often wear tattoos or self infected scars for identification. Newman 3 Often gangs are held together by strong interest in heavy metal music and drug experimentation. Some gangs are bonded together by hatred for other races. Gangs who believe in white supremacy are often responsible for violence against Jews, Blacks, and Homosexuals. When a person becomes a member of a gang it is very difficult for them to leave that gang. Gangs usually have a ritual like the person who wants to leave has to face 3 other men in a fight and win if he wished to leave. That who leaves a gang usually leaves that neighborhood. The more guns that are available the greater risk of murders and serious injuries. Gang related killings have been on the rise since the mid 1970's. There is an estimated 100,000-gang member in Los Angeles. There are four types of gangs. The four types of gangs are party gangs, social gangs, violent gangs, and drug dealing gangs. An estimated 90% of gang members are males from the ages 13 to 24 years old. Los Angeles has more gang members than any other city. Gangs can contribute to teen violence. Many different things can cause teenage violence. Teenage years are unique. Teens have unlimited energy and need for action. Some teens are attracted to violence, horror films, and scary novels. Teenage years are also a time when young people seek independence. To gain this independence, teens also challenge authority. Teens sometimes feel invincible. Many teens self-esteem is not so invincible. Mix among emotions and needs also put teens in a vulnerable position. There are five things that contribute to teen violence. Those five things are abusive parents, the prevalence of violence in the media, availability of weapon...
