Gang Violence in America
Gang violence presents one of the most significant crime problems in the United States. It is however hardly a recent problem. Indeed, according to Johnson & Muhlhausen (2005), the phenomenon has been a part of American urban life since as early as the American Revolution. Gang violence can range from crimes as petty as thieving and robbery to more major criminal activities such as drug and arms trafficking, as well as alien smuggling, armed robbery and murder. Indeed, so serious is the problem in some states that authors such as Johnson & Muhlhausen warn of threats to public security. There are various reasons for the establishment and thriving of gangs, and concomitantly a variety of solutions are offered to curb the problem. Globalization is noted as one of the culprits in the success of gang activity in the United States (Johnson & Muhlhausen, 2005). Indeed, the authors note that groups established in Los Angeles some 20-40 years ago now thrive as a result of their links to Mexico and Central America. Some of these groups are as large as 130,000 to 300,000 members. The problem is also increasingly arising in small towns throughout the United States, according to the authors. Today's online information systems make
CONCLUSION Gang violence is a serious problem in the United States. For the youthful mind, this is a very strong motivation indeed. SOLUTIONS FOR THE YOUTH As mentioned above, solutions are offered on both the local and wider governmental scale. This strategy would prevent serious offenders from reentering their target neighborhoods, and thus forms part of the integrated policing strategy mentioned above. The authors then suggest that the local and foreign governments should work together to curb this trend. Young people can for example be involved in community policing programs and other youth initiatives to accomplish this. These in turn can be used as a basis for after-school programs that focus both on conflict resolution and recreation. The government should also more clearly coordinate its activities with its neighbors such as Mexico and Central America; with the understanding that these connections worsen the condition in the United States. Such involvements will provide them with a sense of belonging and acceptance without having to engage in negative and delinquent activities. At the wide-scale, governmental level, Johnson and Muhlhausen (2005) suggest the promotion of stable neighborhoods and the reduction of illegal immigration. Focusing on young people in the community in preventing gang violence is essential, as young people display the most risk factors and hence the greatest vulnerability for becoming involved in such violence. Johnson and Muhlhausen also suggest youth activities established by partnerships between private and public agencies. Specifically, the authors suggest activities to strengthen the family and community, education and training, conflict resolution, and recreational programs. Economic problems can then be mitigated by engaging in gang-related activities such as the drug trade.
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