Why do so many people think it's cool to be in a gang? ?

I've gotten a few answers from some people who claim to be gang members. I'm talking violent gangs.. I hear the words "brothers", ."family". They talk about it's where they belong. Um, these gangs MURDER INNOCENT PEOPLE. They see violence as a way of life.. The threat of killing, and being killed is very real.. And this isn't just from rival gang members, but from your fellow gang members. It's not rare for them to turn on each other. And don't even get me started on how they treat women. Gang rape as a form of initiation? How the hell is that cool, or respectful? I don't get it.