Gang Life

Gangs have flourished since the early stages of human inhabitants on the Earth. Organizations have always had a way of showing appeal to the masses whether good or bad. Many young people find fascinations with being apart of an organization. Some youth are attracted to sports or art organizations, other youth are attracted to different types of social clubs within their school or community; and many youth do not find either of the latter appealing, they want to be apart of a gang.

What would make a person want to be apart of something, even if it involves criminal activity? During adolescence, youth are trying to find their way. They no longer want to be under the wings of their parents or society. Many of them want to find protection and belonging outside of the home. For other youths, family members may force them into the gang. Some children forced into the unfortunate situation of being born into a gang family. They are expected to grow up and be like their family members. Some youth come from single parent homes or very low-income lifestyles and the only way that they feel a sense of protection in through gang affiliation.

Many youth will go through drastic measures to become apart of the gang life. Some gang members have been "jumped in" or beat up by members of the desired gang. Some have been "gang raped" by members of the gang or have even gone as far as to commit a murder during gang initiation.

According to Regoli and Hewitt, many gang members join the gang " into early or even middle adulthood, although most drift out of gangs over the years." Many of these youths end up in prison, on drugs, or dead. However, many gang members completely reform their lives as adults and receive an education, get married, and have children.