NCJ Number
124247
Date Published
1990
Length
20 pages
Annotation
A sociological analysis of the disorganization of the New York City Chinatown community is followed by a historical analysis of the development of the Tongs and a description of their organizational structures and activities.
Abstract
New York City's Chinatown is composed of predominantly poor, uneducated, working-class immigrants. Cultural values are weak, and social services are inadequate. Individual and group relationships are tense and hostile. This sets the scene for the emergence of a delinquent subculture, and this subculture is most often associated with the Tong (meaning "hall" or "gathering place"). Although the Tongs are involved in Chinese-oriented political affairs and benevolent activities in Chinatowns, American law enforcement views them as criminal organizations that control street gangs and participate in many illegal activities, including heroin smuggling, prostitution, opium smoking, gambling, protection rackets, extortion, and blackmail. Still, no office holders of the Tongs have been arrested or indicted for any felonies since the 1950's. The most powerful Tong groups on the East Coast are Chih Kung Tong, On Leong Merchant Association, and the Hip Sing Association. One aspect of Tong culture that has received much attention is the power struggles known as Tong wars. These wars are generally perpetrated by younger Tong members affiliated with street gangs.