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Mara Salvatrucha Gang Culture

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There were so many cultures that stood out, but the one that was the most interesting was gang culture. There is one gang that I would like to talk about and that would be MS13 which is the Mara Salvatrucha. This is a combination of Mara, meaning gang, Salva, for Salvador, and trucha, meaning street smarts. The name also comes from peasants who fought in the 1980-1992 civil war that raged in El Salvador (The Sun). The gang members have many different ways they communicate with each other. The way they greet each other are by throwing up their gang sign. They have gang symbol they do with their hands for communication and identification (Gang Awareness Guide). The symbol used is called the devil’s head. It is called the devil’s head because when gestured, it looks like the “M” for Mara when turned upside town. The members of MS-13 also usually have many tattoos covering their body and even on their faces. The tattoos that they usually get are, “MS-13”, “MS", "Salvatrucha", …show more content…

They use this sign language to protect themselves from other gangs or police. The sign language they use are also to identify yourself as a member of the gang. It can also be used to flash warnings real fast when there is a threat or if they are in trouble (Gang Gestures). Their body language is just as similar as other gang members. The body language is some sort of bounce that they add to when they walk (Body Language Dictionary). They also put their pants or shorts below their behind and also like to wear baggy clothes. The gang members act tough so they won't look weak. No gang would like anyone that is weak. Looking weak in a gang shows that you are not willing to do things that higher members tell you to do. For example, MS-13 has their members killing people and selling drugs. If you are not willing to do that, then you will be the one that is killed. It also shows that you would not be there for them if something bad were to

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Another way to identify them is their extensively tattooed members with symbolism. Facial tattoos are a common thing in both gangs. Alike each tattooed tear corresponds to a crime. Cobweb tattoos are a symbol of pride for both groups, meaning the member has been in jail. MS-13 members are not allowed to use the color green, white and red as a clear allusion of its hatred towards Mexicans.

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“As a result, MS13’s Central American branches have been able to rebuild their organizational structures from the inside prisons walls, as well as expand their capacity to carry out crimes such as kidnappings, car robberies, extortion schemes, and other criminal activities” (MS13 Profile). It is said in marasalvatrucha.weebly.com that members of MS13 ages range from 11 to 40 years old. “Many members join the gang at a young age because they think it will help them look tougher and protect them from bullies” (Mara Salvatrucha). It also tells us that the fact that MS13 is known as one of the most dangerous gangs they join to make others scared. “Recruitment of younger initiates is encouraged from within the gang as well, as the younger a person is, the harder it is to punish them traditionally in the judicial system” (Mara

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Also ”gangs offer protection and governance in places where established institutions fail, and that it makes sense for prisoners to join them,” (Skarbek). This is the main reason people join gangs they are forced to in order to insure their safety. The reason the leaders of the gang allow people to join and keep the safe is explained here ”Gangs can trade far more effectively than lone inmates. Prisoners listen when they threaten violence; members can ease trade from the outside after their release. Consumers, in this case buyers of drugs, benefit too.

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