Gangs seem to have NO BOUNDRIES, where ever they can function, grow, and have little police interference is where they are turning up. Expanding to the suburbs would be the natural progression. A cultural transmission from dad to son and mom to daughter, the gang life must have some appeal. I don’t see it, with having to operate as a shadow culture. This gang life whether it is the Latin Kings, M13, Blood, CRIPS or the being passed down a scary ritual for a family. I realize that imparting your beliefs to your child is important to some parents, but condemning them to a life of hate and violence inhibits the child’s growth to go beyond the RUT of the parent. This is not a Third World country, yet, although this media slant has us in a downward spiral. If the reason for being in a gang is to feel connected to the community, and protecting their turf, why are they popping up all around the country? I think that another agenda is in place with the M13 making the move to establish a worldwide network. I did not see any M13 tattoos, bandanas were concealing their forehead. This is really not a great concern if each of us care and look after our children and family members in a manner which keeps them connected with their community through school, sports, church, and family events, they stand a better chance of being their own person strong and without a lifetime of bondage to a life of violence and deviance.
Gangs will never be 100% completely eliminated. There will always be gang existence around the world. There are several reasons that contribute to gang existence and its increase in gang members. I think it all really boils down to the positive influences and positive rolemodel and guidance one has in their life. It is said to exist because of different reasons but without positive guidance can control over one, it will continue to exist within the youth.The only thing people can do is grow as a community and help to reach out to the youth with positive influences to help slow down this problem.I agree that some rap videos, things that go on at school, and celebrities have an affect on the youth and some of their decisions they make in life. I also think that it is alright to watch some rap videos and know the lifesytle of some of these celebrities but also be explained the the bad within and know right from wrong.
It's called ignorance. Ganglife is all they know and obviously aren't willing to live another route. It's either that they aren't willing or just that they don't CARE to change. They might not think it's such a bad thing to be in a gang. We choose to think otherwise. Ignorance is bliss, afterall, isn't it??
As I listen to the investigator talk what stood out to me is how the media and other means of relaying our displaying gang type activities are the sources that are influencing the spread of gang activities. I believe it will take a community and high ranking officials in the law enforcement department or government officials to bring about a change in these program. I grew up under the slogan, "It will take a community to raise a child." Everyone is responsible to make a difference. To many individuals are turning there heads and pointing their fingers but not stepping forward together to make a different in our change in our youth and communities. A gang only exist because we allow it.
I think increasing faculty and community “gang awareness” is a wonderful idea. I also think that parents should be the first to notice if something is happening in their kid’s lives, because that is their duty. If a parent is not effectively doing their job at home then that travels to school with them and that is how they are targeted for recruitment. Gangs are not going to target and recruit the quarter back of the football team or the head cheerleader. They are looking for individuals with low self esteem, desire to be accepted and poor parental monitoring in their family. The way to fight this is through early intervention and prevention at family and community levels. I agree with the other post about keeping the family involved in sports, church, and community activities. Okay fine I agree that the internet has increased the distribution of information and increased the reach of society both positively and negatively. Again if you are monitoring your kids like you should be then there should be no “real” threat. (Parenting is not like a fad diet, you’re on it until you reach your goal and then your eating bread again, and gain the weight back.) You have to be on your game from day one without wavering. Oh, and as for the statement about how law enforcement is not used to these crimes…wth…crime is crime. That is their job to stay educated on the most current literature in their field. An increase in gang activity and recruitment in a rural town does not surprise me. If any of you have lived in a small town there is nothing to do. Community activities consist of 4H and football and if those are not your niche than you are out of luck.
I believe gangs will never go away and they will always be around. They are popping up everywhere now because of their methods of recruiting young kids who don’t know any better about gangs and what there all about. They think its cool to be part of group of older kids and get brain washed to do stupid things in order to fit in. these gang recruiter feed lies into kids heads in order to get them to join. There needs to programs at schools to educate kids about gangs just like they educate kids about drugs. Gangs are everywhere to recruit no one safe they expanded in order to become more powerful. Just like the last article about gangs using the internet as a tool to recruit young kids they are stopping at no where in order to recruit young kids. Law enforcement should create a program to prevent kids from joining gangs especially middle school kids cause they are the most easily persuaded to join gangs because they are looking to be accepted. Gangs can easily get this kids to do anything cause of there innocence and because of them wanting to be accepted. So programs should be set up to prevent gangs and their expansion
Usually gang life in young children are mostly a learned behavior from either their parents, grandparents, older siblings, or friends. Children are the innocence of our society and at the age that these gangs are recruiting they will believe anything they hear. If these gangs are promising great things to these children, they do not know until it is too late that these promises will never come through. If schools did have more programs that showed the younger children that there was another choice out there than the gang lifestyle it might make a difference. The D.A.R.E. program, when it was in full force, didn't eliminate the use of drugs in younger children but it did make a dent in it. Now there are books for children to read that shows that gang life is not what the movies and T.V.'s show it to be but if these children do not know of these resources then they do not help them. I believe that in the areas that gangs are more prominent schools should add the many other options than gang life in their curriculum just like the D.A.R.E program. I think that if we are proactive to these threats to the youth then it could help to change a few of these children's lives.
I feel the issue of gangs moving into more rural suburbs where they've not been before is the product of former gang members "moving on up" and out of the hood, parents moving their troubled kids due to family issues, and the "lavish" portrayal of gang life to curious adolescent youths.
Problems stemming form these "troubled" youths are the reason's they join gangs to begin with. The way one is brought up in society plays a HUGE role in how they'll turn out in life. Parents are of the up most important when raising a child. The parents morals, values, and ethics take effect in they're children. If the parents don't play an active role in their child's life then the child turns elsewhere for acceptance. Another factor in growing gang members and gang crime is those members who are "born" into the gang families. These children don't know any better and are brought up only knowing the gang lifestyle.
One of the biggest ways to reduce gang activity and crime is to boost community outreach programs. This gives positive influences to those adolescent children who might be "on the fence" when it comes to joining a gang. Giving community involvement to these youths also gives them something to be a part of and look up to. Investing good morals, values, and ethics is a must for the youth, for they are the future of this country.
I can see how gang activity is spreading out to rural areas. I have seen how gang activity could have possible spread from one part of Fort Worth to another. It only takes one family with a gang member moving from one part of town to another for it so spread. A family might move their child to another school or neighborhood to separate them from their old gang member friends but their child finds a way to stay in touch. The gang member friends skip school and make it over to their old friend’s new school for a visit, and it starts all over again and grows. The parents try to rescue their child, but their child keeps gravitating back to their old friends and habits. If this could happen in town or the suburbs, why couldn’t it happen in more rural areas?
I think it is very scary to think of gangs connecting with each other by any means, not just the internet. If they can get along and communicate, they would become a very powerful force for law enforcement to control. Just as law enforcement recognizes the need to cross borders for information, gangsters are doing the same. It is as if law enforcement is racing against time, trying to stay ahead of the gangsters. I have always believed in the importance of good parenting yet I have not seen a theory that embraces that value. It is insinuated in behavioral theory, social learning theory and cultural deviance theory, but not stated. An excuse of poor parenting can be found in discussions of social disorganization. But, it is as if everyone is scared to say “PARENTS WAKE UP!” Now is the time to be a responsible parent. When I read that children were becoming gang members because their grandparents belonged to a gang, I wanted to cry. I have always wanted my son to be better than me, have a more productive job, and achieve more than I did. I cannot imagine influencing him into a terrible, hateful, distrustful, dangerous life of crime. I wish you had to pass a test or get a license to have a child. Learning about gangsters and crime is taking me out of my comfort zone. I know we need to be aware, but I miss being oblivious about it and thinking it was only on television…..
