NCJ Number
146325
Journal
Social Problems Volume: 40 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 478-492
Date Published
1993
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Racial attitudes of white New York City youths were studied in light of the dramatic rise in race-related crime in the city since 1985.
Abstract
In Brooklyn in 1990, survey questionnaires were administered and focus group interviews conducted among 88 white males aged 14 to 21. Four major factors in combination were found to contribute to racially motivated crime: 1) deteriorating economic conditions; 2) societal racial climate and ideology; 3) the history of neighborhood race relations and the community¦s racial ideology; and 4) participation in neighborhood-based peer groups. The youths spoke of "getting racial" and described a racial hierarchy of desired targets for assault. Preferences varied, but blacks were always at the top of the list. The youths believed they were justified in "fighting back" against a discriminatory system that included a black mayor and black police chief. Such sentiments thrived in a politically conservative climate, as did a perception that all people of color are criminals. Processes of affiliation are often linked to processes of differentiation--that is, to be liked as part of one's group may entail disliking another group. 26 references