I notice that when children take an interest in gangs, most adults immediately discourage them instead of trying to explore why children would want to be in gangs in the first place. I have thought about this issue as one who works with children and have come up with reasons why the gang culture appeals to children.

1. Gangs are like a family. There is guidance and there is protection. In fact, some gangs have bylaws, like a society in itself. Whether they live up to this bylaws is another issue. In a world of broken homes, children look for family to belong to. Gang members protect each other, whereas sometimes parents abuse their children, reject them, or at least don't listen to them.

2. Gangs exemplify toughness. Sometimes children are beaten up and made to feel very weak. Some children retreat to their own worlds where they are strong, feared, and/or loved. The gang lifestyle of showing strength against enemies by "defending" territory, and having dangerous initiation rites, give the impression of the gang as a symbol of strength. That symbol of strength draws children, especially when they feel they are respected in the group.

3. Another drawing power of gangs is the promise of easy money. For some, moneyis a pressing problem. However, for some, it is easier to get money doing illegal activities than doing honest work. Therefore, no matter the danger, they would rather dedicate themselves to the gang than become law abiding citizens.

     I hope this reflection makes us think of how to serve our children instead of judging them for becoming affiliated with gangs. Some preliminary thoughts are the importance of family. The church, or at least a family in the church can start becoming fathers, mothers, and siblings to children who have no families. We must reiterate that toughness is not the way to peace but following Jesus to the cross. Humility and the acceptance of weakness is the way to peace. Finally, we must reiterate the importance of work (God made man to work that creation would benefit mankind), that it develops character and makes us good citizens in God's world. Who knows, maybe gangs that are usually devoted to the destruction of order may become devoted to brotherhood and service.