Youth Gang Explosion

15 Pages 3640 Words

I found this to be very interesting when considering the origins of youth gangs. I was not aware
of the popularity and rivalries that had been established about break dancing. To be honest, I
wasn’t even aware that there were break dancing competitions. What I found so interesting
about this is that here was a group of kids whose agenda was far from the gang agenda that I
picture in my head.
When I pictured the origin of gangs, I have the image of a strong, aggressive man that
uses predatory tactics to gain the compliance of others. The gang is formed and begins to
operate in accordance to the leaders demands. This could have not been further from the truth.
These drill teams were concerned with only winning break dancing competitions. Sure their
competitiveness led to fights with other drill teams but they hardly carried the mentality that is
associated with youth gangs. It wasn’t until others began to call them gangs that they actually
began to act like modern gangs.
It is important to realize the importance of placing labels on others. This is especially
relevant in the aggressive policing tactics being used in the inner cities. Today we are constantly
hearing about police brutality and discrimination. The term ‘Driving While Black’ is as common
as any other utterance. The label of being a gang member is as negative as any other stereotype
being applied to a young black person. Those in authority seem to be no longer concerned with
the well being of inner city youth. As a result there is a abundant sense of hopelessness
prevalent in the inner city.
On top of not being able to find a job or not being able to get a decent education, youth
have to deal with these stereotypes. It is not difficult to see why they abandon the middle class
ideals and morals. The system is working against them so they put no faith in it. Instead they
turn to the gang and with it they find an avenue that prom...