Gangs are virtually everywhere in today's world. It is estimated that the number
of gang members in our country equals over a quarter million of our
nation's total population. Originally young people, most often teenagers, join a
gang because they are lacking positive influences at home and/or at school. They
also might be dealing with personal issues that they feel that they can't
resolve without the help of someone whom they believe that they can confide
in due to the bond of a common belief and loyalty that they share.
The first publicly known street gang in Chicago was the Almighty
Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN). The ALKQN came together around the
early 1940's. The Kings originally consisted of predominantly Puerto
Ricans males whose philosophy was to overcome the racial prejudices brought
onto them by the Caucasians and African Americans who were already living
in Chicago. The area where many Puerto Ricans located themselves within the city was
called the Humboldt Park neighborhood. At that time, African Americans and
Caucasians largely inhabited the neighborhood, which led to many conflicts generating
within the one neighborhood. Minorities were treated very poorly at this time, and there
was great stress in living in these rough conditions, holding low economic statuses,
working for low wages at long hours. At the same time, many of them were still adjusting to their new lives in America. Probably the most difficult obstacle of all to overcome in these situations is the language barrier.
As a kid growing up in a new city, state, and country all at the same
time, it can be stressful. When this is your situation at a young age, and when
you enter school as a new, foreign student, you may feel helpless if you are not be able to
communicate with others regarding the things that you need help with. Not
only can that be an issue for teachers, but it can also create conf...