ABSTRACT
Whenever the term “gang” is used or heard, individuals undoubtedly get a mental picture of a particular type of person, most probably someone threatening, or a minority, or someone that is easily recognizable as a “bad guy.” That is to be expected because the primary types of images and messages we receive in our society fit with these stereotypes. While the messages and images about gang members that are common in our news and entertainment media are clearly based on stereotypes, there is also a large degree of truth and accuracy to many of these messages and images.
