During my talkative AP Psychology class, we talked about conformity.  My teacher asked us about gangs and what's the first thing we think of when we hear the word gang.  One girl in particular, lets call her "V" automatically said violence, guns, fighting, shooting, drugs... The list goes on.  When I think of gang, I think of family, protection, representation, and territory.  Obviously, our views and connections are different.

      V is a very patriotic white girl.  Nothing against that, but very much opposite of me.  I am very much connected with gangs.  I'm not in one, but I have many friends who are.  My best friend is in a gang.  I'm against violence and he know's that.  But I also know, he has no family, at least any that will give him the time of day to care.  His family is the gang. It's his protection.

      My teacher commented that gangs are groups of people.  They gather and have the same beliefs.  She then said, "Do you consider churches gangs?"  V quickly said, "No its a congregation."  I then asked her, why can't gangs be a congregation?  She didn't have a good explanation, just "there's a different, I just can't explain it."  Right...

      "What about the army?  Are they a gang?"  My teacher asked.  "No, they protect us and fight for good."  Said V.  "So Iraq is good?"  Asked Josh.  "Gangs have territory.  Once you cross it they will confront you.  Countries have territory."  I said.  "Yet we go over there and do what we want..."  Started Josh.

   "Exactly."  I said.  "Once someone comes into our land, we have major issues.  Yet we can go into anyone's place and do what we want!"

  "It's the government that controls that."  Said V.

   "Then the government is the gang?"  Asked Miss.

   "Yes!"  Yelled Josh and I.

    My point is, is there a difference between gang and congregation?  May it be a group, gang, or congregation, they all have their own beliefs.  May it be violent or non-violent.

Gang=Congregation

Go figure...