Chicanos are more organized due to the influence of the Mexican Mafia. Otherwise, I doubt they'd be as organized as they are. The shot callers, lieutenants, tax collectors and whatnot.
True.
Before the Eme started the tax collecting program in the early 1990s, Chicano gangs were more similar to Blacks on the streets.
The 1970s was a pretty wild time for Chicano gangs, but it was all traditional gang banging. It was about warring with rival gangs just for pride and to get the name of the gang heard of. It was about trying to get a feared and respected reputation. Some members acting as an individual sold drugs because herion was already a big deal then but they did so on their own and not necessarily as an organized criminal gang, same goes for robberies or any other crimes that involved making money. Now a lot is different.
You don't see a bunch of gang bangers hanging out at the park wearing obvious gang clothes and being visible as much anymore. It happens but it's rare. Gang culture has even gone more underground in some So Cal cities. Especially with Chicano gangs.
On the other hand, Mexican Mafia was all made up of Chicano Gang members in the first place so in a way it was just a natural progression.
