Gang as defined by Merriam-Webster is a group of criminals. In modern day America, gangs have transcended this rudimentary definition of them and have evolved into vast criminal enterprises. Gang emergence throughout American history has largely been fueled by both immigration and poverty, a way for culture groups in specific regions to unite against the oppressive majority that inhibited their prosperity. This sense of brotherhood and belonging caused gang affiliations in America to explode to unprecedented levels. Gang principles and values are on display in many aspects of modern day American culture. Gangs possess a certain aura around them in America and have been deemed "hip" or "cool" due to mainstream forms of media. Whether it's Lil Wayne reciting the Blood's rally cry "suwoop" on a hit song, Snoop Dogg's adamant proclamation of his Crips affiliation, or Sons of Anarchy's glorification of the Biker ethos, Television executives, rappers, and Hip-Hop music in general have made enormous sums of money glorifying the gang way of life by painting it as a theology on par with any religion. .
Gangs in America have existed since the end of the Revolutionary War, but their scope of influence has never been higher than it is today. In all four regions of America (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West) multitudes of gangs practice a "by any means necessary" approach to protecting their assets and financial endeavors. [How10](Endeavors which include but are not limited to prostitution, drug dealing, heists, extortion, etc.) Brutality and violence is the main tool utilized by gangs to assert their dominance over a territory, and they will not think twice about ending a life if ending said life is deemed beneficial to the gang's continued success. The sheer amount of money these gangs generate and their dominance over the lower income sections of American cities and towns raises an important question.
Annotated Bibliography The Death Penalty for Juveniles The following research draws upon different opinions and perceptions for and against the further enactment of the death penalty for juvenile offenders. ... Recent polls indicated that 70% of the American public favor capital punishment which reflects the society's attitude to get tough with offenders. ...