We often wonder why youths involve themselves in gangs. We sometimes even wonder how gangs come about. Gangs are very often the result of abuse poverty and discrimination. Youths often get involved in gangs because they feel as if they have no other place in society; they feel neglected by their families and their schoolmates. These kids join gangs so they can have something to belong to, friends they can count on, to feel powerful, and most of all to be wanted. There have been many attempts to put an end to gangs but it is hard for researchers to figure how gangs exactly develop. Authorities have been able to

known for their zoot suit style, which was their dress. They wore

The 60's brought along major changes in gang activity. Drug use rose dramatically which lead to a decline in violence. The United States also changed its focus over to The Civil Rights movement as well as the Vietnam War. The civil rights movement caused gangs to become even more racially aware than they already had been. Many new groups were formed such as the black panther party, The Black Muslims organization, and probably the largest Puerto Rican gang to this day The Young Lords. Many of the gangs and groups formed in the 60's filtered on into the 70's. The 70's brought an end to the Vietnam War and the civil right s movement and put the focus back on gangs. Gangs became an even bigger organized threat because of access to higher firepower. Many gangs went underground which made it harder for police to stop them and easier for gangs to perform more complex operations. With the use of firearms gang wars were much shorter and much deadlier. When gangs were brought down younger members would usually take the fall because of a shorter sentence. Young gang members also believed that time in prison would strengthen their reputation among other gang members. In the 1980's ghettos and projects became very overcrowded. Now gangs had to settle for a block or two as their territory instead of entire neighborhoods. Gangs now used guerrilla warfare instead of hand-to-hand combat. Opposing gangs killed many gang members

because of drive bys and snipers on rooftops. These tactics made gangs more dangerous, and unpredictable. It was harder for gang members to tell when an attack was coming and snipers were harder to avoid. Gangs have taken many innocent peoples lives during drive by shootings. Many of these victims can include young children playing on the street who get caught in crossfire.

Many of the modern gang rituals come from Irish gangs. Irish immigrants in New York City formed these gangs. These Irish gangs were the first criminal gangs formed. They were criminals and brawlers who claimed their territories (The Five Points) in New York City. These gangs referred to one another by nicknames, and were recognized by dress codes. One of the first organized Irish gangs was called "The Forty Thieves". A man named Edward Coleman organized this gang in 1826. Another gang arose around this period called the Bowery Boys. These two gangs were constantly fighting each other for territory.

Soon after the Civil war Jewish, Italian, Irish, and African American Gangs started popping up all over New York City. As the number of immigrants increased the number of gangs also increased. Pretty soon New York City was known nation wide as being the head quarters of many gangs. Soon other major cities such as Philadelphia started becoming homes for many gangs. California also became the home of many Chinese gangs. As gang activity escalated so did crime, and the types of crimes gangs would commit. Some gangs even required murder as a test of toughness for membership. Drugs like marijuana, morphine and other stimulants became commonly used am

Some common words found in the essay are:
York City, Puerto Rican, Vietnam War, Gangs Originally, Angeles Cleveland, African American, Angeles Atar4, Atar2 Gang, Irish Italian, Bowery Boys, puerto rican, gangs gangs, york city, chicano gangs, gang activity, puerto rican gangs, rican gangs, irish gangs, gangs formed, civil rights movement, gangs predominantly, gangs dangerous, vietnam war civil,
Approximate Word count = 2125
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)