The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

161
A. Kids have basic needs. Basic needs are basic needs. There are cultural
differences.
Q. Are we meeting those needs
A. I doubt it. We don’t have enough facilities around here and we don’t
have the money to have them.
Q. One thing that I noticed in here is that everyone in the system is white
and for all these children of color coming in here, do you think it would
make any difference if you had some people of color among your ranks
A. Probably would.
Summary
Two themes emerge from the responses to the closed ended questions and the
interviews of the juvenile justice court personnel. The first is a concern with
rehabilitation and the protection of society. The second and an interrelated theme is the
emphasis placed on the adherence to white-middle class standards and values. The
perception is that youth and their parents who fail to abide by these standards warrants
differential treatment than those who conform or are perceived to conform to these set of
criteria. Style of dress, perceived or actual gang affiliation, and parental cooperativeness
appear to be factors indicative of defiance to these standards. Images of violence believed
to be associated with rap music and other forms of media are also sources for
nonconformity. Native American Indians are not necessarily expected to meet these
standards. Blacks and other minorities, however, seem to be less likely to conform to
these expectations.
The commitment decision makers have for respect and adherence to the dominant
culture (beyond avoidance of delinquent activity) is not mutually shared by all. The
strongest emphasis on this