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Anonymous
Gangs are a violent reality that people have to deal with in today's cities.
What has made these groups come about? Why do kids feel that being in a gang is both an acceptable and prestigious way to live? The psychological answer to these questions can only be speculated upon, but in the immediate reasons and benefits are much easier to find. On the surface, they are a direct result of human beings' personal wants and peer pressure. To determine how to effectively end gang violence, we must find the way that these morals are given to the individual. Individually, these can only be hypothesised. However, by looking at the way humans are influenced by the cultural practices of society, I believe there is good evidence to point the blame at several institutions. These include the forces of the media, the government, theatre, illicit drugs and our economic system. On the surface, gangs are caused by peer pressure and greed. Many teens in gangs will pressure peers into becoming involved in a gang by making it all sound glamorous. Money is also a crucial factor. A teen is shown that he could make $200 to $400 for small part time gang jobs. Although money is a strong motivator, it is usually not strong enough to make kids do things that are strongly against their morals. One of the ways that childrens morals are bent so that gang violence becomes more acceptable is through the influence of television and movies.
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