Common Myths About
Gangs:
Get the Truth
My gang will protect me, and I will feel safe.
Wrong! While you may believe
that joining a gang will protect you from bullies or other
gang members, being in a gang greatly increases your chances
to be a target for rival gang members. You are far more
likely to be injured or killed if you are in a gang. Many
former gang members report that they had to change their
lives dramatically as a gang member. They could no longer
wear clothing they used to wear. They got into fights while
attending school with rival gang members, and ended up dropping
out of school. They felt unsafe going out of their neighborhoods,
and they couldn't ever be sure where they might be confronted
by rivals. Even if they got out of gangs, their rivals didn't
forget them. They still had many enemies who might hurt
or kill them.
Other people will respect me more if I am in a gang.
Wrong! Respect in many gangs really means
fear. If you join a gang, you will constantly have to commit
crimes in order to keep other gang members afraid of you.
At any age, respect is something you can earn by getting
an education and accomplishing goals in your life. Respect
in the gang culture will go away the first time you fail
to hurt someone who insults you or puts you down. That kind
of respect isn't real, and it doesn't last.
Joining a gang means I'll have lots of friends.
You will have friends, but you'll also make lots of enemies--the
members of rival gangs. Also, your friends who haven't joined
the gang may stop wanting to be around you. Your gang may
not approve if you have friends or date people outside the
gang. They may question and test your loyalty, and insist
that you hang out only with them.
My gang will be just like a family.
Wrong! Real families don't force people
to commit crimes to get respect and love. Real families
accept you and love you for who and what you are. Even if
your family is having problems, being in a gang will not
solve them--it will only make things worse. If you join
a gang, your family members may become targets for rival
gangs. Joining a gang will only increase the number of fights
you have with your parents. You will eventually get into
trouble with the law, and your parents and family members
will be hurt and disappointed. You will set a bad example
for your brothers and sisters. You will not find the kind
of love you're looking for from a gang.
I'll make lots of money if I'm in a gang.
Most gang members make very little money being part of a
gang. Those who do, usually end up doing time. Plus, if
you're in a gang, it's far more likely that you'll drop
out of school because of problems with rival gang members.
Getting your education is the key to making money--not joining
a gang.
I can never get out of my gang.
Wrong! Gang members decide to leave the
gang lifestyle every day in cities around the U.S. It is
a myth that the only way to leave a gang is by dying. Most
gang members who leave are able to live normal lives, going
to school and working just like everyone else. However,
in some cases, getting out of a gang isn't easy, and you
may have to leave your home, school or community in order
to be safe. It IS easier to get into a gang than to get
out of one, but you can choose to leave the gang life today.
Here is one example of a man who left his gang for a better
life. There are many more examples of people who have successfully
walked away from gangs, as well.