Wow the youngest gang member found in the county was seven years old. A statement was that the police are not well in tuned with gang activity in this area because it’s a rural area and they are not accustom to gang crimes. It’s probable that the reason why gangs have resorted to recruiting in middle schools and high schools is because of the learned behavior and the children can be molded by their environment. One of the speakers mentioned that from listening to gangster music and watching violent movies these children are somewhat inspired to act out what it is they either hear or see. Gangs promote such behavior, in fact they encourage it. Example, the robbery of the local grocery store. The robbery was said to either be an initiation process or a gang promotion. Either way it was an outlet for the gang to gain publicity and to have its members act out. Now that the local law enforcement agencies are aware of the gang recruiting and organized crime there should be counter methods placed. Such as, going to local schools and informing its students about gangs and their dangers, paying attention for graffiti and its significance, and security in local establishments. (GCM)
I think the growing number of gang members can be caused by several factors. One in which an individual's neighborhood could influence him/her to enter the gang lifestyle. Not that it is a good choice but as the saying goes "you are who you hang out with". When you're constantly surrounded by negativity how are you just supposed to live a positive anti-gang lifestyle? Another factor that I think attributes to the growing number is an absent father-figure in an already bad neighborhood, economic state, etc. I think these individuals with no father in terrible living conditions see themselves as the leader of the family and have to protect their families by any means possible, even if it's violence. I do not believe the media (such as games and TV) has an impact on an individuals choice to enter the gang lifestyle. I've watched violent movies, listened to violent music and yet I'm not out committing crimes. I believe it's much much more than the media.
Gangs are growing constantly all over the U.S. One of the largest gangs is MS-13. During class we have seen several pictures of young men who are completely tatooed all over, even their eye lids are tatooed. One picture we saw a picture of this really pretty woman who had 18 tatooed down her face, she was representing the gang MS-18 and she had a young baby who we learned would probably have a totaoo across his face. Colors are still important but they don't wear them the way they used to, cause for one it will attract police very quickly. They still graffitti the streets and sign language is still a very popular thing for gangs to do. Over by our school one of the street polls got tagged with the 13. There are two big gangs on each side of the school in the neighborhoods. Gangs usually start with young kids who live in rough areas and all they see and know is that lifestyle. So instead of doing productive after school activities they become part of a gang cause maybe it feels like family to them since they may have no family at all or bad one who cares nothing for them. Once you become a gang memeber you pretty much are on it for life, cause getting out is basically suicide. Family has such a huge impact on young kids and if they live in poverty or are abused at home then they know no different and feel that this is the only life for them.
Gangs are always going to be around they may slow down with what there doing or go hide but they will never die out. Because many people see this as a family. There are many diffrent ways a gang will still be around it may be as a salf place to live away from abuse or off the street.Untill we can eqully help everyone that live here somone will aways want what someone eles has and that is what it comes down to. We are not trated on sae leavel. The pay rate is not the same so a kida will see a gang memeber getting everything he want and say hay that is whay i need to do. If they was a way to have everyone the same then i think we would be free, free of pain,hurt and distrust. But as you and I know that will never happen there will always be that one person who want more and who will do what ever it takes to get.
This just goes to show the world that gangs are spreading. It doesn't matter how much awareness you raise, or how many times the authorities are getting closer to apprehending gang members, gangs will always find ways to slip right by and spread their influence within communities, as seen with the rural communities. As stated in the video, authorities within these rural areas are not familiar with gang activity. To even tie this event with that of the the previous article about gangs using the web to communicate and recruit members, all this goes hand in hand. We are linked these days through these networks, even the itty-bitty rural communities. Everyone is a potential target, every place is a potential spot for gang activity. They will leave their marks on the walls of buildings. They will make their presence known. The best that we can do is to talk to our children, and make them aware of what's going on. They are not too young to know these things, especially in the kind of society we live in today. This is not just something to leave up to the authorities alone. Communities play a role in keeping kids out of the streets and out of trouble. It's a combined effort. We may not be able to control where gangs choose to post up, but we can at least take active measures to keep our kids informed and away from those kinds of people. Anything that happens after that happens, and then we can choose our next course of action.
Gangs will always be around. New members will continue to join daily. ReasonS that kids in school are joining gangs is its "cool". Everyone else is doing it. Or simply it may be just fear. They fear those out there that terrorize others so what better way than to join a gang that will protect you.
I agree with all the above. Yes gangs will always be around. Its an never ending story. One has grown up in the enviroment of having to see mom,dad in a gang they then think its OK! Its "cool" as phillipduong said. They will bring it alongt to their new generation and their kids will follow the same steps as well. Gangs and the crime will never stop but we as parents should talk to our children and let them know how it works and the reality of it. The police and Feds can only do so much. It brakes my heart hearing how a 7 yr old is already exposed to this enviroment.
I find it interesting that gangs would branch out into less populated areas. Areas where the name of their gang may not have the same fear or respect that it may have in bigger city areas. What would be the point of gangs moving to more rural areas. There are less businesses to rob or intimidate, less people in the area and so therefore harder to fly under the radar. From my experience living in rural areas, people tend to know everyone elses business. So is this truly a gang expansion or is this younger generations who have access to information on gangs through the internet deciding they want to become a "gangster"? Kids these days are inundated with advertising of gangs. Like the guy from the state police said. Music that glorifies gang life, tv that does the same thing. Now they have internet and social networking. It only makes sense that younger generations are going to get involved with this sort of thing.
Gangs promoting at the middle school level. As shocking as this first came to me after watching the video I then began to think about it and it truly isn't that surprising. Gangs are more than likely able to easily sway younger children into believing that gang affiliation is the "right" thing to do. The security of being accepted by a group of other boys/girls who at face value may seem more appealing than other peers. The gangs are probably more able to brain wash those at a younger age because in retrospect they have not fully developed mentally or physically. Now to the issue of gangs becoming more dominate in rural areas.... Like stated in the video it is less detectable. Because these rural towns have not had to previously be on their guard when educating children about the harms gangs have the ability of committing. These towns policemen and women are not familiar with how to deal with gang related crimes as well as the fact they are less likely to be able to identify a gang related crime when it occurs. Rural areas as well as recruitment at the middle school level is all means for gangs to grow in number and overall area.
Whereas the previous article had several staggering numbers proving their point, this one had few. If I full heartily believed everything I heard on the news then I would be living in fear, probably locked away in some bomb shelter waiting for the end to come. But since I don't...I have to take this news clip with a grain of salt. Crime is going to occur regardless of the news blowing it out of proportion, it is wise to be aware of one's surroundings, but it is pointless to live in absolute fear. Gangs have been recruiting from schools for years. I even went to a junior high where I knew active gang members from opposing gangs (needless to say there were a lot of fights at that school). Schools should take an active role in trying to put an end to young children becoming apart of a gang. It is inevitable that gangs will continue to try and recruit from schools. Does this mean that gang related crime is on the rise, I think not.
