Once found only in large cities, gangs have invaded communities of all sizes across the United States. Gangs bring fear and violence to neighborhoods, traffick in drugs, destroy property, and drive out businesses. Gangs draw young people away from school and home and into a life of violence. About Gangs Gangs can be organized around race or ethnic group, money-making activities, or territory.
Most gang members are male.
They range in age from 8 to 22 years. Young people give various reasons for joining gangs. For some, it's even a family tradition. Gangs signal their existence and solidarity through clothing and head coverings, a special vocabulary, tattoos, hand signs, and tagging their territory with graffiti. The lyrics glorify violence, abuse of women, and disrespect for authority, especially the police.