Did racism play a role in the development of gangs?

The African American gang phenomenon is one of the most significant social problems in American society today.  Many urban African American youths participate in gangs and the phenomenon is quickly spreading to suburban areas, such as Port Washington.  As a result of the gang presence there is an extremely high crime rate in areas throughout the nation that would be considered “ghettos.”  Children in these areas live in fear and are constantly pressured to join gangs.  Drop out rates and homicide rates are higher among black males than any other group.  Ever since the problem exploded in the mid- nineteen-hundreds, researchers have been trying to pin point the causes of the gang phenomenon. One controversy is whether or not racism is a major factor in the development of African American gangs.  In my opinion, in order to put an end to the phenomenon of gangs, society must put an end to racism. 

Black gangs initially formed as a reaction to the prejudice and violence directed toward them from whites. Blacks faced housing restrictions and prejudice in white neighborhoods that were looking to remain white.  In an effort to intimidate their black neighbors, white youth often formed gangs and made it clear that blacks were not welcome in the local schools, playgrounds and residences.  This intimidation could at times be violent.  In an effort to protect themselves, blacks formed gangs as well.

Racism also made unemployment a very common issue amongst African American families.  Historically, many white businesses refused to hire black men.  As a result, black families had, and continue to have, economic difficulties.  It is more difficult for the average African American family to achieve the American dream particularly in African American ghettoes where there is extreme poverty.  Crime and drugs are attractive to poor black youths because there are few legitimate ways to make money.  Joining a gang can be seen basically as a job opportunity.  In addition, black women had an easier time finding work than black men because they could work as domestics.  As a result many women raised their children as single parents.   The fact that these women were working much of the time left the children with no supervision.  A decrease in supervision means an increase in gang participation.

African American children also face discrimination in the area of education.  Many white families send their children to private schools rather than have them attend schools with a high percentage of minority students.  Schools in African American neighborhoods receive less funding, have poorer quality teachers, inadequate materials and a higher percentage of problematic students.  As a result of this many students get an inadequate education and there is a high drop out rate which makes black youth more likely to join gangs.

            There is a great deal of debate as to weather or not racism is a factor in the development of African American gangs.  Black gangs initially developed as a reaction to prejudice and violence perpetrated by whites.  In addition, racism limits housing, economic, and educational opportunities for black youth which ensures the continuation of black gangs. Although, it is true that poverty is a more direct cause of the gang phenomenon, racism is at the root of this poverty. In my opinion racism is, without a doubt, a highly significant factor in the problem of African American gangs.