This article challenges some stereotypes of gangs. It is important to differentiate acts of violence ascribed to adolescent gangs from those committed by adult and individual gang members. In East Los Angeles, a prevention program to hire gang members to mediate and reduce gang conflicts probably contributed to the decline of inter-gang violence there in the 1980s.

Even within the same city, gangs of different ethnic groups are remarkably diverse. Adolescent gangs are also less prominent in drug dealing in their communities than common stereotypes suggest.