... afterbeingreleased. Gangs are spreading across the country and are notjust limited to major cities. Bernard Friedlander, a University of Hartfordpsychology professor and a violence expert, says, ... formed gangs the Jews, the Irish, the Italians." Gangs offered status, asense of self-worth, and protection. Today, most gangs areracially segregated (54.6 percent are African American and ... gang values and attitudes. They denigrate women, promote exaggerated manhood or"machismo," and glorify violence. They also pass on gang language,symbols, activities, and traditions.According...