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I am wanting to address why young people join gangs. Some of the reasons for joining a gang may include:

A search for love, structure, and discipline

A sense of belonging and commitment

The need for recognition and power

Companionship, training, excitement, and activities

A sense of self-worth and status

A place of acceptance

The need for physical safety and protection

A family tradition

I have two questions:

I personally feel that people who join gangs don't feel like they fit into society. I feel that they believe that there is little opportunity for them to be visible in their communities, so they turn to violence to release their frustrations. I also feel that our continued view of gangs, seeing only the outcome of violence perpetuates the problem and not the solution.
The gang is the RESULT of a deeper issue---self esteem problems, recession, lack of opportunity and education.

Questions: What are you doing to combat the reasons why these people turn to gangs? What is being done to educate these people as to why they may turn to violence?

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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