Over the last few years, the cult-ish culture of gangsterism has seen itself bloom and develop into one of the most detrimental, morally decaying phenomenon our society has borne witness to in recent times. Often seen as the most severe form of delinquency, the idea of gangsterism has riddled the minds of the youngest of youth, redirecting their behaviours and allowing themselves to be ‘lead’ in a cult-like fashion for benefits only known to them. Violence in schools, bullying of all forms (including cyber) have formed the core of some playgrounds as well as neighbourhoods as those already in gangs, act out both in attempts to assert their ideologies, ‘sell the idea’ as well as implement their side-ways behaviours as means to get ‘new’ members involved. The roots of gangsterism are arguably quite deep with regards to its background information, however, the present presents a totally different proposition for present-day parents as they battle to avoid the cancerous nature of gangs from plaguing the innocent psyche of their youth. To use a psychological framework to try and understand this, we could attempt to unpack the act of joining a gang as a primary sign for the need for inclusion, recognition and a solid amount of attention, particularly from their peers.
As is the case with most psychological phenomena, this is unlikely a need that erupts suddenly as the individual grows, but rather the need is an infantile one that goes under or ungratified for the longest time. As that individual grows, he or she begins to realize that the warmth and attention he or she seeks is not forthcoming, they then begin to seek it other places which is when joining a gang becomes an attractive prospect.
While others end up in gangs for the so-called protection (from other bullies, for instance), the striking theme across why many individuals opt to become a part of a gang is in search for a form of solace and an environment that is non-judgemental and safe. In as much as everything related to gangs is quite the opposite, an in-depth look at the individuals within those gangs often shows a deep sense of lack in their psycho-emotional development which they then try to compensate for in the most extreme of ways. Many of them do not start out as violence-hogging people, however, due to this lack, they display their frustrations (at parents and caregivers) by doing this that will eventually get them the attention they seek.
It is for this reason that we continue to stress the importance of warm parent, guardian and caregiver care as a vital component of an individual’s total development and temperament. This helps shape, mould and neatly fold the young individual’s psyche and helps them understand, be immersed in and know the feeling of being seen, heard and understood.
This is a psychological feature that develops with great results if instilled early enough contributing significantly to the creation of well-adjusted, well-adapted and fully functioning members of a society who would be rarely swayed by other persuasions. Since it is already holiday season for those in school, may we pay them enough attention and spend long enough hours with them as we learn as much about them as we can nursing their young minds with warmth and extra care.
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