young and old of all ethnicities, and are only separated by the colors they bare. The first gang established in the 80’s on the West Coast was the infamous “Bloods,” who now are one of the largest gangs in America; it’s rival, the East Coast “Crips” are now one of the largest as well, both related gangs reside in just about every state of North America- including Hawaii.

Mobs of gangs, classifying themselves as thugs, consider territory as their means of power and control. Unless you are fairly familiar with gang colors and signs, one may never know what kind of neighborhood they are entering. Gang infested neighborhoods are easily speculated simply by the look of the outer appearance. Colors and graffiti in repetition indicate suspicious territory. Graffiti to a gang is otherwise known as tagging. Designing a symbol of their villainous group and plastering it upon a brick wall, or often on the sides of buildings, gangs have left their signature mark. When a rival signature is tattooed in opposing territory, disputes may occur viewing that as a signal of disrespect. Hand signs have also become a gang innovation, along with dances like the “Crip Walk,” an urban dance created to both show style and a sense of domination. Often times at the conclusion of the dance, the “Crip” performing will through a flag (bandana) of a rival color then spit and stomp on it.

Members commit themselves to their family or brotherhood. Pride being one of the main objectives, and disrespect is not taken lightly. Bandanas otherwise referred to as flags, are assorted by color just as tags are. Gang members frequently carry their flag half way out their back left pocket, making it noticeable and aware. Both men and women of ages and ethnicities “gang bang” as it is called. Hispanic, Mexican, Asian, Black, etc. women have their own gangs as well some known as the Southside Scissors (Asian), Midnight Pearls (Hispanic), and Queen Nation. Men on the other hand, have a more diverse range of gangs, again each baring a different bandana color; the Bloods, Crips, Mexican Mafia, Latin Kings, Netas, Asian Mafia, Vatos Locos, young guns, etc.

There may be no tension between two people of rival gangs, but being apart of a gang automatically makes them enemies. Gangs exist all over the United States and although at the moment gang violence is declining, it has yet to demolish. This issue is preventable, not inevitable. Gangs notorious for drive by shootings mainly over drug and territory disputes, which lead to gang wars. Over 25,000 young people have died over the past 20 years by taking action in gang violence, some merely no one but bystanders. Where does this stop? Have we truely become Gang America?