Gangs

Historically, when a new immigrant population arrived in this country, ethnic gangs were formed. Racism played an early and important role in the formation of street gangs in California. The Mexicans who immigrated to California in the twentieth century were looked upon as a source of unskilled cheap labor. Because of the racist views of the Caucasian population, Mexicans settled in their own neighborhoods or barrios. As more Mexicans migrated to the U.S. they preferred to live in a neighborhood where their language was spoken and their customs practiced. The competition for jobs between the immigrant population and the native Californians led to rivalry between the groups. This demographic situation led to the formation of Hispanic street gangs. The same set of circumstances has led to the formation of street gangs of African and Asian ancestry. The ethnic background of street gangs is extremely diverse. (Jackson 10)

Early in this century, most cities in the Eastern United States were divided into ghettos. For example, Italian Americans lived with other Italian Americans, and were not welcome to live in Irish American neighborhoods. The same prejudices were applied against Asians, Jews, African Americans and Latinos. Racial prejudice is no longer as widespread but is still very much an everyday experience for many Americans. Blacks and Latinos still encounter racism when they leave their neighborhoods. In most communities, Vietnamese, Cambodians and Chinese are victims of prejudice as well. (Branch 24)

For most of the twentieth century street gangs have emerged in immigrant neighborhoods throughout the United States. The circumstances that gave rise to these gangs include poverty, poor paying jobs, low levels of education, substandard housing, discrimination and lack of parental involvement. Although being poor by itself does not cause gang activity, there is evidence that poverty encourages young people to believe that gangs can provide the road to a better life. Poverty means going without important things. A sense of hopelessness can result from not being able to purchase essential items like food or clothing. For young people living in poverty this can lead to a lack of self worth and pride. But for some people, the worst thing about being poor is having to ask and depend on other people for help. Poor but proud people are often drawn to gang life because by selling drugs they can get money and not have to ask