Menacing or Mimicking? Realities of Youth Gangs.

For several decades, youth gangs have been a focus for both the media as well as for a high priority for law enforcement efforts in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Because of their menacing image, gangs can engender enormous fear in citizens. However, in many communities, gangs are enshrouded in myths that complicate the determination of appropriate community responses. To assist communities in combating them, this paper illuminates numerous gang myths and contrasts them with research-based realities. It concludes with implications and recommendations for community—including juvenile court—responses to gangs. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]