This report does not shock me for many reasons. Rural areas are a completely different dynamic. The youth tend to be bored with less activities and what activities are available can only be filled by a few. So what do the majority of the other kids do? They look for ways to fill their time and fit in. To be noticed by someone and feel as they belong. It has been a well proven fact that children that have a good amount of extracurricular activities, especially with team involvement are less likely to look for those bonds elsewhere. It is even worse when they also do not have the family ties to lean back on. Rural areas (although smaller than urban areas) are also much easier and more lax in infiltration of youth. The laid back relaxed attitudes (like we never have any problems like big city folk do) of school personnel and residents leave the door open for sneaky outsiders to influence. Finally, rural areas do not always have the city funds to combat security issues or provide services outside of school hours. All these factors combine make for the perfect breeding ground for new gang activity and an inticing alure to drug involvment.
Gangs are everywhere from all walks of life and society. From the smallest towns to the largest towns, their are no boundaries. For an example all ages, young and old. It is a disease that just keeps getting worse and worse no matter what we do.Gang life has been promoted as being glamorous with all the MTV videos of fast cash and cars, babes.It's a wonder all these young punks don't want to go out and work for a living.
I can believe Gangs are increasing, I see it almost everywhere I go. I know in other states it is worse than what we have in Texas, but it is still pretty bad. I see gang grafittee and the colors on the people. It is amazing that young adults turn to these gangs for comfort because it is all they know and have. In the video, they said some gang members were going to middle schools to recruit young middle school children into their gang. They know that the trouble kids would join because of the acceptance, and now more than ever do children want to have acceptance into something. I think that this issue of acceptance is also a contribution to the gang increase. Also I see a lot of young children wearing the colors or just skipping school or in a big crowd outside of public places and I can’t help but assume they are in a gang. Plus, when you put yourself in a position like being out late, in a group of a lot of people, during a school day, you are just asking for trouble. Getting into trouble can force a person to believe that is all they are good at, so they turn to the trouble groups and to others who are even more troublesome to associate themselves with.
Ok let me get this straight, Virginia State police are saying that the reason the crime rate has increased in these areas is because they, the police, are not used to these crimes? Isn’t one of the first things we learn about gang activity the fact that they look for areas of little to no activity to move their operations to? Aren’t these departments trained to watch for areas of low crime, knowing that these are the areas that have the greatest potential to erupt? And once again let’s blame it on Gangster rap, please give me a break. If these officers were properly trained they would know that most of the gangs that form based on the music and TV presentations of gangsters are nothing more than WBG. Most, if not all of your hard core true gangsters are not interested in the music or the TV shows, they are interested in areas to expand their drug trade, they look for areas that are not exposed to drugs, or drugs are not as readily available to expand into and increase their income levels. Oh yes the kids are wearing colors in school, this “gang” to me seems like a big time WBG because of the fact that the true gangsters have stopped wearing colors due to the fact that police departments are on the watch for the colors. This gang is nothing more than a bunch of kids with a fantasy of wanting to be a gangster, I am not saying that they couldn’t cause some problems, and grow into a big time gang but at this stage in time it is to stop the activity and get it under control.
Isn't it obvious enough that gangs are reaching mass numbers and crime is going up because of that? Everyday our population is growing, you can expect more gang members in result. Most newly recruited members are young, mostly in their teens, and are of families suffering from poverty, may not have a proper education or the desire to learn, or suffer other family problems and lack of guidance. To recognize these gangs or prevent students from joining them, the community needs to learn to recognize both. It's not the rap music or violent movies that influence them to join gangs or commit violent activities, it's simply not feeling a sense of belonging to anything most important such as schools, friends, or family bonds.
They can fly under the radar and commit their criminal activities to a certain extent. I agree that they have invented new recruitment methods and are probably offering incentives "to good to pass up". Gang activity is so glorified in so many aspects of society. I teach at a local high school and I have personally witnessed an increase in gang activity and recruitment. There has also been an increase in grang graffiti and markings. It suprise me however, that a seven year old was recruited into a gang. And where was this kids parents anyway? Perhaps thats part of the problem. I think we all need to be educated on recognizing the signs and activities of gangs and actively report to the the proper authorities.
Okay first off by showing all this gang stuff on TV wont other people be interested in joining the gang life? The news is just continuing to glorify gang life, that’s what gangs want to happen. I mean they showed tagging hand signs, etc. I‘m sure there were some little kids like dang that looks could, practicing stacking and starting to draw on paper cool things write on buildings. No duh, of course gangs are on the raise, we are in a recession and everyone is trying to make money by any means necessary. And granted with Myspace and Facebook and other social Medias advertising your set is easier now more than ever, hell you can if make drug connection if your slick about it.
Furthermore, I’m sorry but it’s not the teachers’ job to look for gang related stuff. They should be more concerned with teacher them and making sure they do their work, have they not seen “Freedom Writers”. And besides this would only at add to more tension in the classrooms and spark more negativity with students.
Lastly… Oh yeah if I see gang stuff I’m totally going to tell the police, not likely. if the police officers set up something like community policing I’m sure they would get better responses, I mean let’s face it we all know what’s going on in our communities….
I think that we all know that gangs will never really go away. I think that it is sad that these young people feel that the only way they can get love and attention is by joining a gang. I believe that if gangs are becoming a bigger problem then we as a society need to have more programs in place of letting citizens know how they can become more aware. I was shocked as I was watching the video and found out that the youngest gang member is seven years old..... The first question that comes to mind is where the heck are his parents? That is ridiculous! Then to know that gang members are going to middle schools to recruit kids is just absolutely terrible. How are they even being allowed on campus? Maybe it's just me but I really don't understand. I also feel that schools should make it mandatory for teachers to take classes to let them know what to do in situations like this. Hopefully one day this topic will be under control!!!!!!!! Not only for the sake of society but for the future of our children as well.
I find it sad to hear that the youngest gang member they have heard of was at the age of 7. For them to start so early, that kid has no idea what he is doing im sure. When he says that schools have been the new source for gangs thats interesting to me. In my middle school we use to be able to wear anytypes of clothes as long as they were approriate but then they started having issues with gangs. We turned into a school with "standardized dressing" which meant khaki pants or shorts for guys with either a red, navy, or white polo shirt. But in my opinion I felt like for them to still allow the colors red and blue it allowed the gangs such as the bloods and cripts they still only wore red shirts or blue shirts all the time. Those wear the only colors they wore. Personally I dont think theres really anything anyone could do to stop gang violence.
gangs have been around since forever it seems like and the age of "gangsters" is getting ridiculous young. But many young children or teens dont have a family so they turn to gangs. Which is smart as it teaches them how to many wrong things, but at the same time gangs can be good for some people as it gives them a family they wouldnt have if they wouldnt of joined. and its not a suprise that its on the rise as most gangs are using the internet to find new gang members and recruitng wise. Also there is a lot of fake gangesters out there that just rep the colors of gangs but that may not really be in it. which could make the numbers of gangs and gang violence go up
The article I did before this one stated crime was decreasing, this article says there has been an increase in gang activity in rural area. The problem with this is the media. The media has taken the image of gangs and they have glorified it. The reason you see more young children in gangs now is because they see this on TV and they want to be a part of it. The frame analysis theory is describe as collection of anecdotes and stereotypes—that individuals rely on to understand and respond to events or in simpler terms it’s the way we respond to events based on what we have seen. The only knowledge children have on gangs is what they see on TV. Sure you can go to their schools and educate them but the media has made gang life look so cool that it has more of an influence on them then the person trying to educate them. I agree with Cordell “it takes a village to raise a child”. Unless the community steps up and places a role in the children lives then we will probably see more children 7 years old or younger joining gangs.
