LA Gangland on Discovery Channel (Los Angeles, Long Beach: neighborhood, school, live)

[pbergen]

Originally Posted by Ransomed

I know but we're discussing LA Gangs and there isn't another city comparable to LA's gang problem.

if we're discussing major u.s. cities, then chicago has to be mentioned. it has a notoriously bad gang problem - arguably the worst in this country - with a gang culture that's been entrenched for decades.

CHICAGO GANG INFORMATION WEBSITE
History of Chicago Gangs

while i don't think anyone here is disputing LA's gang problems, your alarmist, chicken little attitude toward these issues would make it seem to an outsider that the city is a cesspool of violence and decay that is on the verge of anarchy - and that couldn't be farther from the truth. there's no question that the gang issue needs to be addressed, but the majority of areas in greater LA (the city + the suburbs) are safe and respectable, as opposed to the gang-infested ghetto that you're suggesting.

[SurekRZA]

Why do people come to our part of the forum and post threads like "hiuge crime problems! everybody get out!" if you dont even live here!?!?

L.A. has over 4 million people living withing the city limits. If it was such a hiuge problem, people wouldnt constantly moving into our beautiful city.

[Green Irish Eyes]

It sounds as though you're referring to more than one episode. How recent is the information? I've seen some of the shows that focus on gang activity from 10-15 years ago -- the climate isn't necessarily the same today.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by Ransomed

I know but we're discussing LA Gangs and there isn't another city comparable to LA's gang problem.

Unfortunately that's just not true. Many cities have comparable problems, and more cities every day.

Originally Posted by Fontucky

The best parts were when gang members were killed by other gang members. My heart soared to see them dead. We need more of that.

Me too.

I think the LAPD should offer gang members free shooting lessons, so that they'll hit the other gang bangers instead of hitting the innocent public.

Originally Posted by SurekRZA

Why do people come to our part of the forum and post threads like "hiuge crime problems! everybody get out!" if you dont even live here!?!?

It happens on all forums, and it happens on all the C-D sections that I have taken the time and interest to read.

People like controversy.

[antialphabet]

Originally Posted by the one

it gets sensetionalized in the media.

it aint as bad as it seems. and that grape street stuff happened over a couple of weeks. those retaliatory killings were more common in the 80's and 90's. the reason its a big story is because it doesnt happen that often any more.

if it happened often it wouldnt be "news". it would be another day in the hood. but since it is a bit uncommon, like when a man dressed as santa shoots people, then it becomes news. (altho it did apparently happen over the weekend in echo park)

violence is actually down in LA.
does it still happen? YES.
is it that bad to make people stay away from LA?
NOT IN THE LEAST. i see tourists and transplants all over this town.

I was actually around for that.
That kind of thing isn't very common in Echo Park these days. It was pretty crazy seeing all the hipsters in the area react.

I saw some people in a Prius pull up to two thugs who were posted on the corner and ask,
"Hey there! So what's going on??"

The cholos just said,
"uh....I dont know..."

Still, Echo Park feels very safe, especially above Sunset. Stuff happens, but I don't feel scared in LA.

I just mind my own business, don't gawk, and definitely don't pull up to thugs I don't know in neighborhoods I'm not from and try to make friends.

I think the crime in LA is hyped because of the media of the last 20 years. It's there, but it's not Kosovo here.

[FinnishAmerican]

Originally Posted by LuckyGem

And believe me, nobody "aspires" to live in Compton when they talk about moving to Los Angeles. There are other more desirable areas of the city people would prefer to live, including those who live in Compton, or Long Beach, or Southwest Los Angeles.

Lies, Compton is awesome, its not that bad.
Just dont do anything stupid

[CaliforniaHereICome]

Originally Posted by pbergen

if we're discussing major u.s. cities, then chicago has to be mentioned. it has a notoriously bad gang problem - arguably the worst in this country - with a gang culture that's been entrenched for decades.

CHICAGO GANG INFORMATION WEBSITE
History of Chicago Gangs

while i don't think anyone here is disputing LA's gang problems, your alarmist, chicken little attitude toward these issues would make it seem to an outsider that the city is a cesspool of violence and decay that is on the verge of anarchy - and that couldn't be farther from the truth. there's no question that the gang issue needs to be addressed, but the majority of areas in greater LA (the city + the suburbs) are safe and respectable, as opposed to the gang-infested ghetto that you're suggesting.

agreed. I work in Chicago - Lawndale area if anyone is familiar- with the gang members and convicted felons; particularly the adolescents. It's brutal. I'm moving to LA this summer, hope I can handle the gangs there!

[BennyPhoenix]

Gangs are not all over LA. If you use your head you'll be OK.
Overall LA is a pretty safe city. But If there weren't gangs here it would be the safest large city in the US.
Need to have the death penalty just for being a gang member. Shoot them on sight.

[mattfromfl]

Oh I love that Gangland series on TV! Especially the ones in LA. But Ill take that mild Mediterranean weather, and take my chance with the gangs.

[ChiMack]

Originally Posted by Ransomed

I know but we're discussing LA Gangs and there isn't another city comparable to LA's gang problem.

yes there is chicago