The Search for Thugs

well said newsweek..

Being a young black woman, I can understand where the assumption comes from to see young black men as "thugs", but in all actuality, the fault falls on everyone why it continues. Not all black men (or women) are ghetto or thugs or whatever you want to call it and not all people born into impoverished neighborhoods are a product of where they grew up in. First of all, we as Black people need to realize that we are definitely more than what White America thinks of us to be---which is usually something negative and degrading. But also, society needs to give Black people a chance rather than jumping on the assumption that just because someone who just so happens to be Black does a little bit of dirt in their life that they're automatically "bad". As many White people there are out there that does just as bad as anyone else, they aren't being labeled! Perfect example---a White lady walking down a sidewalk will grab her purse without hesitation if she notices a Black man coming in her direction and he may very well be a stand-up and productive citizen. But she can walk by a White man and nod to say hello and this guy could very well be the person getting ready to snatch her up and rape her in the alley or something! Give Black people a chance rather than already having it made up in your mind that this is a bad person! Or if you want to label Black people or any other minority and constantly blow it up in the media, then why aren't White America's problems blown up, too? A lot of White men were serial killers! A lot of White men cheated the government! A lot of White men have raped people. White celebrities have problems, but it's turned into more of a joke that eventually gets shrugged off rather than something the media keeps harping on like they do with every and any thing that happens with a Black celebrity. Respect Sean Taylor and his family and stop trying to dig for justification for why he was murdered, as if he deserved it! You people need to find a good and more constructive hobby and let the man rest in peace!

As someone who's lived in black neighborhoods and black countries, these are not erroneous perceptions, but reality for a lot of black young men. And the ones who don't buy into this lifestyle are made fun of as trying to act white, whatever that means. Doing well in school and having manners are not just a white trait but something most of the world aspires to. I can't think of any other culture today that thinks otherwise. Black people have it in their own hands to improve their lot more than anyone else can but most choose to take another path. Go into any public school classroom and you'll see. It's a shame that the ones who really want to get ahead are put down and made fun of.instead of being looked up to and emulated.

It's too bad, in this case that the negative things Sean Talyor changed in his life are the things the media is embellishing on. A thug? It's interesting that with all the controversy that surrounded her baby, Anna NIcole was never referred to as a "ho"

A lot of people are desensitized to violence and murder and this is one of the greatest problems with our culture.

A lot of young people are desensitized to murder and violence, and this is the largest part of the problem.

Great article. All these comments are true and it only shows how complex the issue has gotten or always has been. I see young African-Americans everyday and they have no sense of self-worth. We'd rather be looked at as tough instead of smart. It's sad.

Please stop lumping "blacks" into one monolithic opinion...it's insulting. Thanks.

great article..the media has a huge influence on which stereotypes are perpetuated...there are millions of african american males in this country raising families doing good ...unfortunately the media selects images that are based on a small percentage of individual profiles and oversaturates all forms of media with these negative images...the stereotype of the black male gansta rapper thug is just the latest tool in the tool box to discredit an entire race..