Gang members generally range from ages 13 to 21 years old. However, kids as young as nine are eligible for recruiting. Those who join gangs often have low se

lf-esteem, feel unloved at home, do poorly in school, and have a hard time making decisions and communicating with others. Many also join gangs for protection. Kids who are born into a family with a gang background, which is becoming more and more common, are basically recruited when they are born. Gang inititation ususally involves a violent beating, some type of criminal activity, or fighting with one of the present gang members. Once inititated intot he gag, there is usually no way out. Those who try to leave the gang, usually become targets of the gang. A "hit" is put out on the inidivual, usually resulting in death. It is not illegal to be in a gang.

Gang violence is increasing. Gang activity is no longer confirmed to inner-cities. Gangs are forming and spreading into the suburbs and rural communities

Some common words found in the essay are:
, join gangs, kids join, gang violence, gang usually, control territory,
Approximate Word count = 556
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)