Well cms8876 has it right. The law enforcement should stay up to date with what is going on in the world. They may have not had gangs before but it’s not like this is a new phenomenon. The community has to stand up and offer alternatives for the youth. Ignorance is no excuse on they don’t know what to do. As they spread across America into those towns where there is nothing to do except cow tipping, local officers should reach and ask for help before there is a problem. We do need harder laws on gangs. Face Book and other social sites should ban things like the promotion of gangs. Girls and Guys cannot put up naked pictures of themselves so why should they be allowed to have a web page. I am surprised that there is not a bigger gang push then we have already seen. The speed at which we can communicate now today is ridiculous. I swear when I was looking at a Gangs website I got a virus on my computer. They don’t even have to leave the house to do something criminal. They can sit at home and terrorize people from their sofa. Cyber gangs will be the next big thing, you wait and see.
Again, like the previous blog, gangs will always be around, but the growing number of them is something that can maybe prevented. The law accuses music and media as reasons that lure children into gangs, as young as 7yrs old, are you kidding? They are trying to teach the school officials and civilians signs and ways to tell of gang activity, but it all goes back to the home. Where are these parents? Some have to work morning to night, but they can't expect the community to babysit for them. If the law officials and community wants to get involved then they need to come up with more after school activites, they need to hire or find someone that wants to step in and teach these kids that there is more to life than joining a gang, let alone wasting their own time. You can't trust the internet because they recruit members, you cant leave the children alone because they tend to look for trouble to get involved in, and you cant lock up these kids to protect them and guard them from the filth out on the streets. It's sad to know that gangs, violence, and crime will always be around, but even more disturbing when it reaches into our homes. We all have to take a step and help each other, one person, group, city, or nation cant do it alone. It's not just the media and the music that is corrupting our children but it's also the free agency that they have that they may take advantage of as well, especially in a rural area where something so small can easily spread to a mass disease if it's not stopped immediately or actions performed to prevent it from spreading like a wildfire.
7 really? it makes sense that gangs would spread to rural developed areas. law enforcement takes a while to catch on and then when they do their not sure how to handle the problem. one thing is for certain gangs are like cochroaches, they will continue to spread as long ass their is something to feed on.
Again this falls back on the parents. Parents need to #1 know what their kid is doing and who they are doing it with. #2 they need to stop hiding the bad side of the world from their kids, be straight up and honest with your kids always, if you don't tell them the truth about life someone will. #3 this one is a given because if you doing the above then you are already "loving" your children.
Cops are doing almost as much as they can with the resources they are given, but for gangs to be eliminated all together IT MUST START AT HOME!!!
Gangs problems cannot confined to just urban areas. Gangs, drugs, and crime do not know boundaries. They are problems that are symptomatic of every society, and every time or era. These problems have been around since ancient times, but maybe just in a little different form or called something else. That explains the need to codify laws such as the Babylonians’ Code of Hammurabi. Is it possible that the wandering bandits of the deserts of ancient times would be called gangs today? I believe that gangs are sociological example of innovation to survive. Survival is important in rural areas as well as urban. We delude ourselves if we think we can move away from problems or move the problem – such as the idea of transplanting MS13 to Europe. The head of the snake just grows a new tail.
Gangs won't be going away anytime soon. I work in the schools see the middle school kids who think being a gangster is the coolest thing ever. Society has totally glamorized the gang lifestyle and add that to the fact that kids are targets for the recruiting well it's not going away. I think it's almost scary how many people aren't aware of the fact there is gang activity in the suburbs. The not here mentality of the parents and the fact the kids want to be cool is a bad combination.
Obviously protecting our children from any kind of criminal activity should start in the home. Parents need to be educated on gangs, their colors, activities and recruitment.
Gangs prey on younger kids because they are still very impressionable. All they need to do is approach the right kid that is looking for something better or to feel accepted if that kid isn't getting the proper guidance at home. I'm sure alot of kids fall under peer pressure as well.
I'm glad to see that Charlotte is taking a stand and asking the community to call their police if they see graffiti and that they will investigate. I haven't considered calling my local police if I see graffiti because I just thought they would laugh me off and say it's just kids being kids. That's because I've never seen my local police say anything to think they would help.
Gangs will always be around. It gives those young or old a sense of unity, family, love that they usually don't have amongst their own families. Unfortunately, they start to participate in illegal activities and start to affect our communities.
It's sad to know that they are now recruiting the youngest individuals, the children of our future. Usually the kids who participate in this activity have learned their behaviors through others such as family members, parents, or friends. It's all learned behavior from their surroundings. These children believe this is the way of life. We need more awareness in our communities and schools in order to help the youths fight through these pressures.
Children have always been targeted by gangs, especially for new recruits. They are easier to influence and they also receive lesser sentences when prosecuted. What is shameful about this trend is that these gang members are more active in children’s lives than their own family members and community. The community should develop some type of recreational center, where the children of their community can go and play; it’s basically a safe haven from these gangs. Another solution would have the police department coordinate with the school to develop some type of Gang Prevention Program, to inform children about gangs and their life styles. In order to stop criminal activity and reduce the recidivism rate of Juveniles we must use some type of effective intervention at an early age.
It's like I used to explain to my oldest son when watching cartoons, you can't really do what Tom and Jerry do because in real life you will hurt, break, cut, bleed and it does not feel good. So we know communication starts in the home and we know that there are so many uneducated, ignorant people out there. So who will it be up to, to teach these kids that the gang lifestyle is not all that its cracked up to be? The community. How about starting at school. I would never object to teachers giving kids a dose of reality. Take them to field trips to the morgue, a trip to the prison or jail because eventually they end up dead or caged up. Much better to live a fulfilling life with no boundaries that an education can bring.
Gangs are a constant factor in our society and it is a sad reality. Unforunately our own correctional systems that are supposed to be in control of the situation and gangs are actually ran by these gang members. Instead the prison guards themselves live in fear. I think that dealing with gangs you have to try to understand why gangs exist. I feel that by the time it results in a long prison sentence, you are too late to rehabilitate the offender. By this time they are already in the system and will most likely join a prison gang in order to survive. I think we should go into a communities and provide education and community centers for these high risk children that inevitably end in gangs.
Gangs will always be around. They are often overlooked, gangs are not thought of as a problem as long as the gang activity takes place in lower income neighborhoods. Law enforcement officials don’t seem to think they have a gang problem when gang members commit crimes within their lower class neighborhoods. As soon as gang members venture out into the upper class areas then the gang activity suddenly is a problem. I really doubt that the media would be covering this story if the school with young gang members was in an inner city school as opposed to the suburbs.
This report shows there is hints of gang activity spreading out of urban areas and into rural areas, something that goes against all previous models that depict where the focus of gang activity is situated. Although not a major threat as of yet with activity in rural areas being relatively small in comparison to that in cities, the policing authorities must monitor the expansion of this activity and commit to a policy to deal with these gangs (maybe introduce some of the policies adapted by city police departments). A reason for this increase of gang activity is hard to judge, as the influences that would be the reasoning behind young people joining gangs in cities would be hard to apply in rural areas (protection, identity). It could be that young people are being influenced by other methods. It was reported earlier in this blog site that social media sites are being used by gangs to recruit new members and expand their influence into new areas. This new recruiting method may have had success in rural areas, where vulnerable young people can be enticed by the status of certain gangs and the identity that it would give them by joining that gang.
Gangs seem to have NO BOUNDRIES, where ever they can function, grow, and have little police interference is where they are turning up. Expanding to the suburbs would be the natural progression.
