Gangs
and Economics
Can
we make a change?
Is it the case
that The existence of Gangs is purely a case of Economics? Lets
discuss, and look at solutions.
Gangs are not
found in wealthy or middle class areas, and any middle class youths
joining Gangs are usually travelling to poorer areas to gain some
street cred or are mixing with the wrong crowd at school.
Gangs can be
of any race or culture. It's simply of a bonding of a group of people
with their own rules and customs. There are white gangs, black gangs,
Hispanic gangs, Asian gangs, Chinese gangs - the triads and most
famous of all are the Italian gangs - the mafia.
Glasgow inner
city, 98% white population, has been plagued with gangs for many
decades. Situations there have been worse than London. Gangs therefore
should not be thought of as a colour thing, or even an ethnic phenomena.
Youths join
a gang for many reasons. For some it's a fashion. They are in an
area where gang life is popular, and they are following what others
are doing. They do not want to miss out. There always seems to be
excitement with a gang, and something to do, so why not.
For some when
considering joining a gang, the attraction is feeling part of a
family. Perhaps they are not close to their own Mother or father
and feel that they get more "love" from the gang. It's
nice when a group of people are always looking out for you, want
to know your every move, and theoretically have your interests at
heart.
Gang membership
sometimes allows easy access to the opposite sex. The youth can
get experience with sex, which they are less likely to get on their
own. Boys might feel the girls are more likely to want them if they
are in a gang. Gang leaders especially feel they have first options
on the best girls. Girls may like the excitement, and frequently
land in situations they did not anticipate. The dangers are many,
but will not be listed here. The pull of gangs and sex can be stronger
than any family or youth worker. It takes a tragedy or a significant
mentor to assist the young person to desire a better life, and really
want to change.
For many gang
members, joining a gang is about making money. They have an urgent
desire to make money, and this seems like an easy option. Acquire
some drugs, sell, and get the profits. Typically those involved
have a poor background, in that are getting very little or no money
whether from parents or anywhere else. They see others with new
trainers, and clothes, and want these things quickly. They ignore
the risks and go for the easy option. However many are earning a
pittance. Only the people at the top are earning the real money
which is typical of any network marketing or MLM structure, which
essentially is what this is on the streets.
Fights which
result in knife wounds or gunshots are usually the result of an
argument which has got out of hand. There used to be a time when
fisticuffs were the order of the day. Now, the harder youth will
carry a weapon - just in case. They can then get a quick edge in
a fight. Anger management is not a strong feature, especially when
the antagonists are stoked with drink or drugs. People for instance
who are stoned or drunk lose their sense of perspective and are
more likely cause grievous bodily harm, or murder.
So if not Gangs
- then what?
We would like
to suggest that the business acumen which many of these gang leaders
clearly have can be channelled into legitimate businesses. If they
are so good at selling, why does it have to be drugs. Why not find
another commodity that people always want. Buy it cheap, then put
a profit on it. Latent talents can be resurrected.
Business options
could include selling, services such as DJ, sound recording, video
production, marketing, graphic design or products such as magazine,
TShirts, customised clothing, websites, artwork, events, food, drinks.
Further Education
and a degree is required for the following professions. Colleges
are able to take any person who wants to study. Lawyer, Doctor,
Teacher, Paramedic, Accountant, Bank Trader,
There are 50,000
apprentice positions advertised on apprentice.org.uk
So youths can learn a trade which could become lucrative later on.
They get trained for free. Later on that course would have cost
thousands. Chef, Plumber, Electrician, Decorator, Builder, Mechanic.
The jobcentre
plus will have over 100,000 jobs in one area.
There are choices.
If gang warfare is so bad in your area, its impossible to stay away
from them, then it is seriously time to move. Ask parents if they
have someone living in a different area they could stay with. Find
a way out. Your life might depend on it. Its not good to wait until
you get a criminal record either. That will put a block on certain
jobs you may want to do later. So many jobs require CRB checks now.
The government
will assist while you try to study - with student loans.
The government will assist while you are unemployed, and want to
start a business. Try the Princes Trust.
There is so
much help out there now. Talk to people at the jobcentre plus. Find
a mentor from a local church or youth club. Talk to an older relative
who can help you make connections. Mix with people who are positive
and are going somewhere in their lives. Its bound to rub off on
you.
Black Economics
April 2012
For further
help or signposting email
us
Or
call Gangsline
on 0800 032 9538, on 07985 717 909
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