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How The Crips Gang Actually Works | How Crime Works | Insider

Insider・22 minutes read

Former gang member Tyrone White was deeply involved in gang activities, including drive-by shootings and drug dealing, using a variety of guns acquired from different sources. The text explores the history and dynamics of gangs like the Crips and Bloods in LA, shedding light on the factors that lead individuals to gang involvement and the impact of gang culture on communities and individuals.

Insights

  • Gang activities in South Central LA during the 80s and 90s involved intense rivalries between groups like the Crips and Bloods, leading to widespread violence and drive-by shootings using a variety of firearms acquired from multiple sources, including law enforcement and the military.
  • The complexities of gang dynamics, including internal conflicts, alliances, and the influence of historical events like the LA riots and the Iran Contra scandal, shaped individuals like Tyrone White, whose journey from gang involvement to redemption highlights the pervasive impact of systemic issues like lack of parental supervision, discrimination in law enforcement, and the allure of gang culture perpetuated by media representations.

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Recent questions

  • What types of guns were commonly used in gang activities?

    Gang members like Tyrone White used guns such as 9mm, 45mm, 12-gauge shotgun, AK-47, and Tech9 during their criminal activities. These weapons were acquired from various sources, including the police force and the military, highlighting the prevalence of firearms in gang conflicts.

  • How did gang rivalries in LA escalate in the 80s and 90s?

    Gang rivalries in Los Angeles, particularly between groups like the Crips and Hoovers, intensified through drive-by shootings and violent conflicts. The Crips, founded by Raymond Washington, initially aimed to maintain safety in their neighborhoods but faced internal divisions and increasing violence, leading to alliances with former enemies like the Englewood Family Bloods.

  • What factors contributed to Tyrone White's involvement in gang activities?

    Tyrone White's upbringing in South Central LA, raised by a single mother without much parental supervision, led him to join gangs at a young age. The allure of gang life, with its formal initiation processes and the need to prove loyalty through physical fights, drew him into a world where specific dress codes, hand signs, and language denoted affiliation and neighborhood allegiance.

  • How did the 1992 LA riots impact gang dynamics in the city?

    The 1992 LA riots, sparked by the Rodney King verdict, brought together gangs like the Crips, Bloods, and Mexican gangs against a common enemy, the LAPD. This led to a short-lived peace treaty among rival groups, showcasing how external events could temporarily unite gangs in the face of perceived injustices.

  • What role did gangster rap play in popularizing gang culture?

    Gangster rap, particularly by groups like NWA, played a significant role in popularizing gang culture and the West Coast lifestyle globally. The music genre's portrayal of street life and gang activities fascinated audiences worldwide, contributing to a broader fascination with the realities of gang culture and urban life in Los Angeles.

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Summary

00:00

Gang Rivalries and Violence in LA

  • Tyrone White, a former 65 Milo gang member, was involved in rivalries with blood gangs and other groups, participating in drive-by shootings and drug dealing.
  • He mentioned using guns like 9mm, 45mm, 12-gauge shotgun, AK-47, and Tech9 during his gang activities.
  • Guns were acquired from various sources, including the police force and the military, as gang activities were a lucrative business.
  • Drive-by shootings were prevalent in the 80s and 90s, with gangs like the Crips and Hoovers engaging in violent conflicts.
  • The Crips, founded by Raymond Washington, aimed to keep their side of LA safe but eventually faced internal divisions and escalating violence.
  • The Bloods were initially the main rivals of the Crips, but internal conflicts within the Crips led to alliances with former enemies like the Englewood Family Bloods.
  • The rivalry between the 65 Milo Crips and Hoover Crips stemmed from their close proximity, leading to ongoing feuds and violence.
  • Tyrone White's upbringing in South Central LA, raised by a single mother, led him to gang involvement at a young age due to lack of parental supervision.
  • Joining a gang involved a formal initiation process, often requiring physical fights to prove one's loyalty and toughness.
  • Gang members, like the Crips, had specific dress codes, hand signs, and language, with colors like blue representing their affiliation, and specific hand signs denoting their neighborhood or set.

14:00

"From Gangs to Redemption: A Journey"

  • Ray Rick, a major black dope dealer in Los Angeles, was caught up in the Iran Contra scandal, where the DEA supplied him with the same drugs they later arrested him for.
  • The goal for many in neighborhoods was to make money through gangs like the Crips to eventually open legal businesses.
  • The 1992 LA riots were sparked by the Rodney King verdict, leading to widespread violence and attacks on white individuals.
  • The riots brought together gangs like the Crips, Bloods, and Mexican gangs against a common enemy, the LAPD, resulting in a short-lived peace treaty.
  • Gangster rap, particularly by NWA, popularized gang culture, leading to global fascination with the West Coast lifestyle.
  • The narrator's football scholarship to Oklahoma and subsequent work at a Juvenile Detention Center in Oklahoma City steered him away from street life.
  • Transitioning to law enforcement, the narrator faced discrimination and racism within the police force, despite his efforts to bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement.
  • Despite multiple arrests and jail time, the narrator found redemption through his children, community work, and a newfound career in acting.
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