NCJ Number
146898
Date Published
1992
Length
264 pages
Annotation
The author studied a group of Hispanic adolescent males in Los Angeles who exhibited an interest in witchcraft and the occult and called themselves Stoners, a name referring to heavy drug abuse.
Abstract
The author reviewed the literature on traditional gangs, conventional religion and its impact on delinquent behavior, and the occult and Satanism. He then compared Stoners with traditional street gang members to assess the level of each group's delinquent and criminal activity. In some instances, the two groups were statistically contrasted on such variables as violence, drug abuse, and demographic characteristics. The behavior of Stoners was examined to determine their values, beliefs, and levels of delinquent and criminal behavior; if they were actually involved in the occult and Satanism; if their collective behavior posed a threat to society; and if there was an objective basis for subjective opinions held by some members of the law enforcement community regarding the Stoners. It appeared that Stoners had knowledge and understanding of the occult and Satanism far surpassing that of lay persons. Many Stoners committed their first delinquent or criminal act at an early age, although the onset of criminality for Stoners and traditional gang members did not seem to differ. Some juveniles became Stoners rather than joining a traditional gang because they feared the traditional gang's way of life. The occult and Satanism appeared to be a natural form of support for Stoners. Stoners appeared to be more individualistic and have stronger ideological ties than traditional gang members. The use of drugs or alcohol made it easier for Stoners to become involved in and accept the tenets of Satanism. An empirical evaluation of Stoners' values and attitudes showed that they did not fit the basic profile of a traditional gang. Stoners were nonconventional, relatively violent, and nihilistic in nature and turned to the occult and Satanism because these philosophies advocate hedonistic, self-centered behavior. Recommendations for further research on traditional and nontraditional juvenile gangs are offered. Appendixes contain supplemental information on Stoner beliefs in the paranormal, information codes used to study the Stoners, and a prominent occultist's biography. References, notes, tables, and figures