How do street gangs typically show their affiliation?

Street gangs commonly show their affiliation using a system of clothing, language, hand signs, and tattoos. These methods serve as visual and symbolic identifiers that communicate membership and allegiance to a particular gang. The use of specific colors, styles, or brands of clothing can denote affiliation, while unique hand signs and gestures can convey messages among members or signify loyalty in a discreet way. Tattoos can also mark an individual as part of a gang and often have significant personal or cultural meaning.

Education programs, while beneficial, are not typically a method used by street gangs to demonstrate affiliation. Organizing community events might be a tactic employed by some groups to project a positive image or engage with the community, but it does not inherently display gang affiliation. Similarly, while gangs may use social media to promote themselves or communicate, these platforms are more about outreach rather than traditional forms of showing affiliation that have been long recognized in gang culture. The use of clothing, language, hand signs, and tattoos remains the most immediate and recognizable way that members express their belonging to a gang.