A Parent's Guide to
Understanding Gangs
Introduction Historical Background of Street Gangs Early Warning Signs Graffiti Questions and Answers Gang Prevention for Parents
Introduction
Historical Background of Street Gangs
Early Warning Signs
Graffiti
Questions and Answers
Gang Prevention for Parents
This document was created to aid parents in identifying the early warning signs of street gang activities and how they impact children and the family unit. In addition, referral information has been provided to help combat the problem. This information is to be used as a guide to possible gang influence and should not be the only factors used to determine gang affiliations.
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Street Gangs have been heavily influenced by prison gangs. They have now evolved, however, into their own unique identities.
One of the most prominent street gangs identified is the "Crips." They originated as a Black gang from Los Angeles, but now have crossed cultures to include Asians, Hispanics, East Indians, Samoans, Whites, etc. They are characteristically identified by the color blue which may be seen in the form of handkerchiefs, athletic jackets and hats, beads in the hair, blue fingernails, shoe strings, and graffiti.
Another identified street gang is the "Bloods" who are also known as "Piru's". Traditionally they are an opposing Black gang to the "Crips" and also originate from Los Angeles. This gang has also evolved into a cross-cultural street gang.
They are characteristically identified by the color red seen in the form of athletic apparel, including jackets, hats, shoes, etc., and red handkerchiefs.
In the Hispanic barrio culture there is a division of the State of California into North and South. The imaginary dividing line is Bakersfield. The gang north of this line is referred to as North, Norte, Norteno, or the number 14. The number 14 represents "N" the fourteenth letter of the alphabet standing for North. These gang members identify with the color red, as seen in red handkerchiefs. The gang south of Bakersfield is an opposing gang referred to as "Surenos, Sur, Southerners, or the number 13 which stands for "M" referring to the Mexican Mafia. They identify themselves with the color blue in the form of blue handkerchiefs as well as athletic apparel.
It is important for parents to realize that the gang culture does not respect race or income level: it can affect anyone.
C.R.I.P.S. CUZ C.W.A. BLOODS PIRU'S NORTENO NORTE 14 XIV X4 SURENOS 13 XIII X3 SUR
C.R.I.P.S.
CUZ
C.W.A.
BLOODS
PIRU'S
NORTENO
NORTE
14 XIV X4
SURENOS
13 XIII X3
SUR
You will find graffiti almost anywhere. More specifically, you will find graffiti on books, binders, clothes, ball caps (especially under the bill), school lockers, tattoos, personal items such as cassette tapes, lighters, stereos, cars, combs, wallets, purses, walls, and fences in the area, street signs, picnic tables at the local parks, etc.
Note that graffiti will also include nicknames (monikers) such as Maddog, Dlocs, Sleepy, Smiley, Clown , Payaso, Flaco, C-Dog, Oso, Sniper, etc.
Other names which are derogatory include Cricket, Crab, Flue, Slob, Blob, etc. You will also see letters and numbers crossed out indicating gang rivalry.
Q. If I see my son or daughter wearing colors or writing graffiti, does this mean he or she is a gang member?
A.
Q. What's wrong if my son or daughter associates with gang members as long as he or she does not become an actual gang member?
Q. What's wrong with my son or daughter wearing athletic apparel - a Raider's jacket and hat, especially when I just paid $90 or more for them?
Q. What do I say to my son or daughter if I suspect gang involvement?
Q. How does my child's association with gangs effect his or her education?
Q. How does gang involvement affect my child's education?
Gang prevention for parents: Spend time with your child. Do not allow your child to wear gang-related clothing or to modify their clothing with gang markings. Meet your child's friends and pay attention to their activities and interests. Become acquainted with the parents of your child's friends. Take the time to read the lyrics of the music that your child listens to and discuss the ideas presented in them. Monitor your child's television watching. Select programs to watch together. Provide your child with information about healthy ways to deal with conflict and racism. Get involved in your child's education. Spend time at your child's school and meet with teachers. Take advantage of the activities in your area that are available for children. Local recreation centers, libraries, bookstores, and churches often have free activities for children. Take a parenting class. Many schools offer free classes that are not only fun, but also provide valuable tips. Attend a gang awareness class and watch the video "Not My Kid: Gang Prevention for Parents"
Gang prevention for parents:
Spend time with your child.
Do not allow your child to wear gang-related clothing or to modify their clothing with gang markings.
Meet your child's friends and pay attention to their activities and interests.
Become acquainted with the parents of your child's friends.
Take the time to read the lyrics of the music that your child listens to and discuss the ideas presented in them.
Monitor your child's television watching. Select programs to watch together.
Provide your child with information about healthy ways to deal with conflict and racism.
Get involved in your child's education. Spend time at your child's school and meet with teachers.
Take advantage of the activities in your area that are available for children. Local recreation centers, libraries, bookstores, and churches often have free activities for children.
Take a parenting class. Many schools offer free classes that are not only fun, but also provide valuable tips.
Attend a gang awareness class and watch the video "Not My Kid: Gang Prevention for Parents"
For further information, visit the Mothers against Gangs Website.