Response to No Easy Answer to Gang Problems

The Bishop of Liverpool was right on when he said there was no easy way to control gangs. There really isn't. There's such a world wide connection that it would take a miracle to end it completely. That doesn't mean that locally things can't change. If a group of people or a community take action, they can reduce the amount of gang activity and make an impact on gang members and their community as well. This is an issue that just can't end all at once, you have to start somewhere right? Dr. Jones said that people join gangs so they get to feel powerful. I think this is true, but not the only reason. I think that people choose to get involved in gangs because they don't have an easy life. They might experience family problems with drugs, or convictions. I think that just having bad influences on a person can influence them to follow in the same footsteps or rebel. I like how the community in this article is trying to take action to stop all the murders and convictions. It probably gives the people living in the community a sense of comfort and made them feel safer.

#4 No Easy Answer to Gang Problems

"There is no simple answer to solving the problems of controlling gangs," the Bishop of Liverpool stated. A man named Dr. Jones said that young adults get involved with gangs because it gives them the feeling of power and hierarchy. In their society there have been many different convictions. They look at the breakdown in their society because they are a very religious community. A boy named Rhys Jones was shot outside a pub after his football practice. Sean Mercer was convicted of murder and was also a gang member. There were 8 or so more people convicted that were also gang members who were associated with the murder. The people of the community and church are trying to find a way to put the gang violence away and make things right.

SITE!

The citation for the "Gangs to Grads" article is under the books and magazines. I put the name of the magazine where I found it.

Alex G. responce #2

Your articles were very good, and I loved the variety of each one. I liked the one about a place for people in gangs to change, I thought that was interesting, and good that some people want to get out of gangs and start a new life. I bet there are lots of books on gangs.

Alex Hadik- Blog Comment

You have been doing some excellent research here. As Mrs. Jewitt commented, it is very interesting how you have been able to delve into not only the obvious side of gangs but also the turn around that might occur. While you have some great research already, I'm curious now about the history of gangs and gang violence. Perhaps as "extra" study you can look into some the of the famous American and foreign or even international gangs, gang members and gang leaders of the past. The time of Prohibition I know to be an excellent starting point and you can possibly link the past business of illegal alcohol to the modern business of drug trafficking. I also happen to know that if you would like to delve more into the business end of this research, there are huge drug businesses occurring down in the Caribbean, perhaps somewhere else to focus your research other than Mexico. One more tip- Holland (I think it's Holland) has recently made drugs such as marijuana legal. Perhaps there are some studies about how this has affected gang relations there and in neighboring countries.
Good luck!

Samara'a response

Kelsey, I think your research so far is really good. It does seem that the main focus of gangs is drugs. One thing you could probably look into is how they handle all these drugs and drug trafficking at the same time. It would be interesting the learn the business side of things. I think it's great how there are places letting gang members and such turn their lives around.

One thing I would suggest though is to check the spelling of words before you post and reread it so it sounds how you want it to. Some things were confusing to me because it wasn't the right word choice. Other then that you're doing great! Keep up the good work! Oh, and don't forget to cite your article on gangs to grads.

Kelsey, after reading your blog I am terrified of gangs, not that there are any in Damariscotta Maine. But your information and research is so interesting, and the idea of having a whole network all over the world of gangs is fascinating, and horrifying at the same time. Even thought it's sad to hear about the deaths of people due to gangs, I think it is incredibly interesting to read about them. I also like how you found an article on ways to help the gang members. I can tell you are totally into the project, keep it up!

Excellent research . . .

I really like the fact that you are discovering not only the negatives associated with gangs and violence but also the positives as far as programs that will help these troubled individuals. Great research so far . . .!!!!!