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Are your children being recruited by gangs?
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Could street gangs be recruiting kids in the Spokane area?
Let’s look at some of the facts that seem to point in that direction. The Spokane area never really had much of a gang problem in the past, that is, up until about five years ago. Coincidentally, it was about five years ago when rap artist Snoop Dogg, released one of at least three songs that mentioned Spokane in the lyrics. Snoop Dogg, who is believed to still a member of the Crips street gang from the Los Angeles area ( you can often see him wearing the signature blue handkerchief) not only mentioned Spokane in the lyrics, but the theme of the songs were in recruiting gang banging and prostitution. Songs like “Still a G. Thang”, (the G stands for gang) which promotes gang activity in Spokane as well as Detroit, St. Louis, Little Rock, and Houston (these other cities also saw a rise in gang activity). Also the songs; ‘Joystick” ( promotes abuse to women and prostitution) have become very popular with a large portion of today’s youth. Rap artist Tech N9ne, (like the assault gun) also mentions Spokane in his song “Relish “, where the lyrics express shooting people down, “town where I’m from Spokane got a gun.” Tech N9ne in an interview explains, about his "'Absolute Power' over hte minds of his audiance as he is able to move a sea of people through his words, his beats & his heart.'
Just last year in July of 2008, multiple indictments were unsealed which charged over 40 federal crimes against 24 members and associates of the Crips and Gangster Disciples gangs. Numerous counts of distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, nemesis and other drugs from the Spokane area. Also an indictment charged a gang associate with two counts of coercing juvenile females to engage in prostitution. This child exploitation enterprise was fueled by Internet advertisements.
Many parents don’t bother to actually listen to the songs that their children are listening to. Although not all rap music is gang-related, a large portion of it is. Gang Rap music has some of the most disturbing lyrics you could imagine. As a parent, I would suggest listening to what your children might have on their MP3 players. Gang Rap music is very influential as it plays a beat in time with the heartbeat, which can be very hypnotical and can easily send negative messages through your child’s subconscious. I am convinced that the violent messages in these types of songs can help spawn anxieties that can lead to drugs alcohol or excessive sexual tension in your child.
Things to be aware of that may indicate your child is being influenced into gangs:
• Does your child have sudden fits of anger?
• Does your child ware some type of jewelry with the ZIP code (marking gang territory)?
• Has your child grown distant or is experimenting in drugs or alcohol?
• Has your child been bringing home excessive merchandise that you’re not sure how they paid for it?
These are just a few samples of ways violence is distributed to our children. If you’re interested in hearing more in ways of building safer Schools and Communities, please subscribe for I will be writing many more articles to come on this subject.
Gang problems in Spokane Area
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