ReplyDeleteA cultural transmission from dad to son and mom to daughter, the gang life must have some appeal. I don’t see it, with having to operate as a shadow culture. This gang life whether it is the Latin Kings, M13, Blood, CRIPS or the being passed down a scary ritual for a family. I realize that imparting your beliefs to your child is important to some parents, but condemning them to a life of hate and violence inhibits the child’s growth to go beyond the RUT of the parent. This is not a Third World country, yet, although this media slant has us in a downward spiral. If the reason for being in a gang is to feel connected to the community, and protecting their turf, why are they popping up all around the country? I think that another agenda is in place with the M13 making the move to establish a worldwide network. I did not see any M13 tattoos, bandanas were concealing their forehead.
This is really not a great concern if each of us care and look after our children and family members in a manner which keeps them connected with their community through school, sports, church, and family events, they stand a better chance of being their own person strong and without a lifetime of bondage to a life of violence and deviance.
Gangs will never be 100% completely eliminated. There will always be gang existence around the world. There are several reasons that contribute to gang existence and its increase in gang members. I think it all really boils down to the positive influences and positive rolemodel and guidance one has in their life. It is said to exist because of different reasons but without positive guidance can control over one, it will continue to exist within the youth.The only thing people can do is grow as a community and help to reach out to the youth with positive influences to help slow down this problem.I agree that some rap videos, things that go on at school, and celebrities have an affect on the youth and some of their decisions they make in life. I also think that it is alright to watch some rap videos and know the lifesytle of some of these celebrities but also be explained the the bad within and know right from wrong.
ReplyDeleteIt's called ignorance. Ganglife is all they know and obviously aren't willing to live another route. It's either that they aren't willing or just that they don't CARE to change. They might not think it's such a bad thing to be in a gang. We choose to think otherwise. Ignorance is bliss, afterall, isn't it??
ReplyDeleteAs I listen to the investigator talk what stood out to me is how the media and other means of relaying our displaying gang type activities are the sources that are influencing the spread of gang activities. I believe it will take a community and high ranking officials in the law enforcement department or government officials to bring about a change in these program. I grew up under the slogan, "It will take a community to raise a child." Everyone is responsible to make a difference. To many individuals are turning there heads and pointing their fingers but not stepping forward together to make a different in our change in our youth and communities. A gang only exist because we allow it.
ReplyDeleteI think increasing faculty and community “gang awareness” is a wonderful idea. I also think that parents should be the first to notice if something is happening in their kid’s lives, because that is their duty. If a parent is not effectively doing their job at home then that travels to school with them and that is how they are targeted for recruitment. Gangs are not going to target and recruit the quarter back of the football team or the head cheerleader. They are looking for individuals with low self esteem, desire to be accepted and poor parental monitoring in their family. The way to fight this is through early intervention and prevention at family and community levels. I agree with the other post about keeping the family involved in sports, church, and community activities. Okay fine I agree that the internet has increased the distribution of information and increased the reach of society both positively and negatively. Again if you are monitoring your kids like you should be then there should be no “real” threat. (Parenting is not like a fad diet, you’re on it until you reach your goal and then your eating bread again, and gain the weight back.) You have to be on your game from day one without wavering. Oh, and as for the statement about how law enforcement is not used to these crimes…wth…crime is crime. That is their job to stay educated on the most current literature in their field. An increase in gang activity and recruitment in a rural town does not surprise me. If any of you have lived in a small town there is nothing to do. Community activities consist of 4H and football and if those are not your niche than you are out of luck.
ReplyDeleteI believe gangs will never go away and they will always be around. They are popping up everywhere now because of their methods of recruiting young kids who don’t know any better about gangs and what there all about. They think its cool to be part of group of older kids and get brain washed to do stupid things in order to fit in. these gang recruiter feed lies into kids heads in order to get them to join. There needs to programs at schools to educate kids about gangs just like they educate kids about drugs. Gangs are everywhere to recruit no one safe they expanded in order to become more powerful. Just like the last article about gangs using the internet as a tool to recruit young kids they are stopping at no where in order to recruit young kids. Law enforcement should create a program to prevent kids from joining gangs especially middle school kids cause they are the most easily persuaded to join gangs because they are looking to be accepted. Gangs can easily get this kids to do anything cause of there innocence and because of them wanting to be accepted. So programs should be set up to prevent gangs and their expansion
ReplyDeleteUsually gang life in young children are mostly a learned behavior from either their parents, grandparents, older siblings, or friends. Children are the innocence of our society and at the age that these gangs are recruiting they will believe anything they hear. If these gangs are promising great things to these children, they do not know until it is too late that these promises will never come through. If schools did have more programs that showed the younger children that there was another choice out there than the gang lifestyle it might make a difference. The D.A.R.E. program, when it was in full force, didn't eliminate the use of drugs in younger children but it did make a dent in it. Now there are books for children to read that shows that gang life is not what the movies and T.V.'s show it to be but if these children do not know of these resources then they do not help them. I believe that in the areas that gangs are more prominent schools should add the many other options than gang life in their curriculum just like the D.A.R.E program. I think that if we are proactive to these threats to the youth then it could help to change a few of these children's lives.
ReplyDeleteI feel the issue of gangs moving into more rural suburbs where they've not been before is the product of former gang members "moving on up" and out of the hood, parents moving their troubled kids due to family issues, and the "lavish" portrayal of gang life to curious adolescent youths.
ReplyDeleteProblems stemming form these "troubled" youths are the reason's they join gangs to begin with. The way one is brought up in society plays a HUGE role in how they'll turn out in life. Parents are of the up most important when raising a child. The parents morals, values, and ethics take effect in they're children. If the parents don't play an active role in their child's life then the child turns elsewhere for acceptance. Another factor in growing gang members and gang crime is those members who are "born" into the gang families. These children don't know any better and are brought up only knowing the gang lifestyle.
One of the biggest ways to reduce gang activity and crime is to boost community outreach programs. This gives positive influences to those adolescent children who might be "on the fence" when it comes to joining a gang. Giving community involvement to these youths also gives them something to be a part of and look up to. Investing good morals, values, and ethics is a must for the youth, for they are the future of this country.
I can see how gang activity is spreading out to rural areas. I have seen how gang activity could have possible spread from one part of Fort Worth to another. It only takes one family with a gang member moving from one part of town to another for it so spread. A family might move their child to another school or neighborhood to separate them from their old gang member friends but their child finds a way to stay in touch. The gang member friends skip school and make it over to their old friend’s new school for a visit, and it starts all over again and grows. The parents try to rescue their child, but their child keeps gravitating back to their old friends and habits. If this could happen in town or the suburbs, why couldn’t it happen in more rural areas?
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ReplyDeleteI think it is very scary to think of gangs connecting with each other by any means, not just the internet. If they can get along and communicate, they would become a very powerful force for law enforcement to control. Just as law enforcement recognizes the need to cross borders for information, gangsters are doing the same. It is as if law enforcement is racing against time, trying to stay ahead of the gangsters.
ReplyDeleteI have always believed in the importance of good parenting yet I have not seen a theory that embraces that value. It is insinuated in behavioral theory, social learning theory and cultural deviance theory, but not stated. An excuse of poor parenting can be found in discussions of social disorganization. But, it is as if everyone is scared to say “PARENTS WAKE UP!” Now is the time to be a responsible parent. When I read that children were becoming gang members because their grandparents belonged to a gang, I wanted to cry. I have always wanted my son to be better than me, have a more productive job, and achieve more than I did. I cannot imagine influencing him into a terrible, hateful, distrustful, dangerous life of crime. I wish you had to pass a test or get a license to have a child.
Learning about gangsters and crime is taking me out of my comfort zone. I know we need to be aware, but I miss being oblivious about it and thinking it was only on television…..
