A “Gang” is defined as a group of three or more people who interact among themselves to the exclusion of other groups, have a group name, often claim a neighborhood or territory, often use signs or symbols, and engage in criminal or anti-social behavior on a regular basis. Another definition is that “a gang exists in order to fulfill the gang members’ needs: food, shelter, clothing, love, affection, identity, respect, etc.”
Unfortunately, some gang members confuse fear with respect and wants with needs. American subcultures can be beautiful, a variety of music styles can sound good, different foods can taste great, but many gang members have cultural pride and gang pride mixed up. They mostly do harm to their own people, the ones they claim they are fighting for and they are proud of. Misplaced cultural pride is one reason why many kids join gangs. There is also a connection between gang affiliation and poverty, but this is no excuse. If being poor or being a minority were guarantees for being a gang member, then every kid in every Barrio or Ghetto or Chinatown would be a gang member and we know that is not the case.
On my websites, in my training classes, and in my books I have tried to present as many issues and resources as possible for people to explore. So what motivates a youngster to join a gang and be self-destructive? How do you divert youth away from negative activity and into legitimate pursuits? How do we protect ourselves as a community? This website will help answer these and other difficult questions.
Follow the GPS page links above to gain a better understanding of the Problems and find Solutions
