Gangs in America essays

Gangs in America essays Gangs are a violent reality that people have to deal with in today's cities. What has made these groups come about? Why do some kids feel that being in a gang is an acceptable and prestigious way to live? There are many different theories to these questions. On the surface, gangs may appear to be shallow and materialistic; a result of human beings' personal wants, but there are speculations that are more profound. In reference to the way humans are influenced in society, there is valid evidence to distribute blame at negative forces of economic disadvantages, child neglect, media, as well as other important factors. Along with gang membership comes easy gains for the gang member. The gang members are easily consumed with the money, power, protection, and thrill of being a part of something they feel is great. Instead of committing to a 9 to 5 job, considering if the unemployment rate would permit it, gang members can easily get the desirables all rolled into the package that accompanies gang initiation. They get the sense of identity, status, and boost in self-esteem that human nature craves. The risks that these gang members take on include loosing their lives to the spur of a few short-term thrills. Gang life is predicated on immediate economic gain from drug and other crime profits and as well as social gain. Mainstream life is oriented toward the future, and social and material gains are slower but steadier, more reliable, and less risky. Even though, the material gains seem to be the obvious temptation, there are deeper meanings to why these children turn to gangs. Gang members are being influenced by a society in which while the negative forces of drugs, guns, gangs, and media have become more threatening, the positive socializing forces of family, school, religion, and neighborhood have grown relatively weak and ineffective. Increasingly, children are being raised in homes disrupted by divorce and economic stress; too m...