Exploring Gangs Dr. Steve Broskoske Misericorida University

What is a Gang? Criminal street gang: A group of people who form an allegiance for a common purpose, who engage in criminal activity, and who conform to one or more of the following traits: – Share a common group name. – Share common symbols, tattoos, or graffiti. – Share a common style of dress. – Frequently congregate upon, or lay claim to a geographic location. – Associate together on a regular or continuous basis. GangsORus.com

Why Do Kids Join a Gang? To have a sense of belonging. To emulate tough people they admire. To fight back from poverty at society. To gain respect. To escape bad situations at home. To give in to peer pressure.

Initiation into a Gang Gangs use an initiation rite to join the gang. Gangs use initiation to determine if the inductee is mentally and physically strong enough to be worthy of membership. “Blood in - Blood out”: – “Blood in”: Prospective member must shed the blood of someone by assaulting them or murdering them. – “Blood out” refers to the only way a member can leave the gang -- either by natural death or death at the hands of the gang.

Purposes for “Blood In” Initiation 1.Prevents law enforcement agents from trying to infiltrate the gang by serving as an informant or undercover agent in the group. 2.Shows the gang that the individual’s loyalty to the gang is legitimate. 3.If a gang member has killed someone or performed violent acts, he/she will not reveal this fact to authorities.

Ways to Enter a Gang Jumped in: Endure a severe physical beating. Blessed in: Not initiated based on reputation. Sex in: Females have sex with gang members. Commit a violent act: – Armed robbery. – Assault. – Rape. Urban legend: flash headlights.

Pennsylvania Gangs Gangs are not new. They have had a presence in the U.S. for over 200 years. How many gangs are active in Pennsylvania at this time? Which gangs are active in PA? Gang List (Gangs OR Us.com)

Gang Clothing Gangs usually adopt a “gang look” type of clothing. Not all children who wear this style clothing are members of gangs. Children must be aware that looking like a gang member could be extremely dangerous or even deadly! Identifying Gang Clothing ( Texas Youth Commission)

Gang Clothing and Signs Many gang members wear sports team clothing (sometimes colored differently than the actual team), and the logos take on different meaning. Sports Clothing (Gangs OR Us.com) Video about Gang Clothing and Signs

Gang Graffiti Gang graffiti is used to mark territory and put down a rival gang. Not all graffiti you see is gang related. Gang graffiti is a highly complex language.

Let’s Simulate a Gang What is our group’s: – Group name. – Symbol. – Colors. – Style of dress. – Hand signal. – Geographic territory. – Initiation ritual. – Way to leave (optional).

Advice for Teachers Be a good role model. – You must set the standards for acceptable behavior and do not tolerate disrespect in the classroom. Build positive self-esteem. – Kids who have the proper self-image don't rely on gangs for recognition or status. If you see a child lacking self-esteem, hook them up with a counselor or advisor. If you see bullies in the classroom, quickly put an end to their ways. – If a child complains of a bully, don’t brush it off as “kids will be kids,” take immediate action and put a stop to it. Discuss the dangers of gangs openly and consider bringing in a police officer to talk about gangs. Cleveland STANCE.com

Advice for Teachers Notice change. – If you notice a change, monitor the child’s behavior, document instances of defiance and alert parents as soon as possible. Watch for gang-related symbols. – If you see what you think are gang signs, logos, colors or paraphernalia, take action and have the child remove the item (if possible). Showing them that gangs are not tolerated could put an end to their involvement. Encourage your students to be involved with school activities and athletics. Local recreation centers also offer many activities to help provide positive alternatives for your students. Cleveland STANCE.com