Gang Violence

Gangs are becoming a growing problem in American society. More young

people are turning to gangs to solve problems in their lives. When youths join

gangs they drop social activities with family, friends and school. Members fall

behind their classmates in school and do not try. A study shows that less than

1% of gang bangers is literate1. Gangs destroy teenager lives and destroy their

chances for a good education and happy life. Gangs are now a haven for rats.

Teenagers are joining gangs every day. They join gangs for many reasons.

A former gang member known as G-Ball was very young when he joined a his gang. He and a friend would play a game. They would pose as gang members to be cool. Then police arrested him and other gang members for stealing cars. G-Ball never wanted to be a gang member he wanted to act and dress like one.

Another former gang member, Alonzo, age 17 wanted to join a gang because

he had nothing to do after school. Both he and G-Ball joined a gang by choice.

Keith, age 17 was forced into a gang. If he didn't join, he'd be hunted down

and killed by the gang members. When older family member already in a gang,

younger siblings are often forced in.

Gangs in the United States are becoming more violent and deadly than

ever. Thousand of people are dying each year from these ill-mannered

thugs. In today's societies gang activity is an everyday occurrence

whether it includes violence, drugs, death or any illegal activity in

which they participate. The research that I have conducted will focus on

how the selling of drugs by gangs members can lead to violence/death and

how turf wars between rival gang can also lead to death.

In recent years the selling of drugs has increased in the world of gang

members. It is their primary economical way to acquire money to support

themselves and their family. In doing so, they are destroying people's

lives.

Bibliography

ASBURY, Herbert. The gangs of New York. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.; London, G.B.: A. A. Knopf, 1928. xviii+[2]+382+[2] p., front., illus., ports., 23 cm.

Gangs--United States--New York (State)--New York (City) - Crime and Criminals--New York (City) - New York (N.Y.)--Social Conditions.

LC 28010023.

__________. The gangs of New York: an informal history of the underworld. [Reprint]. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Paragon House, 1990. xviii+400+[16] p., ill., bibliogr. pp. 381-382, index, 21 cm.

Originally published: New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Knopf, 1928.

Gangs--United States--New York (State)--New York (City) - Crime and Criminals--New York (City) - New York (N.Y.)--Social Conditions.

ISBN 1557783489; LC 89072182.

BEENE, Charles. Decoy Ops: fighting street crime undercover. Boulder, Colo., U.S.A.: Paladin Press, ©1992. vi+107 p., ill, ports., bibliogr. p. 105, 22 cm.

Undercover Operations--United States - Arrest, Police Methods - Police Patrol--United States--Specialized Units - Criminal Investigation--United States.

ISBN 087364669X; LC 92234119.

CHRISTENSEN, Loren W. Skinhead street gangs. Boulder, Colo., U.S.A.: Paladin Press, 1994. vi+229 p., ill., 22 cm.

Skinheads--United States--Oregon (State)--Portland (City) - Punk Culture--United States--Oregon (State)--Portland (City) - Hate Crimes--United States--Oregon (State)--Portland (City).

ISBN 0873647564; LC 94171406.

DAVIS, James R. The terrorists: youth, biker, and prison violence. San Diego, Calif., U.S.A.: Grossmont Press, ©1978. ix+136+[8] p., ill., bibliography, 18 cm.

Gangs--United States - Terrorism--United States - Motorcycle Gangs--United