|
Gang members
view the gang as their family and will “represent” their “family” at all
times.
This is done by wearing clothes that are the same color or have a common
color pattern. A name may be used to represent the group, and members may
address each other with a common name.
Gang members will also represent the group through use of graffiti. This
may be found on a kids schoolbooks, bedroom walls or on clothes.
Gang members also use hand signs to communicate with each other. Many
gangs have created their own sign language and use it to secretly
communicate with each other.
Gang
members have also used jewelry to show membership in the group. The most
commonly used jewelry is a string of beads in a specific color pattern
that is worn either on a wrist or around a member’s neck.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD LOOK FOR
Kids enjoy drawing pictures on their schoolbooks, walls and clothing of
things like their favorite musical singers, sports teams or movie stars.
When a parent sees normal things like this concern can be minimal on the
part of the parent.
When graffiti is discovered by a parent that is not easily explained by
their child such as numbers or symbols that are not easily recognized a
parent should be concerned. A parent has to be aware of who their child is
associating with, if your child is associating with other kids who use
hand signs to communicate and wear clothes of the same color all the time
there may be gang involvement.
If a child is discovered to have drugs, weapons, or money that has no
obvious income source the level of concern should be increased.
WHAT TO DO
This is a very difficult subject to deal with. Since most gang members
view the gang as their “family,” it may be very difficult to communicate
with your child on this subject. Speaking with your child is always the
first step that lets your child know that you DO NOT approve of any gang
involvement at all. School counselors may be helpful as well as your
church, and in some cases, the police can be helpful in making your child
realize that gang activity is harmful.
|