Ever heard of the pyramid, or the five or six pointed star? Ever heard of the heart or the walking cane? The common factor between all these terms is that they all denote signs and symbols that are used to represent gangs.
* Tattoos – Since the very beginning, tattoos have been associated with gangs of all kinds, whether violent or non-violent. This is because tattoos connote the toughness that is desired by all gang members, and some tattoos are associated with permanence. Most tattoo designs are usually symbolic in nature and are often found in all members of the clan, with just a few variations depending on the area. Some tattoos represent specific deeds carried out by members, murder being a common example. The gang signs and symbols used in tattoos are sometimes very involved, and could also refer to a certain meaning or mythology that the gang has invented for itself. For instance, the Star of David symbol represents the Folk Nation gang that was once led by a man known as King David. What’s more, each point of this star was used to represent the value of the nation. The Tidewater and North Carolina Hoodies represent themselves with an hourglass image. The Elizabeth City Mafia use the hourglass figure with three strips on top.
* Hand Signs – ‘Stacking’ or ‘Throwing Up’ is a gang signal that is used with the hands and is one of the most common forms of ‘claiming’ or gesturing. It is used in most situations where other signals or identifiers may not be appropriate or possible. Sometimes it is used to show that a gang member wants to do business. Hand signs are generally made by the formation of fingers on one or both the hands so as to make a symbol. It could also deliver more specific information.
“...associated with gangs of all kinds, whether violent or non-violent.”
OPINION:
I really can’t recall gangs that aren’t violent, but for sure...all gangs are criminal.