Discussing Gangs.

        There are different levels of participation and risk among teens. Some are fascinated by the gang lifestyle because of seeing them on television but do not know the whole truth about them. These children are around 30% of teens, but gangs are not major in their lives. Another group of members are called “associate members.” These people are ones who are in contact with the gang and try to impress the members by wearing the colors of the gang and may draw gang symbols on personal property. These teens usually have problems at home and hang out with the gang members regularly. These teens can become dangerous because they will do anything to prove themselves to the gang and also to join the gang. These tend to make up 40% of teens. And lastly, but usually the most in trouble are the “member/hardcore members.” These are the actual members of gangs who have been beaten in or done something to join the gang. These usually have committed a gang crime or some other deviant behavior. They may also have tattoos or some other form of body art with gang symbols on them. Most gang members have criminal records, and have little or no contact with family, and do not usually attend schools. The hardcore members call the shots within the gangs. These members make up around 30% of teenagers today.

        Gangs are a major part in our society today. They function as families for some teens, even though they are usually involved in deviant behavior.