#8 Research Summary

I have read many articles and watched several videos about gang life. I have seen most of the negatives along with my previous knowledge of what could happen. I have also found that there can be positives to gang life and that it can help some people. Gangs give outcasted teens, and even outcasted adults, something to be a part of. They teach them that no matter what someone will always be there for them.

However, the negatives certainly do outweigh the positives. Murder, rape, assault, robbery, etc. are not something that should be accepted. Sometimes hip hop and rap glorify gangs and make people think that it is okay to be part of a gang and to be part of something that is harming society. Teens are being sent to prison with life sentences because of crimes they have committed in a gang. Because of gang life these 17, 16, and even 15 year olds are being tried as adults because of such awful crimes.

It would be impossible to try to get rid of all gangs, but if they were to go away, considering the negative aspects it may not be such a bad thing. However, the positives could be taken into consideration. Organizations could be set up to help outcasts feel like they have something to belong to. Sort of like a Boys and Girls Club.

#7 Gang Members Speak Out

In this video a few gang members recall their experiences and tell of the situations they have been in. From the interviews you can get a general idea of what life is like when involved with a gang or gang-like activity. The beginning talks of a "way out," giving the sense that a gang is something that you can not escape from without great effort. The gangs seem to have such an intense impact on these people. One man even speaks about how he decided to get clean and sober because he tried to kill his family. These gangs have such impact on these people that it is hard for some to realize that it is a problem. But those who do realize tend to do something about it to ensure the safety of their family, friends, and themselves. 

#6 "A Gangfree Life"

This article is a very subjective view of gang life and what happens to a person as a gang member. The author only seems to focus on the negative, such as jail time and putting others in danger. To be honest, those aspects are very harmful and awful, but there are things that seem good to a person who joins a gang.

Most teenagers who join a gang are looking to belong to something and to be cared for and looked after. A gang provides this comfort to these kids and makes them feel like they have a true family looking out for them and helping them.

Although the negatives affect the safety and wellbeing of the member, the positives can help a person's confidence and way of life. It seems like a very twisted way to think about it, but if you look at it from a new member's point of view, all they are trying to do is be a part of something that they think matters.

http://www.gangfree.org/gangfree/gang_facts_happens.html