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"Gangs are seductive and deadly. They promise money, power, and instant gratification. They create the illusion of family but in reality offer only dead-ends and hopelessness. Their pull is strong. Most kids believe they join a gang on their own terms. They're deluding themselves. The streets suck you in, pull you under and spit you out when they're done." ( Burrel: //Tattoos on My Soul).//

One of the biggest problems concerning society as a whole today is, more and more involvement of youth in gangs. This is probably due to the fact that the media plays a big role in influencing them. There are movies, shows, books and plays that to a certain extent, idolize the gang way of life. The conflict between the Bloods and The Crips in 1990 was made known, due to the wide publication of their conflicts in the news and newspapers. Our youth see these things and are influenced to take part in or create their own gang so they can act tough and look "cool" like the guys on t.v.

The gang scene has changed a lot. It went from the 1950 musical //West Side Story//, which had themes such as honor, love and rebellion to the now widely popular "gangsta" rap that degrades women, filled with hatred and killing. The rappers are now idolized and are heroes to thousands of gangsters who believe in the glamorous and rewarding life that the songs speak about but are never achieved. A gang can give a sense of security and acceptance, being a nobody to being somebody.

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