Many of us, including myself, sometimes wonder why people would
ever join gangs? The answer for that is for various reasons. A lot of people
join gangs for the desire of power, respect, money, and protection. This
especially attracts the youth to join. In some cases, kids
are unfortunately grown up in or around areas where most kids are a
part of a gang.
Many times, people are experiencing low levels of these various
factors, such as the ones I listed above, which is why they seek out to join a
gang. Kids feel that joining a gang is the only way to obtain status and
success.
They also join gangs to gain a feeling of belonging and identity. This is a huge
influence on people of all ages; every human being likes to feel like they
belong, and to some people- gangs can give them just that. Gang members feel
that sense of identity and belonging by getting numerous tattoos that represent
their gang group. Other than tattoos, they have certain colors, symbols,
hand-signals, and clothing that correspond to which gang group they are members
of as well.
I posted a link to a YouTube video below about a truly remarkable
story. It's 11 minutes long, but trust me it is worth every single second. It's about a man, Marlin
Henderson, who was in a gang during his younger years. He tells his story about
how and why he joined a gang, his life during his gang years, and how he turned
his life around.
This video on Marlin Henderson is really inspiring, and it opened
my eyes as to how fortunate we are. I am extremely blessed for the family I
have been brought up with, and the area I live around. If you have the time,
please watch this. This video really spoke out to me.
Hey Gabby!
ReplyDeleteI love it how you said that the people that join gangs need the feeling of belonging. I totally agree! It's a vivid example of how if Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs aren't met, things don't work out as well! Really interesting!
I really enjoyed this article and video Gabby, it gave me the chills. You are so right that we are so fortunate that most of us around here don't have to experience gangs or such situations that Marlin Henderson had to go through. It really makes you realize how lucky we are because there are many teens our age who are forced to join gangs and engage in terrible experiences. I am too inspired by these people who tell their personal stories of the gangs and I think it is amazing to hear about how they got out of them and changed their lives around.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! & Lea it really does exemplify Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs really well with their needs not being met!
ReplyDelete