Youth Gangs and Proliferation of Small Arms - Essay Example

In the United States alone, young people align themselves in the order of the side of the city they live in, the side of the street they live in, they side football teams, they cheer politically - in fact, they manifest our quest for sharing and caring and relate to the identity crises. The youth are on the constant outlook for idols to follow and adopt. This innocent psychological quest has often led to problems as well. Many times, these gangs or groups of like-minded people are a law unto themselves.

They run scare shows in the city and indulge in violent acts that lead to disruptions in civic life. The police department has always tried to view them as isolated incidents and has taken legal remedies to rectify the situation. But at the heart of the problem, lies the sociological influence of things. These incidents are not simply isolated one-off kinds, but growing social malice. In fact, the problem is not even personal, its always the result of deep-seated insecurity among the youth. In developing countries like India, China, and much over Africa, these crowds form small islands of lawlessness who are patronized by the political community and take off to a career in crime.

In advanced countries such as in the UK and the USA, the same phenomenon results in increased crimes on campuses and other places where the youth of our countries accumulate. The problem starts when groups make new laws that relate to drug abuse and violence. Drug cartels in the US ride piggyback on this phenomenon. As these people get access to small arms, they take on to violence with a vengeance. Over 1000 people die of small arms fire every day internationally. The number of regular drug abusers is not recorded.

An alarming 74% of the world's guns are in the hands of private citizens. By private estimates, these are owned illegal owners who more often than not, neither record nor register their weapon. So what is the youth up toPrimarily there are two approaches to solving the problem. Most of the youth think that they are being abandoned by the state and are not required here. This is a perception problem that has to be rectified by intervening naturally. The youth should be engaged by the state in a positive manner rather than being looked upon as a menace.

Their creative thinking and positive spirit should be channelized into positive instruments that benefit all mankind. Tiananmen Square in China was all occupied by the youth in a peaceful protest before they were all shot down. Closer home, the Vietnam war was brought to an end by the youth. Wherever in the world, there are great examples where the collective positive will power of the youth and gangs has influenced the course of our history for the better.On the other hand, policymakers in these states should focus on building an empowered local economy where inclusive development is ensured.

The youth did not pop up one fine morning. It is a problem that took two decades in the making. It is the collective responsibility of the governments and local bodies to empower them with both education and the skills required to make a positive contribution to society. During their efforts at policing, the police should take note of this. They should formulate long term rehabilitation measures for gang members. Active intervention and close monitoring of the situation should ensure that these problems do not aggravate.

Society should be informed to tackle the situation. The state here cannot afford to behave as an authorized gang with licensed and legal weapons to shoot out an unauthorized gang. A state has its intellect. The intellect should implement policies for the welfare and well being of its people. The youth is no exemption.