Parenting 101

Lesson 7: Dealing With Today's Tough Issues

Gangs: A Frightening Phenomenon

Once the province of inner cities, gang activity has spread all across socioeconomic lines. They are found in cities and suburbs alike. Many people don’t realize that there are two types of gangs. One is the street or neighborhood gang, the other the drug gang. The street gang is drawn along territorial lines, often neighborhoods. Most street gangs erupt into violence over “turf” battles, ie infringing on another neighborhood.

The drug gang is a much more serious problem. This type of gang, run by an older individual, is formed solely for the purpose of selling drugs. Murder, rape, arson and theft are common. Any child jumping in to this type of gang is in serious trouble.

What sort of child is attracted to gangs? Usually a child who lacks a clear sense of identity and self worth. If he has failed at fitting in elsewhere, gangs may make him feel like he’s finally home. He’s part of a close knit supportive group. He is finally “someone,” and/or, he’s found a quick, sure way to make money without having to work for it. This is the fatal allure of the drug gang: easy money and lots of it.

I doubt these kids count the cost until it’s much too late. Once in, it’s next to impossible to leave. The atmosphere of paranoia and fear can be stifling. The closeness begins to feel more like watching his every move and questioning everything he says. A requirement for “jumping into” a gang may be committing a murder and bringing back proof it’s been done. Females are required to have sex with every gang member to enter. What a terrible price they pay!

We pay too, every time an innocent is killed in a drive by shooting, or a child dies because of drugs or beatings.

As a proactive parent, calling your local sheriff or police department and getting any information you can on gangs in your area gives you some tools on how to arm your child against gangs. Ask them to tell you if they get intimidated by gang members. This is where the framework you have been building begins to show its strength. Your child needs to trust you enough to tell you when things go wrong. And you need to show him you can react swiftly and decisively when they do.

How concerned are you about gang activity where you live? Do you know if there are any gangs, and if so, who they are?

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