The number of Skinheads active across the United States is approximately the same as it was a year ago, but the number of crimes they have committed has declined slightly. Gangs in some parts of the country have lost strength, others have gained, and Skinheads continue to appear in places where they have not been noted previously. As a result, a total of about 3,000 racist Skinheads are active in 34 States, compared to 31 States in the previous year. Skinheads come from all socioeconomic classes, particuarly the middle class. Almost all western States have Skinhead activity, although Skinheads have lost strength in some. Being a Skinhead is a 24-hour-a-day proposition that includes appearance, beliefs, attitude toward self and others, feelings about family and society, and cultural tastes. Violence is intrinsic to that way of life and is directed mainly against members of the minority groups that Skinhead bigotry designates as the enemy. Skinheads also provide an energing influence to the entire hate movement. 11 references