Why People Join Gangs

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Almost all cities in the United States have trouble with gangs. Gangs include members from all walks of life. They are made up of female members as well as male members. They can be found in neighborhoods, schools, and even prisons. Many people dislike gangs and wished they did not exist. Some people see being in a gang as their way of life. Today, many young people are attracted to gangs. Gangs are glamorized and talked about in songs and seen in movies. Gangs hold a special attraction for some people. Potential members are recruited into gangs every day for various reasons. Even though there are many reasons why young people join gangs, there are things people can do to prevent young people from joining. One main reason young people join gangs is for protection. Some youths are afraid of living in their own …show more content…

For instance, schools can have a no-bullying policy. They can prohibit students from wearing colors associated with gangs, they can place security officers in their schools and use security cameras, and they can limit known gang members from trying to persuade students to join gangs (Friedrichs). Schools can also offer after-school programs for students to keep them off the streets. Besides schools, communities can work together with the police to make sure their communities are safe by keeping out or driving out gang members. This will keep young people safe in their neighborhoods. Community organizations can offer programs for young people. They can have them sign a contract where they agree to no gang activities. Organizations should not allow any gang graffiti on the inside nor outside of their building, they should have more direct supervision to keep the surroundings safe, and they should let the young people help make the rules so that they would be more willing to follow the rules (“Perspectives On Gangs and Gang

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