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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!

Grew up in a small town South of the Mason-Dixon line myself—Within spitting distance of the old capital of the Confederacy. Both my Dad and Grand-dad were virulent racists and I’ve had to consciously strive to overcome that early influence.

What fascinates, and depresses, me is that, the farther we move from the period of slavery and institutionalized racism, the more shrilly those aspects of American history are invoked—By Blacks justifying their actions and by guilty Whites.

These little “African” princes you witnessed at the courthouse have never had to ride in the back of the bus, never had to use a separate entrance to a building, never had to drink from a separate water fountain, never were refused services of any kind; yet, they carry on as though they just recently escaped forced servitude.

A huge tantrum is playing out right now—So far limited mainly to words. I hope that’s as far as it goes; but I’m ready if things get more “physical.”

As a White, Christian, Conservative, Male, moderately successful small business owner paying taxes out the wazoo, I’m also tired of being blamed for all of society’s ills.

Your response shows a lot of thought and analysis of what you've encountered. And it's so true. So often, groups of young black males (and sometimes females) do exhibit those behaviors and attitudes. It's an image portrayed to them by their gangsta', media-inspired, profit-driven culture and enabled by leaders who only have power by perpetuating the negative culture. If they want to scream anything, it should be the old calls of real black leaders, for jobs, for opportunity, for real independence.

Do I fear large groups of young black men behaving in ways that frighten me? Yes. I have the same concerns with groups of white youth, hispanic youth, or any large group that could potentially threaten me. I cross the street to avoid any of them, just as I do if I encounter groups of drunk football fans after a Browns game. It's NOT about race....it's about their culture that tells them to act like gangstas in groups.

I don't feel that way when I come into contact with one or a few well-behaved minoriites that are responsible and reasonable, of course not.

The changes they should be demanding have to be to return jobs and personal responsibility to black youth. That and say NO MORE to a culture that exploits them and benefits from their bad behavior. Listen to the media and their political and cultural icons today....they're practically begging them to protest.