How do you think we can stop gang violence and help get kids off the streets?

Question

Well, recently a cousin of mine was shot through the head, and though he has not died, yet theres a good chance he might not survive. He was an innocent bystander, shot because a boy wanted to join a gang. This situation has broken many hearts and maybe getting kids off the street, and to not have them influenced as much will help. Rap stars aren't great role models, but maybe everyday people can help these kids who don't work with a mind of their own.

Answer 1

First of all, I'm sorry about what happened to your cousin. :[

I think kids should have a class for this sort of thing (sort of like sex ed and drug ed). Maybe some of the kids who want to be in gangs/ are in gangs don't realize what kind of trouble they are causing? Many others don't know what else they could be doing insted of hurting innocent people.Also, I've heard that some people are in gangs becuase they're having troubles with their family so they look for other people to be with. In this case, the other people happen to be kids in gangs. Parents should try to keep their relationships with their kids strong. Having said this, careless parents are another reason kids want to be in gangs. Their parents don't really care too much about them or what their doing and if if can get them into any sort of trouble.

Long story, short, education and strong families are what we need to keep kids off the street.

Answer 2

Most of the problem has to do with the environment these kids grow up in. There is very little hope to do anything with your life. As someone who has grown up in some pretty harsh areas I know that it is very difficult to stay out of trouble and if you live in a gang controlled area you almost do not have a choice. You either join or you get beat down.

To be honest the only thing that kept me from going down that path was that my parents decided to move to a nicer area when I was in my early teens.

As for a solution, it's hard. Problem is that any good message gets drowned out by all the bad that presents it self in a poor neighborhood. Gangs appear to be very fun and cool to a young kid. The OG's have power, money, cars, women, etc and that's something that every young boy dreams to have. Also a lot of kids in gangs have a horrible family life so when they join a gang they are finally shown "love" and are part of a "family". Plus once you are in, you are in pretty much til death, with very few exceptions. Then once you get in the system (prison, jail, etc) it's even harder to turn your life around because no one will give you a chance. So most go right back to gang banging and the cycle continues.

As for the rappers being role models. That's not their jobs. Most rock stars aren't role models either. Rappers are just cashing in on what people want to hear. Actually the white kids in the suburbs are the ones driving most hip hop music. If rap wasn't popular with all people it'd fall off the map and go back to being a fringe music like it was in the late 70's and early 80's.

Answer 3

I think the problem that is at the heart of gang violence is poverty. Maybe if everyone was given access to equal education(as opposed to wealthier places having better public schools) then poor people wouldn't feel so hopless about thier situations, to the point where the only solutions they can see is dealing drugs and killing eachother. It's really sorry to hear terrible stories like that of your cousin, and the fact that this kind of violence is "normal" is a symptom of a very sick society.

I hope your cousin gets better.

Answer 4

Everything stars as a child.I believe that if my parent would have been around for me as a lil. girl I wouldn't of joined a gang.I'm sorry to hear about your cousin.I also lost many friends and a uncle to gang violence.So i guess better parenting .Talk to your kids.Take the time to do stuff with them.Get involve in there school activities cause ones a kid is a teen it's way to hard to make up for all that was not done as a child.

Answer 5

Well, I think part of this is because Rap stars ARE role models. The role's they're creating are crap but they pretend that parents should control what their kids watch, or listen to...and that's enough. It's not. If it were...you wouldn't have so many 12 year olds carrying guns. It's not JUST up to parents or JUST Rap stars or JUST the clergy to stop this. This needs to be a group effort.

I'm sorry about your cousin. I hope he has a full recovery!

Answer 6

oh my god im so sorry i feel so bad for your cousin!! i just hope we CAN stop gang violence because there's so much going on the violence might just continue without stopping. i was mugged a few months ago now (dont retort im only in my pre-teens) & the guy would've killed me if i hadnt given him my money. i hope your question will get many people to consider & try to help stop gang violence.

Good luck to your cousin & your cause.

Answer 7

Listen you, i used to be in that same situation. Yeah shooting people, joining Latin Kings. I been through that and theres NO way of getting us out of the streets got that? I chose not to get into anymore trouble because i saw my mom crying and i felt bad. Right now im laying low so i wont be killed before i graduate. Take this from a person who went through this: THERES NO WAY OF GETTING KIDS OF THE STREETS AND RAPPERS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM!!!!

Sorry about your cuz though...I know how he feels but i wasnt capped in the head...I'll pray for him..

Answer 8

I don't know the answer but that breaks my heart about your cousin. The gangs that make killing someone, anyone, part of initiation are just souless, heartless b*stards. I am so sorry for your family.

Answer 9

U AINT EVER GONNA GET RID OF GANGS. DA BEST THING TO DO IS STAY AWAY FROM GANG MEMBERS.

Answer 10

Make all the mothers stay home to rasie the children.