Hung Ngo4/9/2014English 1301Jumping in or jumping out?Over the past two decades, crime has increased rapidly throughout the United States. Street gang activity and violence is becoming a growing problem in our society. Many organizations work to keep street gangs off the streets, but street gangs have found their way into our schools and neighbors. People join gangs every day. They join gangs for many different reasons, but the main reason is their reputation, their needs, protection and attention from others (Gang Program Alternatives). Most of them come from urban areas where poverty and poor families are present. Sometimes gang recruiters begin searching for and recruiting members at school, and teenagers become their targets. Gang recruiters understand why they like to choose young teenagers to be part of their gang. They know that teenagers easily succumb to the temptations of drugs, fame, money and being a cool person. After a short time join the gang, these kids start to see that it is easy to make money and that they can use that money to help their struggling families and loved ones, but they don't realize that they will end up being forced to make commitments of all kinds. of crimes, and they could find themselves caught in the middle of violent activity if they still remain in the gang. Joining a gang seems very easy, but what about leaving? Unfortunately, some people want to get out but can't get out, because their gang leaders have indicated that once you get out there, you can't leave, but if you leave, tragedies await. Sometimes you end up getting killed in order to live. But if you stay, you end up addicted, locked up in prison or even dead. There will always be violence and ...... middle of paper ...... ng is bad and you don't know what will happen to your life. You could get shot, imprisoned, become a drug addict, or your loved ones get killed. Your life will be ruined and your family will miss you. You have your own destiny and you have the chance to become who you want to be, so take your chance and focus on your studies. Work hard and if you need help, don't hesitate to contact us and ask for help. There are many organizations in America ready to help you change your life. Based on this, there will always be violence and crime in our society, but think twice when you want to join a gang.Works CitedGang Alternatives Program (GAP). (nd). Retrieved from http://www.gangfree.org/gangs_why.html. Martinez, J. (2014, 04 01). "Locomotive". (H. Ngo, Interviewer)Rios, V. (2013). Gang member turned doctor Supervises young people on the margins. (G. Ifill, interviewer)