Gang Signs

Gang Signs 

"A gang sign or symbol is a method used by gang members to make themselves known to rivals or allies. Traditionally speaking, these signs have manifested themselves in the form of gang-related tattoos, attire, graffiti and even hand signs. Although most signs are relatively standard amongst some of the larger groups, there are still some that change from place to place, neighborhood to neighborhood and even sub-group to sub-group." ("Gang Signs"). 

Gang signs are a way for gang members to communicate with each other. Sometimes there are misunderstandings and people do a gang sign and other gang members assume they are in a different gang. They go find that person that might have just taken a picture of themselves doing a gang sign and they end up getting beat up. 

"The workers would be trained in proper methods of communicating safety codes and sign language. I know this notification system is suppose to be a wonderful thing, but parts of it remind me of my research on the Stasi and how the one handed sign language was used there. Eg. Snitches were taught the one handed sign language and then they too became a part of the system" (Andre).

"They use this secret code the same way any cult does, Gang, or secret society does and for those on the outside they are harassed, or the citizens who have been taught these health and safety signs choose not to work with those who are not a part of the system. In England where Masons used a similar structure of silence and secrecy, they are now forced to disclose if they are Masons, because the allegiance went above and beyond the loyalty to the law and in many cases maybe even above and beyond doing what was right" (Andre). 

They use gang signs and sign language in a different way. They do it as communication and not as much as throwing up gang signs like the kids nowadays say. Here are some of the most famous gang signs.