Specific Purpose – To inform my audience about gang violence. I will explain the origin of gangs; the reasons people join gangs, what influences them, and the consequences of joining a gang.
             Intro: Guns, Knives, Street fights, riots, people fighting all around, leading to injuries and sometimes deaths. These are all factors and items used in gang violence. I'm sure everyone here has heard of gang violence or maybe even had experiences with gang violence. Gangs came about over 100 years ago. A gang is a crew or group of people trying to get what they want or need without caring about how they get it. It's almost like the mafia; they will hurt or kill anyone to get what they want. Each one is unique in their own way. Be it with, bandanas, special handshakes, flags, colors, tattoos, or logos. In most gangs you have to show that you're tough enough by fighting someone or by doing something to prove that you're worthy. After listening to this speech you will understand why people join gangs and reasons why you shouldn't join a gang.
             a. Gangs have been around for hundreds of years. The earliest probably being the pirates.
             b. But gangs in the United States trace back to the 1960's with the Crips and the Bloods. They originated in California and spread all over the United States.
             c. According to Steve Nawojczyk, a researcher and a specialist in gang violence, in 1993 there were over 1000 gangs in Los Angeles and anywhere from 120,000 - 220,000 gang members.
             d. A new survey from www.gangsandkids.com shows that today there are over 18,000 gangs and more than a half a million gang members. This shows how much gang violence and gang activity has increased during the past years.
             Transition: (These statistics lead to my next point-why do people join gangs?)
             II. Why people join gangs? and What influences them?
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