#Gangs

[k-i-l-l-e-r-b-e-e-6-9]

[mishacollins]

In hindsight, it’s possible that this was just a field trip.

[family-of-crime]

[mapsontheweb]

Street gang involvement in drug distribution

[ysociety]

[writers-potion]

heyo got any tips on writing gangs?

Writing Gangsters

Organized Crime vs. Gangs

Although the terms are used interchangeably, there's a difference between organized criminal networks and gangs.

Organized crimes have focuses on material gain and therefore has a more hierarchical leadership structure.

The activities of gangs are usually more fragmented, opportunistic and based on individual contacts, more entangled with the personal lives of its members.

Of course, if a street gang become powerful enough, large enough and resourceful enough, it comes a full-blown criminal organization.

Background: Time, Place, Economic Condition

Research into the characteristics of the time and place where your gang is.

Oftentimes, gangs form when the economic conditions of a country/region is down. People, especially those who are marginalized, are disillusioned which can lead them to make desperate choices.

It's important to note that many gangs are formed initally to serve as the "police" in a neighborhood where no police would enter because (for some reason) they feel as if there's nothing they can do.

Gangs may start with a "good" reason, but it just so happens that eventually they become the very thing they sought to get rid of.

Compelling Character Motivation

With the socio-geographical context as backdrop, give your characters a clear reason why they would join and stay in a gang.

A young teen may join a gang out of pure whim, maybe for money, but eventually it's going to have to be more than that.

Idolization - an older sibling is in the gang

Inclusion - connection with others is so wanted due to a lack of it in a dysfunctional family

Stability - feeling secure in a neighborhood where gangs seems like a viable option; if a gang is already terrorizing the area, joining it may seem like a way to protect one's family

Financial security - jobs may seem out of reach; it si high risk and high rewards but your character may be that desperate

Ambition/thirst for power/revenge

+ Yes, someone may join the gang because they don't want to work a regular job and want quick money, but I wouldn't say they are lazy. From what I understand, gangs require work...

A developmental Model of Gang Membership (use for character arc):

Research:

National Gang Center FAQ: https://nationalgangcenter.ojp.gov/about/faq#0-0

Gang Life Insider Article: https://amuedge.com/the-various-dangers-of-gang-life-an-insiders-perspective/

NY Gang Slag: https://nypost.com/2012/10/28/a-to-z-deadly-slang-by-gangs-of-new-york/

Gangster Short Stories you can Read Online

‘Johnny Mnemonic’ by William Gibson

‘Vice Grip’ by Matthew A. Goodwin

‘Dolan’s Cadillac’ by Stephen King

[mic-check-stims]

Joey Wheeler attacked by gangs in an alley with pizza stimboard for @electricgaslight

X-X-X X-X X-X-X

[newyorkthegoldenage]

The body of “Wild Bill” Lovett, head of the Jay Street Gang, was found in an abandoned store in November, 1923, at 25 Bridge Street, Brooklyn.

Photo: NY Daily News

[goshyesvintageads]

Atari Games Corp, 1992

[ophilosoraptoro]

"THIS is where War in America will start... right here!"

[mishacollins]

I don’t normally think of Germany as super sketchy, but these guys tried to fleece me when I was out for a jog.

[family-of-crime]

[mapsontheweb]

Map of Rio's gang controlled territories

CV = RED COMMAND or COMANDO VERMELHO: it started as left wing militia during the brazilian military dictadorship, when cocaine got involved, the organization were reformed in what it is today, the second biggest cartel withing Brazil, being RIO its HQ. Their rivals are the PCC wich are from São Paulo. Those two factions are the only interstate cartels operating within Brazil, all other factions you see are puppets from one another

TCP = THIRD PURE COMMAND or TERCEIRO COMANDO PURO: They a street gang operating only in the retail drug market, believe or not, they are all evangelcals, they hate catolics, african and Native religions wich all practice is forbbiden in their territory. They split from the reds in the 90s and are banked up mainly by PCC

5M MILÍCIA: they used to be a people's a militia formed by ex cops, fire fighters and military personal, their main goal was to just prevent the drug trade route to enter in their hoods, this only existed in Rio since this kind of gang violence mostly happens in there, scollars says its backlash from the revolutionary era. Now they split in several sub groups wich deals gambling, protection and racketeering in general. They also invest in ilegal real state buildings in natural reserves. Some groups even sell drugs now

ADA: AMIGOS DOS AMIGOS or FRIEND OF FRIENDS. not much to say about this one, their history carried big names, and their most great deed was controling rocinha for 10 years. Must be the most non violent gang in terms of their on actions and punishments, the most human, to say the least. They still control they birth place wich vila aliança, and are kind of confined there. They deal retail drug market and usually dont get in violent interactions with its rivals, diplomacy is their strong. Also have ties with PCC

[emerald57]

Digital version!!