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Good questions you ask. I don't know. I DO know this, and that is that there is indeed a problem with black youth, especially in urban concentration areas. I'm a bit of a "hick" and I really do not get out much, so to speak. I'm also gainfully employed by a state Judicial Branch. I am NOT involved in the practice of law however.

Anyway... in the course of my job, I had to spend considerable time at a large courthouse recently and during the days I spent there I was able to observe people. I stood just behind and off to the side of the metal detectors and Deputies who were screening people. I saw people that looked like as though I could certainly relate...dressed in business casual wear...obviously "comfortable" in it... just there for traffic court. I could hear a LOT of conversation between people as well so I knew why a good many of them were there as they conversed within earshot. Then, there were the parents of the young adults who were there for traffic court and other minor infractions.

But then there was the black youth. People who know me know I'm not a racist. I grew up in a very small place below the Mason Dixon Line though which permeated racism, and my wife and I vowed that it would never exist in our home. My kids have always been baffled by racism because they simply don't "get it". We've never perpetuated it, or even discussed it. It's simply not an issue. But even my "kids" (all young adults now) can SEE the problem with the "gang banger" culture and racism.

Anyway... as I'm standing there in the back of the courthouse lobby, people are streaming in. I'd say that over 60% were black youth who not only didn't appear to be pinnacles of their community, but based on their comments were NOT. I overheard snippets of conversation concerning car theft, B&E, robbery, rape, drug use and distribution. The "highlight" of it all was this one black "kid" (probably no more than 24) who was behind me as we were walking up a very narrow flight of stairs. He had three gaudily dressed young females with him who all seemed rather "fond" of him. He was dressed in a suit, which he seemed very uncomfortable in and was discussing his "case" with his young women. He said (and I quote) -

"Ya'll bitches just don't know me and what I can do. Yeah... I killed that motherfucker with my own gun, but he deserved it after running his big mouth. But these dumb- assed cracker cops can't prove NOTHIN!"

One of my partners in front of me turned slightly where I could see his face and he had an "amazed" look. I felt like turning around and asking the young "Einstein" how he would feel if I were to march my happy ass into the Judges Chambers and explain what I had just overheard? But if I had done that, I would have done NOTHING but that, because there was just so much of it. He is just one example of what I overheard.

...and YES, there were some white kids there who were definitely BAD NEWS. But not many. Interestingly enough, it seemed that most Hispanics were there for traffic court. Me and the two guys I was working with talked about it and agreed that about two thirds of the people coming in were black youth of this subculture I'm trying to explain. I think you understand it though.... or have at least seen it.

So yes... there IS a problem with black youth and its subculture. But what's the source of it? Where is their leadership?... yes, I'm talking about the leadership who also has its own particularly vile subculture... yep... that one! Where did they veer from being able to facilitate an environment where their youth could flourish and become something GREAT and VALUABLE?!

I don't know the answers myself, but I can tell you from first hand observations that something is most definitely wrong with them. When a full 2/3 of the people coming into a big courthouse all look like Trayvon Martins, it certainly makes a person wonder!