This episode of 20th Century investigates the growing problem of gang membership and gang violence in American society. While gangs have been a part of the American landscape throughout its history, particularly in the 20th century, gangs today are more violent than their predecessors. Gang violence is responsible for the high incidence of death among young men and women; the life expectancy of a male gang member is 19 years. Gang Violence in America goes into the mean streets of America's cities to speak with gang members and to try to decipher why adolescent gang membership is increasing. Join host Mike Wallace in trying to unravel the mystery of gangs' allure and mystique, and why American adolescents and young adults are so drawn to membership. Gang Violence in America would be useful for classes on American History, Sociology, Urban Studies, and Ethnic Studies. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• affirmation
• cohesive
• dubious
• epitomize
• expendable
• inadvertently
• initiated
• lethal
• litany
• marginalized
• phenomenon
• profusion
• proliferation
• rituals

1. Given the fact that the life expectancy of a gang member is only 19 years old, why would any one want to join a gang? What is it about gangs that members and prospective members find appealing?

2. While gang membership and gang violence is on the rise in America, gangs are not a new phenomenon. What is the history of gang membership in the United States?

3. Throughout the 20th century, membership in an ethnic group has been a hallmark of gang cohesion. Why would immigrants and members of ethnic or minority groups be drawn to membership? How do gangs provide ethnic cohesion?

4. How has Hollywood glamorized gangs and gang membership?

5. What is the relationship between drugs and gangs?

6. Most gangs are located in poor, urban neighborhoods. What roles do poverty and unemployment play in gangs and gang membership?

7. What do gangs provide to adolescents and young men and women that is perhaps lacking in other areas of their lives?

8. Most of the gang members interviewed for Gang Violence in America mentioned the respect and status gang membership provides. How can gangs provide this respect and status? Why do the members need gangs to achieve this respect and status?

1. Research your local newspapers for any reports of gang violence in your area, then write an essay analyzing the results of your research. Were you surprised by your findings?

2. Compare any famous Hollywood movie's portrayal of gangs with the reality of gangs and gang violence. Create a visual report (poster, video tape, etc.) that portrays the difference between the romantic Hollywood version and the reality of gangs.

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