What were once small localized gangs were growing larger and more widespread than ever before, some even went international. Juvenile delinquents were also committing more violent and senseless crimes than older generations. It seemed as though every time a newspaper or magazine was opened, parents were exposed to more and more reports of juvenile crimes having been committed. Oakley attributes this to the introduction of modern communication. Because gang members tended to dress alike, speak the same jargon, the majority carried weapons, drank alcoholic beverages and took drugs; a stereotypical image of a juvenile delinquent was created in the minds of society. Teenagers across the board were being labeled as delinquents and rebellious, even if they had no involvement in criminal activities or gangs, but if they fit the stereotype such as sporting a ducktail haircut, wearing tight pants and leather jackets, etcetera. Oakley disagrees and states that most teenagers were not criminal or rebellious, but that it was an exaggerated fear was placed in the minds of adult by the media combined with the fact that logically the higher number of teenagers increased the number of crimes
What were once small localized gangs were growing larger and more widespread than ever before, some even went international. Juvenile delinquents were also committing more violent and senseless crimes than older generations. It seemed as though every time a newspaper or magazine was opened, parents were exposed to more and more reports of juvenile crimes having been committed. Oakley attributes this to the introduction of modern communication. Because gang members tended to dress alike, speak the same jargon, the majority carried weapons, drank alcoholic beverages and took drugs; a stereotypical image of a juvenile delinquent was created in the minds of society. Teenagers across the board were being labeled as delinquents and rebellious, even if they had no involvement in criminal activities or gangs, but if they fit the stereotype such as sporting a ducktail haircut, wearing tight pants and leather jackets, etcetera. Oakley disagrees and states that most teenagers were not criminal or rebellious, but that it was an exaggerated fear was placed in the minds of adult by the media combined with the fact that logically the higher number of teenagers increased the number of crimes