Wow the youngest gang member found in the county was seven years old. A statement was that the police are not well in tuned with gang activity in this area because it’s a rural area and they are not accustom to gang crimes. It’s probable that the reason why gangs have resorted to recruiting in middle schools and high schools is because of the learned behavior and the children can be molded by their environment. One of the speakers mentioned that from listening to gangster music and watching violent movies these children are somewhat inspired to act out what it is they either hear or see. Gangs promote such behavior, in fact they encourage it. Example, the robbery of the local grocery store. The robbery was said to either be an initiation process or a gang promotion. Either way it was an outlet for the gang to gain publicity and to have its members act out. Now that the local law enforcement agencies are aware of the gang recruiting and organized crime there should be counter methods placed. Such as, going to local schools and informing its students about gangs and their dangers, paying attention for graffiti and its significance, and security in local establishments. (GCM)
ReplyDeleteI think the growing number of gang members can be caused by several factors. One in which an individual's neighborhood could influence him/her to enter the gang lifestyle. Not that it is a good choice but as the saying goes "you are who you hang out with". When you're constantly surrounded by negativity how are you just supposed to live a positive anti-gang lifestyle? Another factor that I think attributes to the growing number is an absent father-figure in an already bad neighborhood, economic state, etc. I think these individuals with no father in terrible living conditions see themselves as the leader of the family and have to protect their families by any means possible, even if it's violence. I do not believe the media (such as games and TV) has an impact on an individuals choice to enter the gang lifestyle. I've watched violent movies, listened to violent music and yet I'm not out committing crimes. I believe it's much much more than the media.
ReplyDeleteGangs are growing constantly all over the U.S. One of the largest gangs is MS-13. During class we have seen several pictures of young men who are completely tatooed all over, even their eye lids are tatooed. One picture we saw a picture of this really pretty woman who had 18 tatooed down her face, she was representing the gang MS-18 and she had a young baby who we learned would probably have a totaoo across his face. Colors are still important but they don't wear them the way they used to, cause for one it will attract police very quickly. They still graffitti the streets and sign language is still a very popular thing for gangs to do. Over by our school one of the street polls got tagged with the 13. There are two big gangs on each side of the school in the neighborhoods. Gangs usually start with young kids who live in rough areas and all they see and know is that lifestyle. So instead of doing productive after school activities they become part of a gang cause maybe it feels like family to them since they may have no family at all or bad one who cares nothing for them. Once you become a gang memeber you pretty much are on it for life, cause getting out is basically suicide. Family has such a huge impact on young kids and if they live in poverty or are abused at home then they know no different and feel that this is the only life for them.
ReplyDeleteGangs are always going to be around they may slow down with what there doing or go hide but they will never die out. Because many people see this as a family. There are many diffrent ways a gang will still be around it may be as a salf place to live away from abuse or off the street.Untill we can eqully help everyone that live here somone will aways want what someone eles has and that is what it comes down to. We are not trated on sae leavel. The pay rate is not the same so a kida will see a gang memeber getting everything he want and say hay that is whay i need to do. If they was a way to have everyone the same then i think we would be free, free of pain,hurt and distrust. But as you and I know that will never happen there will always be that one person who want more and who will do what ever it takes to get.
ReplyDeleteThis just goes to show the world that gangs are spreading. It doesn't matter how much awareness you raise, or how many times the authorities are getting closer to apprehending gang members, gangs will always find ways to slip right by and spread their influence within communities, as seen with the rural communities. As stated in the video, authorities within these rural areas are not familiar with gang activity. To even tie this event with that of the the previous article about gangs using the web to communicate and recruit members, all this goes hand in hand. We are linked these days through these networks, even the itty-bitty rural communities. Everyone is a potential target, every place is a potential spot for gang activity. They will leave their marks on the walls of buildings. They will make their presence known.
ReplyDeleteThe best that we can do is to talk to our children, and make them aware of what's going on. They are not too young to know these things, especially in the kind of society we live in today. This is not just something to leave up to the authorities alone. Communities play a role in keeping kids out of the streets and out of trouble. It's a combined effort. We may not be able to control where gangs choose to post up, but we can at least take active measures to keep our kids informed and away from those kinds of people. Anything that happens after that happens, and then we can choose our next course of action.
Gangs will always be around. New members will continue to join daily. ReasonS that kids in school are joining gangs is its "cool". Everyone else is doing it. Or simply it may be just fear. They fear those out there that terrorize others so what better way than to join a gang that will protect you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the above. Yes gangs will always be around. Its an never ending story. One has grown up in the enviroment of having to see mom,dad in a gang they then think its OK! Its "cool" as phillipduong said. They will bring it alongt to their new generation and their kids will follow the same steps as well. Gangs and the crime will never stop but we as parents should talk to our children and let them know how it works and the reality of it. The police and Feds can only do so much. It brakes my heart hearing how a 7 yr old is already exposed to this enviroment.
ReplyDeleteIt really all starts at home.
I find it interesting that gangs would branch out into less populated areas. Areas where the name of their gang may not have the same fear or respect that it may have in bigger city areas. What would be the point of gangs moving to more rural areas. There are less businesses to rob or intimidate, less people in the area and so therefore harder to fly under the radar. From my experience living in rural areas, people tend to know everyone elses business. So is this truly a gang expansion or is this younger generations who have access to information on gangs through the internet deciding they want to become a "gangster"? Kids these days are inundated with advertising of gangs. Like the guy from the state police said. Music that glorifies gang life, tv that does the same thing. Now they have internet and social networking. It only makes sense that younger generations are going to get involved with this sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteGangs promoting at the middle school level. As shocking as this first came to me after watching the video I then began to think about it and it truly isn't that surprising. Gangs are more than likely able to easily sway younger children into believing that gang affiliation is the "right" thing to do. The security of being accepted by a group of other boys/girls who at face value may seem more appealing than other peers. The gangs are probably more able to brain wash those at a younger age because in retrospect they have not fully developed mentally or physically.
ReplyDeleteNow to the issue of gangs becoming more dominate in rural areas.... Like stated in the video it is less detectable. Because these rural towns have not had to previously be on their guard when educating children about the harms gangs have the ability of committing. These towns policemen and women are not familiar with how to deal with gang related crimes as well as the fact they are less likely to be able to identify a gang related crime when it occurs.
Rural areas as well as recruitment at the middle school level is all means for gangs to grow in number and overall area.
Whereas the previous article had several staggering numbers proving their point, this one had few. If I full heartily believed everything I heard on the news then I would be living in fear, probably locked away in some bomb shelter waiting for the end to come. But since I don't...I have to take this news clip with a grain of salt. Crime is going to occur regardless of the news blowing it out of proportion, it is wise to be aware of one's surroundings, but it is pointless to live in absolute fear. Gangs have been recruiting from schools for years. I even went to a junior high where I knew active gang members from opposing gangs (needless to say there were a lot of fights at that school). Schools should take an active role in trying to put an end to young children becoming apart of a gang. It is inevitable that gangs will continue to try and recruit from schools. Does this mean that gang related crime is on the rise, I think not.
