In the United States today we have a huge problem affecting society, gangs and the violence that follows them wherever they go. Today's gangs are not only made up of grown adults, but often attract young teenagers to do dirty work and add numbers to their territory. Although the laws are aimed directly at these gangs, they continue to defy the law and devastate the territory they claim. Gang members have a gang mentality and will do everything they can to provide for and protect their comrades. Very rarely will they snitch on their own to help stop some of the senseless crimes committed by these savages. Gangs are centered on a certain territory or territory claimed by that gang. When rival gangs enter that territory, anything can happen. Most of the time there isn't some type of violent action that will be taken because the gang feels like they are being disrespected because that gang member or members are violating. Many times civilians are seriously injured and even killed due to gang shootings, car rides, and sometimes simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There are approximately 30,000 gangs with approximately 1,000,000 members and growing. In large cities where gangs are widespread, there are an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 deaths per year and 10,000 to 12,000 per year throughout the United States. Young teenagers are a popular commodity on the streets where gangs are dominant. . These gangs often recruit young teenagers to establish a numbers game to try to outdo rival gangs in the event of a mass gang war. Another reason young people are targeted is to do the gang's dirty work, whether it requires a young member to carry out a hit, rob a rival member or ste... middle of paper... they would think that these people would be remorseful for the vicious crimes they commit but don't and move on to the next victim. These people use any type of weapon they can get their hands on. Guns, knives, machetes and anything that can harm and/or kill an individual are in their arsenal. Street and prison gangs are a real problem and burden plaguing not only the United States but also the world. Gang violence triggers itself because it is inevitable that it will happen due to gangs' low tolerance for disrespect. Many efforts have been made to stop the monstrosities caused by unrestrained men and women who intimidate everyone around them. Gang violence affects the entire United States, not just one particular group. Maybe one day there will be a cure for the causes of murder and violence, but unfortunately we don't have the solution.