The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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When asked whether they regretted committing the delinquent act, the majority of
both races felt a sense of regret. One black male who was arrested for theft said, “I regret
it. . .I wish that there had been another way.” Another stated, “I’m just trying to make a
dollar, that’s what I was doing, trying to make a dollar.” The whites did not express
reasons why or why not they regretted their actions. Overall, both blacks and whites took
personal responsibility for their behavior.
Summary
Both the black and white youth of Scott County feel discrimination is a present
problem in our society. Whites felt blacks had equal job opportunities while blacks
disagreed with this view. The majority of both races are optimistic about improving
future conditions for blacks. Each race seemed to express some sense of trust toward the
opposite race.
The general views of the police from the youth were negative. Both races agreed
that police give unequal treatment to people of different racial backgrounds. Black youth
emphasized this view more so than the white youth. The youth were split on the question
of respect. Blacks had less respect for police than whites. It was clear, however, that
neither race had any inclination of becoming a police officer.
Regarding probation officers, the youth seemed to answer more positively than
negatively. The probation officers were believed to display equal treatment to people of
different racial and economic backgrounds. Both races trusted their probation officers,
but would not like to pursue a career in this field.