ReplyDeleteThis report does not shock me for many reasons. Rural areas are a completely different dynamic. The youth tend to be bored with less activities and what activities are available can only be filled by a few. So what do the majority of the other kids do? They look for ways to fill their time and fit in. To be noticed by someone and feel as they belong. It has been a well proven fact that children that have a good amount of extracurricular activities, especially with team involvement are less likely to look for those bonds elsewhere. It is even worse when they also do not have the family ties to lean back on. Rural areas (although smaller than urban areas) are also much easier and more lax in infiltration of youth. The laid back relaxed attitudes (like we never have any problems like big city folk do) of school personnel and residents leave the door open for sneaky outsiders to influence. Finally, rural areas do not always have the city funds to combat security issues or provide services outside of school hours. All these factors combine make for the perfect breeding ground for new gang activity and an inticing alure to drug involvment.
ReplyDeleteGangs are everywhere from all walks of life and society. From the smallest towns to the largest towns, their are no boundaries. For an example all ages, young and old. It is a disease that just keeps getting worse and worse no matter what we do.Gang life has been promoted as being glamorous with all the MTV videos of fast cash and cars, babes.It's a wonder all these young punks don't want to go out and work for a living.
ReplyDeleteI can believe Gangs are increasing, I see it almost everywhere I go. I know in other states it is worse than what we have in Texas, but it is still pretty bad. I see gang grafittee and the colors on the people. It is amazing that young adults turn to these gangs for comfort because it is all they know and have. In the video, they said some gang members were going to middle schools to recruit young middle school children into their gang. They know that the trouble kids would join because of the acceptance, and now more than ever do children want to have acceptance into something. I think that this issue of acceptance is also a contribution to the gang increase. Also I see a lot of young children wearing the colors or just skipping school or in a big crowd outside of public places and I can’t help but assume they are in a gang. Plus, when you put yourself in a position like being out late, in a group of a lot of people, during a school day, you are just asking for trouble. Getting into trouble can force a person to believe that is all they are good at, so they turn to the trouble groups and to others who are even more troublesome to associate themselves with.
ReplyDeleteOk let me get this straight, Virginia State police are saying that the reason the crime rate has increased in these areas is because they, the police, are not used to these crimes? Isn’t one of the first things we learn about gang activity the fact that they look for areas of little to no activity to move their operations to? Aren’t these departments trained to watch for areas of low crime, knowing that these are the areas that have the greatest potential to erupt? And once again let’s blame it on Gangster rap, please give me a break. If these officers were properly trained they would know that most of the gangs that form based on the music and TV presentations of gangsters are nothing more than WBG. Most, if not all of your hard core true gangsters are not interested in the music or the TV shows, they are interested in areas to expand their drug trade, they look for areas that are not exposed to drugs, or drugs are not as readily available to expand into and increase their income levels. Oh yes the kids are wearing colors in school, this “gang” to me seems like a big time WBG because of the fact that the true gangsters have stopped wearing colors due to the fact that police departments are on the watch for the colors. This gang is nothing more than a bunch of kids with a fantasy of wanting to be a gangster, I am not saying that they couldn’t cause some problems, and grow into a big time gang but at this stage in time it is to stop the activity and get it under control.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it obvious enough that gangs are reaching mass numbers and crime is going up because of that? Everyday our population is growing, you can expect more gang members in result. Most newly recruited members are young, mostly in their teens, and are of families suffering from poverty, may not have a proper education or the desire to learn, or suffer other family problems and lack of guidance. To recognize these gangs or prevent students from joining them, the community needs to learn to recognize both. It's not the rap music or violent movies that influence them to join gangs or commit violent activities, it's simply not feeling a sense of belonging to anything most important such as schools, friends, or family bonds.
ReplyDeleteThey can fly under the radar and commit their criminal activities to a certain extent. I agree that they have invented new recruitment methods and are probably offering incentives "to good to pass up". Gang activity is so glorified in so many aspects of society. I teach at a local high school and I have personally witnessed an increase in gang activity and recruitment. There has also been an increase in grang graffiti and markings. It suprise me however, that a seven year old was recruited into a gang. And where was this kids parents anyway? Perhaps thats part of the problem. I think we all need to be educated on recognizing the signs and activities of gangs and actively report to the the proper authorities.
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ReplyDeleteOkay first off by showing all this gang stuff on TV wont other people be interested in joining the gang life? The news is just continuing to glorify gang life, that’s what gangs want to happen. I mean they showed tagging hand signs, etc. I‘m sure there were some little kids like dang that looks could, practicing stacking and starting to draw on paper cool things write on buildings. No duh, of course gangs are on the raise, we are in a recession and everyone is trying to make money by any means necessary. And granted with Myspace and Facebook and other social Medias advertising your set is easier now more than ever, hell you can if make drug connection if your slick about it.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I’m sorry but it’s not the teachers’ job to look for gang related stuff. They should be more concerned with teacher them and making sure they do their work, have they not seen “Freedom Writers”. And besides this would only at add to more tension in the classrooms and spark more negativity with students.
Lastly… Oh yeah if I see gang stuff I’m totally going to tell the police, not likely. if the police officers set up something like community policing I’m sure they would get better responses, I mean let’s face it we all know what’s going on in our communities….
I think that we all know that gangs will never really go away. I think that it is sad that these young people feel that the only way they can get love and attention is by joining a gang. I believe that if gangs are becoming a bigger problem then we as a society need to have more programs in place of letting citizens know how they can become more aware. I was shocked as I was watching the video and found out that the youngest gang member is seven years old..... The first question that comes to mind is where the heck are his parents? That is ridiculous! Then to know that gang members are going to middle schools to recruit kids is just absolutely terrible. How are they even being allowed on campus? Maybe it's just me but I really don't understand. I also feel that schools should make it mandatory for teachers to take classes to let them know what to do in situations like this. Hopefully one day this topic will be under control!!!!!!!! Not only for the sake of society but for the future of our children as well.
ReplyDeleteI find it sad to hear that the youngest gang member they have heard of was at the age of 7. For them to start so early, that kid has no idea what he is doing im sure. When he says that schools have been the new source for gangs thats interesting to me. In my middle school we use to be able to wear anytypes of clothes as long as they were approriate but then they started having issues with gangs. We turned into a school with "standardized dressing" which meant khaki pants or shorts for guys with either a red, navy, or white polo shirt. But in my opinion I felt like for them to still allow the colors red and blue it allowed the gangs such as the bloods and cripts they still only wore red shirts or blue shirts all the time. Those wear the only colors they wore. Personally I dont think theres really anything anyone could do to stop gang violence.
ReplyDeletegangs have been around since forever it seems like and the age of "gangsters" is getting ridiculous young. But many young children or teens dont have a family so they turn to gangs. Which is smart as it teaches them how to many wrong things, but at the same time gangs can be good for some people as it gives them a family they wouldnt have if they wouldnt of joined. and its not a suprise that its on the rise as most gangs are using the internet to find new gang members and recruitng wise. Also there is a lot of fake gangesters out there that just rep the colors of gangs but that may not really be in it. which could make the numbers of gangs and gang violence go up
ReplyDeleteThe article I did before this one stated crime was decreasing, this article says there has been an increase in gang activity in rural area. The problem with this is the media. The media has taken the image of gangs and they have glorified it. The reason you see more young children in gangs now is because they see this on TV and they want to be a part of it. The frame analysis theory is describe as collection of anecdotes and stereotypes—that individuals rely on to understand and respond to events or in simpler terms it’s the way we respond to events based on what we have seen. The only knowledge children have on gangs is what they see on TV. Sure you can go to their schools and educate them but the media has made gang life look so cool that it has more of an influence on them then the person trying to educate them. I agree with Cordell “it takes a village to raise a child”. Unless the community steps up and places a role in the children lives then we will probably see more children 7 years old or younger joining gangs.
