Gangs
            
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       The subject of gangs,  including symbols,  codes,  rules, and
       the reality of gang  life  is  a very lengthy and complicated
       subject  and  is  beyond  the  purpose  of   this   tutorial.
     
       What  follows  is  an  overview  that  attempts  to  describe
       the gang problem in general.
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       The  number  of  street  gangs  and the incidence of violence
       involving them is definately on the  rise.   If you live in a
       large city, you know this already.   If you live in a smaller
       or medium size city,  you have probably read about it, or are
       beginning to experience the problem locally.
     
       Gangs formed out of the feeling for a need to  band  together
       for   protection   against   other  groups  with  conflicting
       interests or intentions.
            
       It is generally believed that gangs are made up of members of
       society who fit a certain  mold.    People who join gangs are
       usually "followers" who are not able to get  respect  without
       their  "gang  identity".    They probably had no one in their
       life to provide  a  positive  influence  on them.   They were
       probably left home alone a lot due to  various circumstances.
       They may have been involved in minor crimes and possibly drug
       use.    They  lack any feeling of importance or power.   They
       have no real self-esteem.   They  feel there is no excitement
       in their lives.
     
       The gang environment offers,  at least in the member's  mind,
       all of these missing elements.   As a gang member,  they have
       any  power  that  the  gang has.   They have an identity,  as
       indicated by the "colors" they display.
     
            
            
           
       Gang-related graffiti is one sure  sign of the presence of or
       the impending emergence of gangs in your area.    Gangs  mark
       their  turf  with gang symbols which can be found on building
       walls,  sidewalks,  and on  just  about  anything else in the
       neighborhood.   These gang symbols  and  other  markings  can
       contain various complicated codes.
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       Some things to watch for in people you know if you're 
       concerned about possible gang involvement.
     
       
                Continued in regular version.