NCJ Number
163984
Date Published
1992
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video documents interviews with gang members in Los Angeles that focus on branch names within larger gangs, gang clothing selections, gang-member tattoos, gang hand signals, and gang terminology.
Abstract
The information on gangs supplied in the video comes directly from gang members' answers to interviewer questions. Regarding the names or numbers applied to branches of larger gangs such as the "Crips" and "Bloods," numbers applied to a branch usually come from the zip code of their territory. Names may be derivatives of the name of the territory. Clothing selection may derive from the clothing's color, such as the black of local sports teams (Los Angeles Raiders and Los Angeles Kings), which symbolizes toughness; or it may derive from a designer's name or initials. Calvin Klein clothing worn by "Bloods," for example, refers to "CK" for "Crip Killer." Gang terminology is also examined in the video. Each gang member is asked about what particular words or phrases mean, such as "gang banging" (violent or criminal behavior); "gangster" (someone who prefers a certain type of dress that projects a gangster image); and "ranking out" (refusing to stand up for the neighborhood). Gang members are also asked about the symbolism of the tattoos they have on their bodies. For Hispanic gang members, a tear drop tattoo refers to a year in prison; for an Asian gang member, the tattoo of a particular animal symbolizes gang membership. Some have tattoos of the names of their neighborhoods. Philippino gang members have a burn mark on a particular part of their bodies to show membership in a specific gang. Hand signs are also discussed; gang members show what various hand signs mean. Each gang has a hand sign for the purposes of recognition by a fellow gang member or to challenge a rival gang member.