An Insight Into Gangs (Part 2)

Or

Understanding Is Not The Same As Excusing

In the Prime Ministers speech today, David Cameron commented on the ‘holds’ gangs have on their members. This I think, is slightly missing the point. Any possible hold a gang has on its members is immaterial to the gang member, until they are at such times as they either don’t wish to act out something, or, wish to leave. Either can invariably be some time along the path.

We’re not talking about kids being ‘pressed ganged’ into joining. They join of their own volition. The reasons why they feel the need to join are just as important as creating situations where they want to leave.

Identity is one such reason, and it’s closely linked cousin – Purpose. Fragmentation of traditional structures have lead to the curious situation of many not wishing to be a part of society, yet continuing to feel the need to belong. Identity gives one that sense of belonging. And from that a sense of purpose grows.

Governments adopting a more ‘pseudo-parental’ role in peoples lives naturally invites the front-line branches of said governments to be the first to receive the brunt of angst from citizens. At the very least apathy grows toward the many forms of authority, for many reasons.

Ultimately the reasons why one embarks on a life of crime are never an excuse. Often used, quite successfully in court in ‘mitigation’ of crimes committed, it is my view their only real value is in understanding the mindset of the criminal. With a view to learning lessons on how best to intervene.

The almost listless lives of so many, preferring to spend their time playing games consoles in their formative years, shutting themselves off from the world. It’s as if they are automatically conditioning themselves to exist within one room, one building. Much like prison.

In many ways leading a lonely life, experience a breakdown of society many of us never did when we were growing up. Not only being unable to have anyone to communicate their feelings too, they are socially conditioned to be unable to. Having spent so much time in the false worlds of the LCD or plasma screen, the skill sets required on how to think laterally in life, are severely retarded.

Feeling out of place in this society. Angry, if even sub-consciously – that the state whom so publicly felt it their duty to direct oneself in so many ways, is simply not there, or not there enough at crisis points. Of course, as you are probably beginning to feel already, it is all too easy to begin the path of understanding that will, without warning bring you to a place of making excuses for these people. That, serves no-one, and is completely useless.

The reality is, with the erosion of traditional values, we naturally view this as some form of breakdown of society. Whether it is or not, or is merely change in some highly uncomfortable way, I leave to the philosophers. Change is happening though, has been for some time. Most in society can’t understand it, for if they did something more effective would be done. The youth of today certainly can’t understand it. Without anyone with responsibility they can immediately turn to, they gravitate towards those within their communities whom they can identify with also having no identity. Hence a collection of angry, dis-disillusioned people who feel failed by their ‘parent’ – the State.

Gang members feel (at least in the early stages) a real sense of appreciation to the gang, and it’s leaders. In this world of violence being so normal, it is an effective recruitment tool to play on the fears of needing protection, which apparently only a gang can give. It was used toward myself also. The loyalty, and brotherhood some may be experiencing for the first time in their lives. It is akin to the way one feels for their family, even for their children. It goes that deep.

Make no mistake though, this isn’t some benign support group for lonely people. Gangs need to keep up an atmosphere of fear, and they do this through violence & intimidation. Even mindless violence, such as we have saw in the UK riots is very important.

I make the point that not only was the riots about anger & theft, but once they were beginning to get under-way, reputation among the different gangs was a high priority. And causing as much damage in their own communities may have harmed the area economically, but will have been of great propaganda to the gangs involved. Both among others gangs, and indeed the community. In many ways, this is the point. The gangs get their power in particular via fear & awe among the youths in their areas. Harming economic interests in their own communities is immaterial to them. They will happily live among derelict ‘ghost estates’. This is what many people are unable to understand. I see it often spoke about in the media. People asking why do they do this to their own areas. Their lifestyle, and reality, is not reliant on how well a community is economically. They fund themselves via crime. Either drugs locally, or travelling to commit other crimes. The more degraded, and poor an area is, the more it lends to the angst & boredom of the people growing up in it. This serves as a further recruitment tool for the gangs, naturally blaming the government for letting their area down. For apparently ignoring their needs. and, the boredom helps their drugs business. What else is there to do? As families move out, and more innocent people become displaced as a result of the criminal activity it further feeds the breakdown of family within society. A constant circle.

The riots will have been a major recruitment boost to gangs also. People will have shared high adrenaline activities alongside them, that otherwise would not have at any other time. This will have been noticed, and alliances forged, recommendations gave. Street credibility increased. Now we have people that are ‘important’. Recognised among their communities. Being feared is a curious, yet drug like experience.

Once a person experiences this, and provided they do enjoy this twisted acknowledgement, to feed this feeling more, further crimes need to be committed. I’d read today that the government is looking at targeting gangs in a more proactive way nationally. This is very important, and I hope it is enacted very soon. It is important to intervene with the newer members, before it is too late. Using the law to break up the gangs is crucial. Yet only one aspect of the challenges.

Mostly, gang member, and indeed criminals, don’t wish to change their lifestyle until something drastic happens. Often that may be the sudden realisation after many years of prison, that this life simply isn’t for them. A lot of heartache up until that point.

Can Anything Change
Punitive measures on their own are shown to have little harmful effect on criminal activity. Rather, prison is a criminals ‘university’. Like some form of twisted ‘summer camp’, the people who act out this form of civilian terrorism congregate within it’s walls. Networking, learning, expanding their knowledge. Looking at any single concept/tactic on it’s own will tend to greatly fall short in effectiveness however. Punitive measures are essential, both for the example that there are consequences to ones actions, and equally for the satisfaction & morale of the innocent victims and society in general. And losing ones freedom can be quite useful. Under the right framework.

The UK prison service has for some years now begun to move away from punishment solely, and focus on rehabilitation. There are many options for a prisoner, though this will depend on many factors, including what prison they are in. Sadly though, resources mean there is often not enough places for the multitude of prisoners in the system. And, many, including those on remand, are not required to do certain activities if they don’t wish to. In this respect, rehabilitation of offenders, when they may be at their most receptive and workable, is still not being used to it’s full potential…

To be continued..