jjares reviewed The Gangs of Chinatown: The History and Legacy of Chinese Street Gangs in America on + 3270 more book reviews
Because of the increasing media coverage of Chinese triads and gangs, I've been curious about them and how they got a foothold in American cities. It seems that, because the Chinese were not a welcome group of immigrants in America, they gathered together in urban areas and created local Chinatowns. The immigrants needed social assistance and local Chinese groups united to offer these services to newer immigrants.
Because there were so few Chinese in law enforcement, they were unable to infiltrate the Chinese criminal underworld. Also, Chinese victims were reluctant to seek the help of law enforcement. These problems provided protection for Chinese crime families. Some of the adult organizations provided important services in their communities. However, some of their services were illegal (gambling and prostitution). These adult organizations encouraged youth gangs, and they used them to protect their businesses from the police and other gangs. These youth gangs also kept the territories secure and well-defined (as street soldiers).
The segment of this book not to be missed is the section called "Suburban Gangsters." They recently studied Taiwanese and Latinos in affluent neighborhoods. The focus is on a new middle-class gangster. The youngsters generally only participated for 2 - 3 years, so they wouldn't shame their well-educated parents.
Research shows that recent Chinese immigrants are more educated and wealthier than previous generations. I thought the first third of this book wasn't very focused. However, the last 2/3 hit the mark and was fascinating.
Because there were so few Chinese in law enforcement, they were unable to infiltrate the Chinese criminal underworld. Also, Chinese victims were reluctant to seek the help of law enforcement. These problems provided protection for Chinese crime families. Some of the adult organizations provided important services in their communities. However, some of their services were illegal (gambling and prostitution). These adult organizations encouraged youth gangs, and they used them to protect their businesses from the police and other gangs. These youth gangs also kept the territories secure and well-defined (as street soldiers).
The segment of this book not to be missed is the section called "Suburban Gangsters." They recently studied Taiwanese and Latinos in affluent neighborhoods. The focus is on a new middle-class gangster. The youngsters generally only participated for 2 - 3 years, so they wouldn't shame their well-educated parents.
Research shows that recent Chinese immigrants are more educated and wealthier than previous generations. I thought the first third of this book wasn't very focused. However, the last 2/3 hit the mark and was fascinating.
