About Chicago Street Gangs
Street gangs are a notorious part of the underworld in the city of Chicago. They have been there for several years and continue to be a secret culture among different societies in the city. Here, you'll learn a brief bit about their start and how they are affecting life today.
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Significance
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Chicago has had its share of street gangs throughout its history. In the past, Chicago was known for well-organized crime syndicates, and many experts believe that modern-day street gangs began in the city. Street gangs are not limited to any race, neighborhood, culture or gender.
History
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Chicago street gangs started emerging in the early 1960s when a young group (known as the Black P-Stone Rangers) developed themselves into a criminal organization. Jeff Fort, who was chosen as the leader of the group, accomplished the improbable task of uniting leaders of about 50 street gangs into one organization. He called his new gang the Black P-Stone Nation.
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Types
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In the streets of Chicago there are Asian gangs, African American gangs, white gangs, Arabic gangs, Hispanic gangs and female gangs. These gangs are evenly distributed in the east, west, south and north regions of Chicago. The number of members in a gang can vary from a handful (in neighborhood crews) to thousands (in large gangs). Members have been found to be between 10 and 50 years of age.
Features
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Most Chicago street gangs have a set of rules that members need to follow. Failing to carry out those rules in a proper manner might mean horrendous consequences for a member. There have been several gang wars in the city over petty issues; these have led to the death of several innocent individuals. To avoid such circumstances, some leaders of Chicago street gangs have started a revolution. They are personally making an effort to avoid a gang war involving their groups.
Effects
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The presence of innumerable Chicago street gangs, each having rules of its own, has been one of the major grounds for increasing violence among the youths of these gangs. This violence has not only troubled gang members, but also has threatened the safety of innocent citizens. Several innocent individuals have lost their lives in the midst of a gang war.
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