Introduction
The term culture refers to the norms and social behavior of a given community or group of people. It encompasses both the materialistic and non-materialistic elements of society. In a broader view, it entails the beliefs, values, artifacts, language, and symbols known to a particular category of individuals. Every group of people has a unique culture that unites them together. This presentation will analyze the gang culture in the USA by focusing on examining its key elements.
Gang Culture in the USA
A gang is a group of associates that comes together to fulfill their purposes. It may involve family members, friends, or comrades who claim control over a given territory. Gangs are involved in criminal activities such as theft, intimidation, robbery, kidnapping, and other forms of violence. In most cases, they are formed as a result of social exclusion and discrimination that drives them to have a similar objective to accomplish. They operate in cities, towns, and urban centers where they have influence and knowledge of the system around them.
There are different classes of gangs which include prison, motorcycle, local, and street bands. Organizations have unique ways of identifying themselves from other syndicates (Lauchs, 2020). The norms, values, and beliefs also vary from one group to another. In most cases, the clothing style and way of life diverge from the normal societal way. Each gang has a leader and organizational structure that members respect and comply with the issued orders (Godart & Galunic, 2019). Furthermore, there is an aspect of the clash when one gang group crosses another’s territory. Currently, the associations incorporate both males and females, each having varied roles to play.
Symbols
Different gangs in the USA have various symbols that help them identify themselves in a unique manner. Signs play a vital role in enhancing unity and togetherness amongst the syndicate members. It also evokes the emotions that drive the organization to perform its activities. Gangs in the US use body tattoos to identify the membership and loyalty of associates. Other groups use specific colors, such as black and red, to differentiate and align their common interest as participants. Similarly, some bands have nonverbal communication that they use to indicate and convey a coded message to colleagues.
Language
Generally, gangs in the US have their own language, which they use as a symbol. They have different slang for communication among members of the group. Each syndicate interprets the dialect they use, and in most cases, they have coded meaning that only associates comprehend. For instance, the Bloods gang participants use “SuWoop!” to mean police siren. The hidden meaning allows them to execute illegal activities with limited exposure because the majority do not understand their terms. Linguistic culture also signifies the unity and oneness of the organizations and is effective in enhancing their operations.
Norms
The gang culture, just like any other society set up, has norms they follow. Gang syndicates have different standards and behavioral expectations. For example, in the Blood gang association, members are prohibited from having an argument in public. It is their norm to remain calm and unreactive in the presence of non-participants. Organizations have well-defined rules that govern their behavior. Each category has its own beliefs that are considered important for the well-being of the association. The morals portrayed by members are allowed based on the underlying norms of the respective association. All participants are expected to adhere to the norms of failure to attract discipline cases.
Values
Different gang groups have varied values they recognize and guide their activities. The underlined values shape and influence their judgment and decisions during operations. For instance, most participants value the activities, and they prioritize the actions over family and other things which are not directly related to gang operations. Defending members of the syndicate are critical and makes them feel harmony (Tyler, 2020). Syndicates value dominance which makes them have territorial conflicts. In most cases, the gang groups clash over whom to manage a given location. They are materialistic and believe in acquiring resources to remain effective and in control.
Artifacts
Artifacts are one of the important elements of the US gang groups. They are martial objects that enhance their beliefs in the operations. Every syndicate group has the most valued artifacts that facilitate their activities. Currently, most organizations own computer systems, weapons, and other stuff that enhance their actions. For instance, rifles and knives are the most valued items for promoting and instilling fear amongst the communities and individuals they terrorize. Having the objects makes them feel brave and ready to act in the interest of the group members.
Gang members have the tendency to wear sweaters to cover their physical identities. The majority, especially leaders of the organizations, have jewelry such as long necklaces. In most cases, gangs prefer operating in abandoned buildings in cities or local settings. Advancement in technology has made them possess wireless devices such as phones to facilitate criminal activities. They also value pictures of people who have been offenders and old magazines that capture past crime stories. Artifacts are essential in influencing the gang’s lives and how they conduct their activities.
Conclusion
In the US, gang groups have different cultural practices that differentiate them from each other. They have languages they use which have coded meanings that only syndicate members can easily decode. They also value possessing some types of material objects and have varied living styles. The organizations value owning guns, phones, and other jewelry. Furthermore, criminal associations have specific standards that dictate and guide their activities. Members have strong values that influence their judgment and decision before engaging in any action. Apart from norms and beliefs, the associates have unique symbols that signify unity among participants. For example, some have a particular tattoo on the same body part to indicate the togetherness of the members.
References
Godart, F. C., & Galunic, C. (2019). Explaining the popularity of cultural elements: Networks, culture, and the structural embeddedness of high fashion trends. Organization Science, 30(1), 151-168. Web.
Lauchs, M. (2020). A global survey of outlaw motorcycle gang formation. Deviant Behavior, 41(12), 1524-1539. Web.
Tyler, S. (2020). The elements of culture. Human Behavior and the Social Environment I. Web.