NCJ Number
158705
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 41-49
Date Published
1995
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the causes, patterns, and effects of victimization by Asian racketeering activities in the United States, with attention to New York City's Chinatown, and examines the victimology theories to determine their adequacy for explaining Asian victimization.
Abstract
As an extension of a major research project on Asian racketeering, from May through July 1994, one of the authors interviewed and reinterviewed 25 Asian elites in New York City and on the west coast. Unstructured interview schedules were used to examine victimization patterns, their causes, and community responses. "Snowball" referral was the primary method of obtaining interviewees. In addition to interviews, the authors conducted extensive research into books, journals, mainstream newspapers, "Asianweek," and a Chinese language newspaper for information related to the victimization of Asians. The characteristics of the Chinese immigrant communities in New York City is not only politically fragmented but also demographically heterogeneous and disconnected. Additionally, social service agencies, catering to linguistically and culturally diverse groups, have a high turnover rate, inadequate funding, and little support from the community. These factors not only have produced a prime environment for new criminal players, but they also have cultivated a breeding ground for new victimization patterns. Compared to other parts of the United States with Asian population concentrations, New York produces an Asian community with unique victimization patterns. Mistrust of public officials keeps crime within Chinatown secluded, operating in terms of a code whereby disputes are to be resolved within Chinatown. If someone goes to outsiders, retribution is likely. The location of the Chinese businesses contributes to Asian victims' vulnerability. Many Asians mistrust financial institutions, so they keep their gold and other valuables in their homes. Asian gang members know this and use the information to victimize their own people. In addition to burglaries and residential robberies, other victimization patterns are alien smuggling, victimization associated with affiliation with crime groups, extortion and protection, drug trafficking, and kidnapping. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed. 36 references