ReplyDeleteWell cms8876 has it right. The law enforcement should stay up to date with what is going on in the world. They may have not had gangs before but it’s not like this is a new phenomenon. The community has to stand up and offer alternatives for the youth. Ignorance is no excuse on they don’t know what to do. As they spread across America into those towns where there is nothing to do except cow tipping, local officers should reach and ask for help before there is a problem. We do need harder laws on gangs. Face Book and other social sites should ban things like the promotion of gangs. Girls and Guys cannot put up naked pictures of themselves so why should they be allowed to have a web page. I am surprised that there is not a bigger gang push then we have already seen. The speed at which we can communicate now today is ridiculous. I swear when I was looking at a Gangs website I got a virus on my computer. They don’t even have to leave the house to do something criminal. They can sit at home and terrorize people from their sofa. Cyber gangs will be the next big thing, you wait and see.
ReplyDeleteAgain, like the previous blog, gangs will always be around, but the growing number of them is something that can maybe prevented. The law accuses music and media as reasons that lure children into gangs, as young as 7yrs old, are you kidding? They are trying to teach the school officials and civilians signs and ways to tell of gang activity, but it all goes back to the home. Where are these parents? Some have to work morning to night, but they can't expect the community to babysit for them. If the law officials and community wants to get involved then they need to come up with more after school activites, they need to hire or find someone that wants to step in and teach these kids that there is more to life than joining a gang, let alone wasting their own time. You can't trust the internet because they recruit members, you cant leave the children alone because they tend to look for trouble to get involved in, and you cant lock up these kids to protect them and guard them from the filth out on the streets. It's sad to know that gangs, violence, and crime will always be around, but even more disturbing when it reaches into our homes. We all have to take a step and help each other, one person, group, city, or nation cant do it alone. It's not just the media and the music that is corrupting our children but it's also the free agency that they have that they may take advantage of as well, especially in a rural area where something so small can easily spread to a mass disease if it's not stopped immediately or actions performed to prevent it from spreading like a wildfire.
ReplyDelete7 really? it makes sense that gangs would spread to rural developed areas. law enforcement takes a while to catch on and then when they do their not sure how to handle the problem. one thing is for certain gangs are like cochroaches, they will continue to spread as long ass their is something to feed on.
ReplyDeleteAgain this falls back on the parents. Parents need to #1 know what their kid is doing and who they are doing it with. #2 they need to stop hiding the bad side of the world from their kids, be straight up and honest with your kids always, if you don't tell them the truth about life someone will. #3 this one is a given because if you doing the above then you are already "loving" your children.
ReplyDeleteCops are doing almost as much as they can with the resources they are given, but for gangs to be eliminated all together IT MUST START AT HOME!!!
Gangs problems cannot confined to just urban areas. Gangs, drugs, and crime do not know boundaries. They are problems that are symptomatic of every society, and every time or era. These problems have been around since ancient times, but maybe just in a little different form or called something else. That explains the need to codify laws such as the Babylonians’ Code of Hammurabi. Is it possible that the wandering bandits of the deserts of ancient times would be called gangs today? I believe that gangs are sociological example of innovation to survive. Survival is important in rural areas as well as urban. We delude ourselves if we think we can move away from problems or move the problem – such as the idea of transplanting MS13 to Europe. The head of the snake just grows a new tail.
ReplyDeleteGangs won't be going away anytime soon. I work in the schools see the middle school kids who think being a gangster is the coolest thing ever. Society has totally glamorized the gang lifestyle and add that to the fact that kids are targets for the recruiting well it's not going away. I think it's almost scary how many people aren't aware of the fact there is gang activity in the suburbs. The not here mentality of the parents and the fact the kids want to be cool is a bad combination.
ReplyDeleteObviously protecting our children from any kind of criminal activity should start in the home. Parents need to be educated on gangs, their colors, activities and recruitment.
ReplyDeleteGangs prey on younger kids because they are still very impressionable. All they need to do is approach the right kid that is looking for something better or to feel accepted if that kid isn't getting the proper guidance at home. I'm sure alot of kids fall under peer pressure as well.
I'm glad to see that Charlotte is taking a stand and asking the community to call their police if they see graffiti and that they will investigate. I haven't considered calling my local police if I see graffiti because I just thought they would laugh me off and say it's just kids being kids. That's because I've never seen my local police say anything to think they would help.
Gangs will always be around. It gives those young or old a sense of unity, family, love that they usually don't have amongst their own families. Unfortunately, they start to participate in illegal activities and start to affect our communities.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to know that they are now recruiting the youngest individuals, the children of our future. Usually the kids who participate in this activity have learned their behaviors through others such as family members, parents, or friends. It's all learned behavior from their surroundings. These children believe this is the way of life. We need more awareness in our communities and schools in order to help the youths fight through these pressures.
Children have always been targeted by gangs, especially for new recruits. They are easier to influence and they also receive lesser sentences when prosecuted. What is shameful about this trend is that these gang members are more active in children’s lives than their own family members and community. The community should develop some type of recreational center, where the children of their community can go and play; it’s basically a safe haven from these gangs. Another solution would have the police department coordinate with the school to develop some type of Gang Prevention Program, to inform children about gangs and their life styles. In order to stop criminal activity and reduce the recidivism rate of Juveniles we must use some type of effective intervention at an early age.
ReplyDeleteIt's like I used to explain to my oldest son when watching cartoons, you can't really do what Tom and Jerry do because in real life you will hurt, break, cut, bleed and it does not feel good. So we know communication starts in the home and we know that there are so many uneducated, ignorant people out there. So who will it be up to, to teach these kids that the gang lifestyle is not all that its cracked up to be? The community. How about starting at school. I would never object to teachers giving kids a dose of reality. Take them to field trips to the morgue, a trip to the prison or jail because eventually they end up dead or caged up. Much better to live a fulfilling life with no boundaries that an education can bring.
ReplyDeleteGangs are a constant factor in our society and it is a sad reality. Unforunately our own correctional systems that are supposed to be in control of the situation and gangs are actually ran by these gang members. Instead the prison guards themselves live in fear.
ReplyDeleteI think that dealing with gangs you have to try to understand why gangs exist. I feel that by the time it results in a long prison sentence, you are too late to rehabilitate the offender. By this time they are already in the system and will most likely join a prison gang in order to survive. I think we should go into a communities and provide education and community centers for these high risk children that inevitably end in gangs.
Gangs will always be around. They are often overlooked, gangs are not thought of as a problem as long as the gang activity takes place in lower income neighborhoods. Law enforcement officials don’t seem to think they have a gang problem when gang members commit crimes within their lower class neighborhoods. As soon as gang members venture out into the upper class areas then the gang activity suddenly is a problem. I really doubt that the media would be covering this story if the school with young gang members was in an inner city school as opposed to the suburbs.
ReplyDeleteThis report shows there is hints of gang activity spreading out of urban areas and into rural areas, something that goes against all previous models that depict where the focus of gang activity is situated. Although not a major threat as of yet with activity in rural areas being relatively small in comparison to that in cities, the policing authorities must monitor the expansion of this activity and commit to a policy to deal with these gangs (maybe introduce some of the policies adapted by city police departments). A reason for this increase of gang activity is hard to judge, as the influences that would be the reasoning behind young people joining gangs in cities would be hard to apply in rural areas (protection, identity). It could be that young people are being influenced by other methods. It was reported earlier in this blog site that social media sites are being used by gangs to recruit new members and expand their influence into new areas. This new recruiting method may have had success in rural areas, where vulnerable young people can be enticed by the status of certain gangs and the identity that it would give them by joining that gang.
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