Street gangs in the United States date to the early 20th century. Presently, the most publicized street gangs in the U.S. are African-American; black gangs were not recognized as a social problem until after the great migration to Northern cities of the 1910s. An exception was noted in 1853 Philadelphia.
Some have argued that increasing gang activity is directly related to decreases in adult mentors, school failures, decreases in after-school programs and similar failures by the adults in the lives of children. While kids from more affluent neighborhoods may turn to other less dangerous alternatives, children from poorer neighborhoods often turn to gangs both as protection and a place to find love, understanding and a sense of belonging/purpose.
Gangs in the United States vary by nationality, race, location and purpose/agenda (in cases when crimes are often committed). Many began, and still exist, in urban areas (pre-dating the 19th century).
Historically, Western (outlaw) and Mobster (gang) genres make up some of the most successful films in the America movie industry.
Read more about Gangs In The United States: Gang Demographics, Gang Activity and Purpose, Original Gangsters, Organized Gangs, Latino Gangs, Prison Based Gangs
Famous quotes containing the words united states, gangs, united and/or states:
“What lies behind facts like these: that so recently one could not have said Scott was not perfect without earning at least sorrowful disapproval; that a year after the Gang of Four were perfect, they were villains; that in the fifties in the United States a nothing-man called McCarthy was able to intimidate and terrorise sane and sensible people, but that in the sixties young people summoned before similar committees simply laughed.”
—Doris Lessing (b. 1919)
“The two elements the traveler first captures in the big city are extrahuman architecture and furious rhythm. Geometry and anguish. At first glance, the rhythm may be confused with gaiety, but when you look more closely at the mechanism of social life and the painful slavery of both men and machines, you see that it is nothing but a kind of typical, empty anguish that makes even crime and gangs forgivable means of escape.”
—Federico García Lorca (1898–1936)
“Why doesn’t the United States take over the monarchy and unite with England? England does have important assets. Naturally the longer you wait, the more they will dwindle. At least you could use it for a summer resort instead of Maine.”
—W.H. (Wystan Hugh)
“I do seriously believe that if we can measure among the States the benefits resulting from the preservation of the Union, the rebellious States have the larger share. It destroyed an institution that was their destruction. It opened the way for a commercial life that, if they will only embrace it and face the light, means to them a development that shall rival the best attainments of the greatest of our States.”
—Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901)