Crips and Bloods: A Guide to an American Subculture (Guides to Subcultures and Countercultures)

This book provides a concise and engaging examination of the subculture of the Crips and Bloods―the notorious street gangs that started in Los Angeles but have now spread throughout the United States.Despite the dangers and harsh realities intrinsic to street life and criminal activity the no-holds-barred lifestyle of gangs continues to interest mainstream America. This provocative book provides an insiders look into the subculture of two of the most notorious street gangs―the Crips and the Bloods. Crips and Bloods: A Guide to an American Subculture traces the evolution of the two gangs covering their origins in South Central Los Angeles to the organizations current presence throughout the United States. The author analyzes the ways in which the gang subculture is created promoted and perpetuated; shows how the groups currently recruit their members; and explores the ways Crip and Blood culture has expanded beyond the gangs into the larger mainstream society.Includes a timeline of significant events related to the countercultureOffers a bibliography of print and non-print resources for student researchDescribes the symbols objects words colors and images used to represent the gangsProvides a comprehensive glossary of street literacy terms