Family Matters
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The Gang's All Here
by Janet Tubbs
hen
does a club becomes a gang?
Young people are very 
critical
of themselves and sensitive to other's comments and
perceptions. They may feel inadequate in the way they
look, talk, dress, and interact with peers and the
opposite sex (a big one). Because of these blossoming
emotions, they often turn to others who share their
frustrations or anger. When enough have joined together,
they have a club.
So, when does a club become a gang?
- Usually when violence is involved. Often a prospective member must be "initiated" into the club by doing something dangerous or illegal, ard these acts are becoming increasingly more violent. Drive-by shootings, car-jacking, robberies, muggings, rape, theft, and even murder are accepted forms of initiation into some gangs.
- When they wear certain colors to indicate the allegiance to a particular gang.
- When their mission is racially motivated (e.g. KKK, Skinheads).
- When they try to separate prospective members from their friends and family by taking up all of their spare time and being with them constantly.
- When they demand "demonstrations of faith" by suggesting or insisting you give them your money or possessions, of leave them the bulk of your estate.
- When they feed on guilt and fear by saying, "If you don't do this, that will happen."
The last two are particularly true of religious cults and organizations that claim:
- 100% of what they say is fact and to question is blasphemy.
- Their way is the only way and non-conformers will go to Hell.
- Their magazines print articles by "experts" that contain "absolute truth" and it's their duty to convert those who do not believe.
- Something disastrous will happen to the church or the members if they don't raise enough money to prevent it. There's usually a deadline, which passes without calamity.
Today's children know more about gang activity and drugs than any previous generation, often by involvement.
They need to know the signs of a gang or cult, but first and foremost, they need to have such a high regard for themselves that joining such an organization has no appeal and would serve no purpose.
And the creating of this security begins in the cradle. If your child is out of the cradle, it's still not too late. The fact that you're reading this article is proof that you care.
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Janet Tubbs is founder and president of Children’s Resource Center, in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is also one of the Founders of VegSource. Her column, Family Matters, is a regular feature of VegSource On-Line Magazine.
You can visit Janet's home page by clicking on this link: