The gang disease
by Maitri Pamo
In my last article I offered some thoughts regarding the challenges that face Latino immigrant children as they navigate the intersections between their parent’s native culture and U.S. society. For many immigrant children, the difficulties associated with transition into a new culture can lead to life paths that are exactly the opposite from the hopes that immigrant parents carry with them when they make the brave journey here. One of the more dangerous and socially destabilizing choices that disenfranchised individuals can make is to join a gang
Gang activity in the U.S. has long been a serious concern not only for law 
enforcement, but also for the communities that are victimized by gang presence. Among Latinos, gang membership is an alarmingly fast growing epidemic. As of 2007, 49 percent of all gang members in the U.S. were Latino.
While there are multiple factors that influence an individual’s decision to join a gang, there are several potent indicators that can predispose people, both male and female, to align themselves with this increasingly violent, increasingly trans border phenomenon.
One important risk factor is the lack of a consistent adult presence and involvement in the life of an individual who feels marginalized by the dominant society. Without a strong connection to an adult, either due to lack of adult interest or to conflict between the adult and the at risk individual, the probability that this individual will seek out membership in a gang is greatly increased.
Seeking a sense of belonging and structure, the potential gang member is often drawn to an organization that offers the
