I totally agree on your comment that not all gangs are bad, and there are some good sides to a gangs too. The most beneficial quality of a gang is that they stick up for a member of the gang, when they are in bad times. When families let their children down, a child can get in a gang for support. A character in The Outsider that has down the pathway of joining a gang is Johnny. Johnny has had a not-so-great family background, so he found himself in a gang. Johnny is a shy character, though he has strong opinions. To me it looks like his shyness is the reflection of the behavior of his parents. The strong opinions and confidence is what Johnny got from the Gang. Gangs are a positive support for people like Johnny.
The Outsiders also teaches the parent audience the importance of good up bringing, so their children don't get into gangs and face unnecessary danger. Children are developing, so wherever a parent turns a child may go in that direction. For example, if a child is surrounded by drunks or take drugs, they would most likely drink and take drugs too. If a child is raised in a community where there is love, and teachings, they would be more likely to be inspired. Parenting is very important to raise a child. Based on what you said, I want to ask that do you think about gangs, are they a good thing? Even for people without a support from families? Are expanding gangs a good sign of the future lying ahead of us? I think that Gangs are good to an extent. For people without a family or bad support from families, Gangs are good for them. But Gangs shouldn't be driven with killing, or hate. They should be there to stick up for one another. Gangs are beneficial to people without a support of families.
Teal you also mentioned about Bloods and Crypts. Who are these people? Are these a real gang? I have never heard about them or read about them. Maybe The Outsiders is inspired by groups like Bloods and Cypts.
