Social Issues

Street Gangs

JournalWhat are some solutions to alleviating gang violence?

Question 1Gang definitionAn association of three or more individuals. “claim a territory in a community of theirs” (Aliyah)Prison gangs- a group of prisoners having informal

and close relations (Cody)

Gang Activity“members engage in criminal activity or acts of

juvenile delinquency that intend to enhance or preserve the association's power, reputation or economic resources.” (Ale)

Socio-economic ConditionsPoor, overcrowded neighborhoods often lead to a

higher degree of gang involvement.

Question 2AttractionsDo bad things have fun but still make money? (AJ)Security and protection (Christian)Promotes drugs, sex and violence as an acceptable

style (Marieli)Sense of belonging (Maria)Family history (Stefan)

Media’s PortrayalGangster rap often associates gang lifestyle with being

a “man”Rarely are the consequences of gang activity

highlighted.

Question 3Consequences for self: “Gang members usually drop out of high school, limiting

their abilities or chances for higher education, good employment and success.” (Alexis)

Become dependent on alcohol and drugs. (Danybet)

Consequence for family: opposing gang members go after what hurts the person

the most and that would be their family making the opposing gang member have control of that person (Jenny)

Consequence for community: Communities suffer from gang activity due to an average

increase in drug distribution and a large increase in violent crimes such as armed robbery and homicide. (Will)

Question 4U.S. Gang Activity:33,000 gangs with 1.4 million members total.Major gangs include bloods, crips, Latin Kings,

and Gangster Disciples.Gangs are responsible for an average of 48

percent of violent crime. (Nancy)

Milwaukee Gang Activity:Milwaukee South Side is dealing with Latin

Kings and Spanish Cobras gangs (Cameron)North Milwaukee has the most gang activity

with Vice Lords and Gangster Disciples (John)

Question 5Law Enforcement Strategies:They try to keep it in a specific area, they

do this so it doesn’t spread. (Ed)Immigration and Customs Enforcement

(ICE) (Jarodd)Specific gang units

Community Strategies:Big brother and big sister programs (Amari)After school recreational activitiesAnti-violence campaigns