Thomas Phinemann, Contributor

The proliferation of gangs has been cause for concern in Jamaica for some time. But gangs are not new to the world; they have existed for centuries.

Gangs are generally groups of men, young and or/old, who form an allegiance to perpetrate delinquent or criminal activity. A gang may be loose, a mass of individuals who are partners in crime, or close-knit in a formal organisation with a leader, set rules, a name and other identifying markers.

Undesirable entities

This definition clearly denotes gangs as undesirable entities. Therefore, the more we know about them, the better equipped we will be to guide our young males away from involvement in gangs. Only we as males can relate to other males, empathise with their need to demonstrate their masculinity and display loyalty and respect in ways that can uplift rather that destroy society.

We are not suggesting that all men will become saints, but we can do more to lessen antisocial behaviours in our society.

Understandably, children are intrigued by the lifestyle of gangsters and will hang out with them in an effort to signify their allegiance. They may be asked to prove themselves by committing crimes. Once they have proven themselves, they are initiated. The process of initiation varies, but usually involves violence. There are different levels of gang association.

1. OGs: Original gangsters. These are so-called gangsters for life. The leader is usually from this group.

2. Hard core: die-hard gangsters.

3. Regular members or associates. The age group is instructive: 14-17. These are our schoolchildren. Their jobs are robbery and stealing. Status and recognition drive this group.

4. Wannabes: These are usually 11-13-year-olds. Their jobs include stealing and anything that they are asked to do to prove that they are worthy to be members of the gang. These are not yet initiated.

5. Could-bes: These are usually children (under 10 years old) who live in or close to an area where there are gangs. These children have every opportunity to be associated with gangs.

Against this background, it is clear that talking is not enough. The police alone cannot solve the problem, as they have told us repeatedly. We must help to save our nation.

There was a time when gangs fled Jamaica, so much so that in November 1988, in an article published in The New York Times, entitled 'Jamaica's gangs take root in US', it was stated that many Jamaicans see gangs now mainly as an American problem. But the gangs are an embarrassment for law-abiding Jamaicans, in the same way the Mafia has been for Italians.

We are not suggesting that gangs in Jamaica should flee our shores and become problems in other parts of the world. We need to come together and find creative ways of giving each other the love and respect that some find in gangs.

Share your suggestions about how law-abiding Jamaicans can curb the influence of gangs here. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.