Kelsie Manning Izzy Miller James O'Gorman

 Approximately 1.4 million people were part of gangs as of 2011, and more than 33,000 gangs were active in the United States.  The history of (Hispanic) street gangs begins as far back as  The first evidence of gangs surfaced in sections of southern California around 1910 to The formation of groups was due to migration from Mexico originating out of economic necessity.  Youth gangs have the earliest record of their appearance in the United States may have been as early as 1783, as the American Revolution ended.  Gangs began to flourish in Chicago and other large cities during the industrial era, when immigration and population shifts reached peak levels.  The United States has seen four distinct periods of gang growth and peak activity: the late 1800’s, the 1920’s, the 1960’s, and the 1990’s  New York City was the epicenter of gang activity in America in the 19th century.

 Rivalries began between the Hispanic youth, known as “pachucos,” and members of the military establishment. The term “pachuco” historically may have evolved from the terminology given to the city of El Paso, Texas, during border drug trafficking and vice. El Paso was known by the slang name of “El Chuco.” During the migration to southern California the name “pachuco” came to refer to the Hispanic youth that mimicked that style of dress and cryptic language (“Calo”).  The typical “cholo” style dress we see today involving street gangs, particularly the Hispanic gangs, is actually an emulation of the stylized dress that dates back to the 1930’s and 1940’s.  The second item of clothing which dates back to the 1930’s and 1940’s is the Pendleton-type shirt. This item of clothing was also purchased out of economic need. The reasoning of the gang member was that he could not afford both a shirt and a coat. Therefore, he opted for a wool shirt that served as both.  Today, we see that gang members wear tennis-type or athletic shoes. During the 1930’s and 1940’s, when gang members would run from the police, many would be caught. They could not run as fast as they normally could because they were afraid to scuff or dirty their shoes.

 Identity or Recognition - Being part of a gang allows the gang member to achieve a level of status he/she feels impossible outside the gang culture.  Protection - many members join because they live in the gang area and are, therefore, subject to violence by rival gangs. Joining guarantees support in case of attack and retaliation for transgressions.  Fellowship and Brotherhood - To the majority of gang members, the gang functions as an extension of the family and may provide companionship lacking in the gang member’s home environment. Many older brothers and relatives belong, or have belonged to the gang.  Intimidation - Some members are forced to join if their membership will contribute to the gang’s criminal activity. Some join to intimidate others in the community not involved in gang activity.  Criminal Activity - Some join a gang to engage in narcotics activity and benefit from the group’s profits and protection.

 The greatest factor of female gang involvement seems to be the relationship a young woman has with friends and also male gang members  Another factor that influences young women to become part of a gang is the protection that membership may offer to them around their neighborhood.  Females may also join gangs to escape from hostile home environments caused by poverty, abuse, or low parental involvement. Female gang members have reported that involvement in gangs is a way for them to gain attention, even if it is negative, from their parents.  Females are more likely to become associated with a gang for emotional support

 The Problem comes with the youth’s new violence and lack of respect for the rules and laws. These individuals also have a higher risk of being sent to detention centers and having criminal behavior become their livelihood  When is it not considered a problem for the youth and/or their family?  Fulfilling a legacy of a family member  Money to support family  Protection

 Being arrested  Time in juvenile detention centers  Lack of education  No means to provide for themselves or their family  Becoming anti-social with behavioral problems  Serious injury or death from a gang related violence

 School programs teaching students how to resist gang involvement  Schools forbidding gang related clothing to be worn with Zero Tolerance policies  Laws against weapons being carried into school property and other public places  The creation of programs like The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the YMCA after school programs  Gang units within the police departments  Law enforcement involvement like creating curfews and anti-loitering laws

 When it comes to other possible solutions to keep these kids out of gangs, outside of what is currently being done there isn't much else that can be done without the youth wanting to get away from the gang life themselves. However, a stronger family influence with these kids can help prevent them from joining gangs because these gangs become the family that the youth didn't have. Family also can support the youth with whatever problems they are facing when they decide to become a member of a gang.