EXCERPT Gangs provide their members and family members with protection from other gangs
as well as any other perceived threats. Feelings of fear, hatred, bigotry,
poverty, and the general breakdown of social values are also considered
motivations for joining a street group.
Gangs are serious organizations that should be avoided at all costs. It may
seem tempting to "belong" to a group and have a set bunch of friends. But keep
in mind that groups that may have started out as a delinquent band of
neighborhood toughs have now turned into a violent drug gang, some of whom
belong to the gang for enforcement, collection, or other reasons. Joining a
group known to have a reputation, good or bad, gives a kid looking for a purpose
something to belong to. Participants have said the mere interaction of members,
listening to each others problems and sharing the other trials and tribulations
today's teens are faced with are the drawing card for them to become a "banger".
Gang members also claim to enjoy the respect or fear others exhibit around them.
Then, they say, the money begins flowing, and with that comes all of the things
associated with material wealth that is usually beyond the reach of these
adolescents without the criminal activity of being involved in a gang.
Once a kid gets into a gang, over and over they are told there is no way out.
They fear serious reprisals from fellow gang members if a defection is
suspected. Some are told they will be killed if they try to get out. The best
advice is to stay away from gang activities no matter what.
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Children`s Fiction
Non-Adult Fiction
