Street gangs are typically viewed as nothing more than training grounds for thugs and felons, yet those same "gang-infested" communities are the creative force that drives pop culture, from books and music to styles and slang. Also left out of the dialog are members' emotional sensitivities, political consciousness, and awareness of the socio-economic conditions that cause a need for gangs. The writings in "The Bandana Republic" reflect the creative and intellectual voice of the streets. Multiracial and intergenerational in scope, the anthology focuses on works written by adolescents from contemporary gangs such as Crips, Bloods, Latin Kings, Mexican Mafia, Black Spades, Neta, Black Gangster Disciples, and Hells Angels. Works by former gang members who have moved into journalism, social work, and the performing arts are a potent reminder that today's gangstas are tomorrow's lyricists, musicians, visual artists, and writers.