Gang Deconstruction

the gang itself, or in other criminal activity. Many gangs use fronts to demonstrate
influence and gain revenue in a particular area.
Gang Violence
Gang violence refers mostly to the illegal and non-political acts of violence perpetrated
by gangs against civilians, other gangs, law enforcement officers, firefighters, or military
personnel. Throughout history, such acts have been committed by gangs at all levels of
organization. Modern gangs introduced new acts of violence, which may also function
as a rite of passage for new gang members.
In 2006, 58 percent of L.A.'s murders were gang-related. Reports of gang-related
homicides are concentrated mostly in the largest cities in the United States, where there
are long-standing and persistent gang problems and a greater number of documented
gang members—most of whom are identified by law enforcement.
There have been reports of racially motivated attacks against African
Americans. Members of the Azusa 13 gang, associated with the Mexican Mafia, were
indicted in 2011 for harassing and intimidating black people in Southern California.
Gang-related activity and violence has increased along the U.S. Southwest border
region, as US-based gangs act as enforcers for Mexican drug cartels.
A gang war is a type of small war that occurs when two gangs end up in a feud over
territory.
Sexual Violence
Women in gang culture are often in environments where sexual assault is common and
considered to be a norm. Women who attend social gatherings and parties with heavy
drug and alcohol use are particularly likely to be assaulted. A girl who becomes
intoxicated and flirts with men is often seen as "asking for it" and is written off as a "hoe"
by men and women. "Hoodrats" and girls associated with rival gangs have lower status
at these social events, and are victimized when members view them as fair game and
other women rationalize assault against them.
Motives
Usually, gangs have gained the most control in poorer, urban communities
and developing countries in response to unemployment and other services. Social
disorganization, the disintegration of societal institutions such as family, school, and the
public safety net enable groups of peers to form gangs. According to surveys conducted
internationally by the World Bank for their World Development Report 2011, by far the
most common reason people suggest as a motive for joining gangs is unemployment.
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