http://theselvedgeyard.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/robert-yager-la-gang-tattoo-15.jpg?w=600&h=400

While roaming the internet for some pictures on gang violence and drug abuse. I came across this intriguing photograph. In my observations, I notice the tattoos on all these men and how the man in the middle is looking down at his tattoos and the focus of the other men are all on the guy in the middle. I would presume that these men are getting their gang symbols and markings tattooed on them. Gang members tend to do this as a sign of loyalty and respect to their fellow members and the gang itself. I believe men and women join gangs for multiple reasons like family issues, sometimes family life isn't as good so people turn to gangs to obtain the feeling of having a group of people to turn to. Another reason could be that it was something they grew up around and really never got to experience life outside of gang membership. With being a gang member can come a lot of problems. Sometimes gangs are involved in drug  dealing or fighting other gangs over drugs and territory. Gang life has it's pros and cons and most of the time it's cons are noticed a lot more than the pros. 

- Nisa Marckese