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Jacinta Malinda was the name I was given by my oldies. The year 1990 was the greatest because it's the year i was born. I study so my grandparents stay off my back. My PASSION in life is travelling. I have an ongoing relationship with "music festivals," they love me and I love them in return. I was once an addict of chips and gravy however my new addiction is cut up strawberries with yoghurt. Feet and Huntsman spiders freak me out beyond belief. When I grow up I want to be the first FEMALE PRIME MINISTER of Australia.

Tribal Loyalty Has Replaced Family Ties

Generally the term, “youth gang” provokes images of violence, destruction, drug use, dealing and crime. They are the people who communities and families fear. They are law enforcer’s worst nightmare. They are the saviours for those who have collapsed families.
According to 'Encarta' the term “gang” is a group of young troublemaking people who spend time together for social reasons and may engage in delinquent behaviour.

Children as young as 8 with weapons

The history of gangs in Australia goes back at least 100 years. There are many types of gangs other then youth gangs , these include:

· Middle Eastern gangs
E.g. The Muslim Brotherhood
· Outlaw Motorcycle gangs
E.g. Hells Angels
· East and Southeast Asian gangs
E.g. Four Aces

There are many reasons as to why people join gangs. Gangs provide social support, solidarity, excitement, fun and new experiences, a sense of protection, possible opportunities for economic gain and most importantly a sense of belonging and identity.

Research has shown youth gangs are increasing due to a lack of adult role models in their lives. Gangs compensate for family by providing members by creating a sense of belonging. They believe gang members will always be there when they need them the most. Gangs function similarly to family, often creating family-like relationships in the groups to which they belong.

“It was a family. We protected each other. We took care of each other. We stole for each other.”
- Female Youth Member

Those who participate in youth gangs are often poorly educated and are from low income broken families. Youth are simply not receiving the parental care they need which is driving the numbers of youth gangs to increase which in turn is allowing gang members to think their tribes are more like family. So many are just craving a sense of belonging, can we really blame them for wanting it?

For whatever reason it is so sad to think that the youth of today feel as though they have no other choice but to join a gang. Is the underlining issue here the quality of modern parenting? Should we consider investing more time into our youth and more money into self esteem and counselling programs? Until change is implemented youth gangs will continue to see their tribes as a close brotherhood and an even closer family.


Edited by Jess M

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