History of MS-13
Mara Salvatrucha is among the latest gangs that have grown within the last 20 years. It was well managed by the late 1980s in Los Angeles. The name was derived from La Mara which is a street in San Salvador where the Salvatrucha guerillas had fought in a violent civil war in El Salvador. MS-13 gang members identify each other by their attire which is blue and white (Watchers 1). They also have tattoos on their bodies.
The gang members are involved in illegal activities including robbery, killings, illicit drugs, rape and prostitution. The gang carries out its activities in about 33 states and has recorded a membership of more than 30,000 members. Their main weapon is a machete (Saferschools 1).
Reasons and How Kids Get into Gangs
It is surprising that the gang members are inclusive of young children. This fact is quite disturbing. In this gang, very young children are referred to as “Wannabees”; it is claimed that the children at times can be as young as 8 years old. Those who are slightly older than middle school age are the majority. Girls also form part of the gang. Young people get into this group as a result of peer influence as they look for a place to belong.
The recruitment exercise is said to be quite horrifying. New members have to be beaten thoroughly by gang members so as to prove their tolerance and their ability to be brutal (Saferschools 1). It is further required that before becoming a member one must “commit a violent act against someone else- a beating, a rape or a murder” (Dimensions 1). Girls are usually initiated into the group by being raped by several men (Dimensions 1).
Police Strategy
Deportation is one means of combating the gang. In a program known as Operation Community Shield, about 1600 gang members with about 800 MS-13 members have been arrested and many have been deported. However, this method sometimes frustrates because deported people find their way back to the US (Schorn 3).
How to prevent Kids from Joining the Gangs
Training programs should be emphasized in all schools to children and teachers. This will create awareness. The issue should be taken with seriousness and all schools should ensure training to the children so that they do not become victims of the gangs. Schools should also create a favorable environment where children feel appreciated and feel a sense of belonging. They should also avoid any form of discrimination so that the children feel loved and accepted. Any discrimination and negative comments from the administration or by fellow students affect children psychologically and can make them look for alternatives (Saferschools 1).
Parent’s educational programs should also be implemented so as to ensure good parenting skills. Parents should encourage their children to do their best in school so as to prevent discontinuation. Parents should also ensure that they are good role models. They should have other role models who stand out in society so as to encourage positive behavior. The children’s leisure time should be spent in beneficial activities with friends of good morals. It is also important to appreciate children when they do well and encourage them when they fail. Mentorship from religious groups is also helpful (Prevent 1).
Works Cited
Dimensions. Altered. MS-13 Gang, 2011. Web.
Prevent. How can we prevent children from Joining Gangs? City of Salem, 2011. Web.
Saferschools. Worst of the Worst. Keys to Safer Schools, 1999. Web.
Schorn, Daniel. The Fight Against MS-13. CBS News, 2009. Web.
Watchers. Gang. Gang Watchers, n.d. Web. 2011.