Why Kids Join Gangs Essays - Crime, Criminology, Gang, Urban Decay

Why Kids Join Gangs A teenage boy puts on his best clothes, shines up his car, and heads for the mall. He finds a couple of young girls and tells them about a cool party. Since there are two of them and only one of him, they feel safe. Not until they are at the party, the security doors locked behind them, do they realize: that they are the only girls there; that the guys are gang members; that they, the girls, are the party; and that there is no way out. Why would any teenage boy choose to have this life of crime? Although the behavior gangs partake in during initiations and even just every day activity sound unbelievable, the fact is that the number of gangs and gang members is growing by the minute. Gangs now operate in all fifty states and in suburban areas as well as the inner city. Some common reasons as to why teenagers choose to join gangs rather than school-related activities are because it fulfills their need to belong, fulfills their need for security, and gives them a way to express their an ger. The most common reason teenagers choose to become part of a gang is to fulfill their desire to belong to something and feel important. If a child doesn't have a sense of belonging in their family, they will try to find it elsewhere. A gang provides that sense of belonging that they may not feel at home or in their community. The child may be from a ?good? family who thinks they belong, but if the child doesn't believe it than it doesn't matter. For example, excessive sibling rivalry can cause a child to feel as though they don't belong. If they don't feel important or as part of a family, they will be drawn toward a gang, which gives the cohesiveness of a family. Also, some teens who choose to join school-related activities when they feel the need to belong sometimes get rejected by these groups. They may try out for a sport or dance corps and not get on the team. This rejection might drive the teen even more to join a gang. This denial lowers the child's sensitive self-esteem, which is a major factor in their life. For example, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs explains that in order for a child to reach their full potential, they first need self-esteem, which they get from having a sense of belongingness. All teenagers have a longing to feel significant and important. However, if they are not feeling this they may be driven to join a group that will accept them, no matter how disastrous the group may be. Another reason why teens decide to join gangs is because of their need for security. This particular need is stronger in females than males, however it is a basic need of both sexes. Security is also one of Maslow's basic needs, just above physical needs which are the basis to the hierarchy. According to Maslow, without security a child will not feel any love and belongingness; which is the first reason as to why kids join gangs. If a child doesn't feel safe and secure, a gang may provide this for them. They feel a greater sense of safety and security by being a part of a group, as opposed to being alone. Rather than becoming isolates having no security whatsoever, teens would be more likely to join a gang where they feel safe and protected by being a part of something greater than themselves. Finally, a gang provides an avenue for teenagers to direct their anger. Anger is one emotion that is generally common in teenagers. Because one common characteristic of gangs is fighting, being a part of a gang provides direction for their anger and actually rewards them for expressing it. For example, initiations for gangs usually involve violent acts. Activities typically include rape, fighting, and/or removal of a victim's body part. After the prospective member performs the violent action they were told to do, they get rewarded for it by becoming an official member of the gang. These violent acts allow a teen to express their pent up anger in ways not normally allowed.

Honor Thyself Essays - Gender, Ttir, Thorstein Staff-Struck

Honor Thyself Essays - Gender, Ttir, Thorstein Staff-Struck Honor Thyself Honor is something that is earned, but it must also be defended in order to be upheld in the eyes of all. In ?Thorstein The Staff-Struck? one?s respect is based on their honor alone. Honor is the essence of a life worth living. In this story, a life without honor means that the life is worthless. Death is better than having no honor. Men will easily give their lives without second thought to earn, and protect it. Honor?s role in ?Thorstein the Staff-Struck? takes on several roles, but all of them are to achieve one common goal. The various roles take on the common goal of achieving honor itself. Thorstein?s nick-name ?the Staff-Struck? is a strain on his honor because his masculinity is being questioned after his first bout with Thord. Thorstein?s first reaction to the blow to his head by Thord?s staff is not thought of as being honorable. He didn?t respond in a way that would defend his honor. He needed to stand up for himself to accomplish that trying task.. His response to Thord?s blow was thought of as a cowards response. That meant his honor had been shamed by his own action, or lack of the correct actions. After that, Thorstein?s integrity was belittled in the eyes of others. One?s honor Page 2 lies not only in the eyes of one?s self, but also in the words, and eyes of all present, and around. Thorstein had to avenge his honor in the eyes of the spectators for himself. Thorstein?s father prompted his vengeance though. Thorstein could not simply sit back, and be humiliated by his own father. That was just too much for him to deal with, nor did he want to try. He knew he must honor his father by bringing, and restoring honor to himself. His response, although late, was honorable. Timing is a crucial part of vengeance in this story though. Bijarni, the ruler of Hof, had a different role in society, but his honor was still of great importance. Bijarni?s honor was questioned by his servants, his wife, and others because they felt his reverence had been stained by Thorstein. His lack of action against Thorstein made him weak in the eyes of others. He had been challenged, but he had not yet accepted the challenge. When honor is seen as challenged there must be action taken or soundness will be questioned. Thorhall and Thorvald questioned Bijarni?s honor in gossip, and in rumor. Bijarni then instructed the two to leave, and return with Thorstein?s head, as he can not stand by while his servants continue to question his credibility and valance to stand up for his departed entourage. That would be dishonorable to himself. When honor is questioned it shows doubt, and damages its credibility, therefore it is not respected by others. When honor is not respected, one?s image can be severely damaged, or tarnished. When ?Bijarni the killer?s? own wife insults his honor he must continue the ongoing struggle in protecting his trustworthiness, and defend himself once again by proving himself to her to. This honor system is an ongoing saga of life itself in the time of ?Thorstein The Staff-Struck?. He must first put her in her place for such reasons as her behavior and actions resembling ?in his eyes?, that of a typical women. His role as master must be Page 3 made clear to her, as well as his honor made clear to Thorstein before he can even begin to rest assured that his position as ?Bijarni he killer? stands true and strong . Bijarni thinks and acts in a manner that reflects upon the relationship between a man?s masculinity and his honor. In the era in which the tale originates, masculinity and honor are somewhat integrated. This relationship between the two also proves itself true in Thorstein?s dealings with Bijarni?s men, and eventually Bijarni himself. A great deal of a man?s ability to uphold, and gain honor relies on the amount of masculinity that he is capable of displaying, and using in his own favor. The timing of this display is also crucial because when it?s not being displayed it can easily be questioned as to whether or not it even exists. The display is crucial because it must be made clear to the eyes in a society were action takes all precedence over everything else. This is a time of actions. Actions tend to speak louder than words in this type of an