Title: Gang Mentality and Behavior - SafeState Tarrant Cares, Texas
Headings: Gang Mentality and Behavior
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Gang Mentality and Behavior
Attitude
Respect
Pay Back
Back Up
Leadership
“Joining” a Gang

Content: Collectively, these behaviors build the gang mentality. Attitude
Gangs normally project an arrogant and defiant attitude in an attempt to intimidate others, especially in a public place and while in the presence of other gang members. Attitude is displayed when an impression can be made, to create fear and intimidate others. Attitude helps enhance the individual gang member’s reputation and, in turn, helps create the gang’s reputation within the community. Most gang members are opportunists who take advantage of a situation that will allow them to enhance their reputation. Respect
Maintaining respect is a fundamental goal for gang members and plays a role in gang behaviors. To lose face, to get challenged, to be made fun of, to have your girl friend leave you for another, to be stared at too long and not respond are all ways that gang members think they lose respect. Gang members have a misguided sense that the gang they belong to and they themselves lose respect if any insult goes unanswered. This belief causes gangs to respond, often violently, to minor incidents, like those mentioned above. If a gang member feels that he or she will lose respect, they are motivated to prevent that from happening because they are protecting their own and the gang’s reputation and respect.