Introduction
Gangs use various signs and symbols to communicate different messages. Gang sub-culture has taken root in many urban areas across the world. Gang members have unique signs and symbols which they use to distinguish themselves from members of other gangs. This paper will discuss various signs and symbols commonly used in gangs and how they impact on the way gang members interact.
Hand Signs
Gang members use hand signs to pass across different messages to their peers. These messages are only understood by gang members. Gang members use these signs to pass across instructions to their fellow members to do particular actions. These hand signs are done through symbols of letters or gestures to convey certain meanings.
In many urban societies, gang culture has become one of the most common methods of self-expression. Hand signs make it possible for gang members to interact and exchange specific information related to their own dealings (Carlie, 2002). These signs help to convey different types of messages which a gang member is supposed to carry out as expected of him.
Hand signs are normally accompanied by other gestures to convey visual messages to targeted recipients. Walking styles and other forms of body language help to communicate different ideas between gang members. Sometimes, they serve as warnings of imminent arrests from law enforcement officers.
Hand signs can also be used to warn a gang member of a possible violent attack by members of an opposing gang. Gang affiliation is a sub-culture which has gained popularity among many young people. Hand signals are used to communicate anger, feelings of disrespect or other desires between two or more gang members (Carlie, 2002). Therefore, gang members use these signs to show their loyalty and the pride they have in being members of their gang.
Tattoos
Tattoos are some of the most common signs used to identify gang members. Gang members use tattoos to show the respect they command within their gangs. These tattoos serve as symbols of activities which an individual gang member has done to show his loyalty. Gang members who are willing to endure pain and torture without revealing secret criminal dealings of their gangs are highly respected.
Therefore, tattoos are used to show how valuable they are to their gangs and the roles they play as members of their respective gangs (Schneider, 1999, p. 67). Gang members who have gone to prison for one offence or another are also highly regarded and this is shown through tattoos they have on their bodies. Some tattoos are used to show the number of people a gang member has killed or the activity which he has done to earn the respect of his fellow gang members.
Therefore, tattoos are some of the most common symbols used in gang sub-cultures for different reasons. They can also be used to show respect for fellow gang members killed by other rival gangs. In many instances, gang members use tattoos to show their masculinity and bravado so as to intimidate other people. Tattoos are symbols of rebellion to the rule of law and order, which is one of the most common values gangs are known for.
Some gang members also believe in various myths which they believe have strong relevance to their gangs (Schatzberg, p. 59). They etch tattoos on their bodies to signify that they revere these mythologies because of the value attached to them by their gangs. They are socialized by their leaders to attach a lot of value to these myths to enable them perform their roles effectively.
Graffiti and other Symbols
Other symbols which are commonly used by gangs include graffiti, clothing, accessories, colors and language. Graffiti is used to mark out territories in urban areas where gangs obtain illegal revenue from. These visual displays serve to warn other rival gangs not to do any ‘business’ in those locations failure to which they will face violent repercussions. Graffiti is also used to threaten members of particular gangs with violence if they continue doing a particular activity in a certain area (Klein, 2006, p. 79).
Clothes, accessories and different colors are used to identify members of a gang and their attachment to its values. Sagging pants was a common form of gang expression used in the 1990’s to communicate various messages on male sexuality. Some gangs have their own language which members use to communicate to stop their secrets from leaking out to law enforcement officers.
All these signs help to convey particular messages about gangs and their sub-cultures. Gang members are socialized to appreciate these signs because they strengthen their loyalty to their gangs. Signs and symbols help to make members aware on activities which they are supposed to do and how they are supposed to do them.
These symbols are also pronouncements of deeds which have occurred or have not yet taken place. Signs and symbols help to convey various values and attitudes which gang members in various urban locations have a lot of pride in.
References
Carlie, M. (2002). Graffiti and other gang identifiers. Into the abyss:A personal journey into the world of street gangs.
Klein, M.W. (2006). Street gang patterns and policies. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Schatzberg, R. (1993). Black organized crime in Harlem: 1920-1930. New York, NY: Garland Publishing.
Schneider, E.C. (1999). Vampires-dragons-and Egyptian kings: Youth gangs in postwar New York. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1999.