I live in PA but I plan to visit relatives in CA is it really true that certain colors are not to be worn ?

I live in Los Angeles. I'm not sure where you are visiting, but you must be addressing the issue of wearing colors as it relates to gang activity.

It depends on where you are going. Obviously, if you are going to the "projects" like Nickerson Gardens in Watts, or a hardcore section of Los Angeles, then it would probably not be a good idea to come out wearing a loud red shirt and bandana if you are in Crip territory--especially if you are a young dude.

I think this question is only relevant when you are visting gang-infested areas--and only your relatives (who are young enough to know), can tell you.

The colors thing is really limited to people who are of the age group and social status that is normally related to gangs. Meaning, if your aunt came out in an all red suit with stockings or an all blue suit, no one is going to care. But if your 18 year old skater dude brother is hanging out with the boys on the street or walking through a Crip neighboorhood wearing a red bandana and jersey, then yeah....someone who is a hater might talk it up and try to start something.

You'll see some dudes (who don't live in Los Angeles) talk about how they can wear what they like and it doesn't matter...based upon their one time visit...but if you are frequenting areas where there is gang activity--then why take a chance?

In gang infested neighborhoods, a lot of these dudes are just plain ignorant. A few years back, a deaf dude was walking to the store and when confronted he used sign language to communicate and was shot because they thought he was doing some type of gang signs.

I've provided links to that will provide you with gang areas in Los Angeles, along with some basic information.

I work in the field of television production and frequent areas that are mainly middle class and upscale--so this isn't an issue I worry about. I say this because I don't want people to believe that all of California is like this--that is simply a myth. But I have lived in South Central LA, in what was considered Crip territory. It was a fairly nice neighborhood--lots of families and grandmothers and beautiful homes with manicured yards....and I don't look like a gang member, I'm not a dude signifying...but I did avoid wearing red and because I wear bandanas alot, I chose girly colors--and never would wear blue or red. If I did wear a blue shirt, it was light blue and dressy--would not wear any jersey or obvious t-shirts in those colors made for men. If I were a guy or had a brother--I would really advise him to not to walk up and down a gang infested street--period--and to not wear anything that would make someone believe he was representing. Not to go up to cars and talk to people he doesn't know--and to use transportation (a car) to travel in that area.

Same thing applies to cities like Oakland or Southeast San Diego. Most areas have a map that the police put out that provides information on streets and if they are gang affiliated. Not trying to scare you. Obviously, if you are going to Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, or Universal Studios--it's not an issue. But if you have relatives who live in obvious gang-infested territory--it's better to err on the safe side.

It is claimed that some gangs wear certain colors, but they rarely bother "regular" people. They're too busy fighting among each other. I'm certain that your relatives will not take you to any areas that we locals consider somewhat dangerous. (unless they think you're staying too long)

I am from PA and have lived in CA for many many years. The red/blue color thing is just in gang areas, and it is for gang people. Don't worry. If you have any doubts at all about your relatives' neighborhood, ask your family first. Bring gray sweats if you really think it could be a problem, but somehow I doubt it.

Don't let anyone scare you about colors in California. It's safe to walk in God's world of colors. Just wear any colors. Why do people assume California have issues about color wearing when you have other states with the same issue of coloring wearing or gang related issues? You have Florida, Texas or Illinois as some to mention that may seem worse than California. I have lived in California for 46 years and I have to defend this state. I have to defend these gang society as well as any other gangs we have had for decades. You have gangs or crews to worry about. Some don't know about these groups and their preference wearing of clothing or objects like tatoos or jewelry. I get so tired of hearing about people being labeled. If you wear color red, blue or black and happen to walk into a gang infested neighborhood or a mall you're chances of getting killed by one is a small percentage compare to getting killed by a armed robber after robbing a bank or getting your car hijacked. A gang member knows who's associated with a certain gang or crew if they happen to wear a similiarity of the same clothing. They won't mess with you unless you do come into their terrority and want trouble than yes, you will have to pay the consequences of it. I have met many gang members through my life time. I have a son who's friends with a gang member. My son use to be a gang member. My cousins, friends, my brother, my dad and myself use to be associated with gangs. The color is nothing to be scared of. These colors represent Family Unity. You have skin color that upsets people like Larry King who got shot for being gay. You have different cross genders who wear the color pink to represent gay society. You have bikers who wear bandana and leather. You have skaters who wear Vans and black. You have Asians who wear a hidden tattoos. You have skinheads who wear no hair. You have Punkers who wear black. You have many other gangs who wear certain colored clothing but they mean no harm if you don't provoke them. No matter where you visit in Calfornia there's crime everywhere no matter what color you wear. This list can go on forever. So, if you came to California you might as well wear Aluminum foil or a costume. Colors is just a color. It represents who you are. I wear black, pink, red, blue and I am still alive. I know this can be debated forever but colors is just what it is just a color.

Wearing certain colors is so 80s or 90s.
In todays style(NEW Funk Style) is dosent matter any more.
But still you are consider as a gang member if you are wearing all blue(Crip) or all red (Blood). It also depends if you are wearing a blue or a red bandana in your back.I have wear red or blue shirts or sweaters and I have never had any problem.

not unless you are going to the gang area. The "Bloods" wear red and the "Crips" wear blue. But if you are just a tourist...no problem.

I have lived in LA for most of my life and have NEVER even considered what colors I should and should not wear..it is just not an issue...but I do not hang out in gang areas.

Only if you are going to areas where the gangs are at. What part of L.A. are you visiting? I never had any problems about colors. I wore blue in Blood/Piru neighborhoods, and I red in Crip neighborhoods.