Tasks: Gangs - Safety in Numbers?

Research

Search the Internet
Read the article Gang facts and answer the questions:

1. How many gangs and gang members are there in the United States?
2. What types of gangs are primary distributors of illegal drugs in the United States?
3. What are the current trends in gang activity, according to the article?
4. This website is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice called Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. What pun is intended with the abbreviation used for this office?
5. Can you find any examples of who COPS want the police to cooperate with to address and reduce gang crime in the United States?

Discussion

Watch the video clip: Attacked by gang. Sit together in groups of four and discuss the following statements.

1. The dynamics of gang culture has equal effect on people regardless of gender.
2. What have been the consequences of this attack in this girl’s life?
3. Is speaking out and coming forward with personal stories like this girl does, an effective measure in fighting gang violence?

Writing

Gang signs, dress code and rap lyrics are all examples of cultural traits taken from gang culture by popular culture.
Write a 200-word letter to the editor, where you discuss why some Norwegian youth are inspired by American gang culture. Account to other readers the meaning of some words in our vocabulary that connotates gang culture.

Give your text the title Blending into Popular Culture.