"I am no expect on gangs of the 50s in NYC, but I think it's safe to say gangs are/were by no means just for teenagers, and you don't just leave a gang or "gang life" when you turn 18 or 21. In the most wholesome way, the gang is probably a family to most of these guys, part of their community too, in another sense they may not have options or interest in leaving the gang, and in other senses they may not be allowed to. I have no idea how the Jets work. But maybe it's because my first exposure to WSS was the film, I never assumed they were in High School because they don't look like they are. But more than anything, the way they act with and toward the Girls always made me think they were mostly 18-24."
Yes, again very good points. That said, I guess I'm thinking that, generally speaking, gang members tended (and maybe still tend) to be on the younger side because at least some kids who are in gangs when they're in high school (or are high-school aged) might have to cease being active members when they get a little older because they have to get jobs, so they have less time gang membership. (This is part of the reason why, in WSS, Tony leaves the Jets.) But again, I'm sure you're right that there was still a significant percentage of people beyond high school age in gangs. |
