It shows a pattern of behavior. If we refuse to recognize obvious problems, how will we ever fix them?
It does? Show me the scientific evidence that the color of one's skin is a root cause of one's criminal behavior.
I think it's silly. We have plenty of white trash criminals too. It definitely has more to do with socioeconomic conditions and poverty. Of course, conservatives would probably not want to ever admit to that, so they are going with the "racial" theme.
The root, I believe...is the home. Perhaps an oversimplification, but I don't think I am smart enough to write a book on the subject. Things like color, poverty, and such are just obstacles to be overcome, not excuses or causes for bad behavior, IMO. Plenty of people grow up black and poorer than dirt end up as productive, valued members of their community, while others who grow up white and rich end up as the scum of the earth. I think how we are raised has more to do with how we choose to adapt, improvise and overcome the obstacles placed before us than the obstacles themselves do.
That said, I assume genetics may have something to do with it as well...human beings are complex creatures, so while our heredity may not be etched in stone due to all the possible combinations and variables of our genetic structure, there is no doubt that what we are is influenced by the pieces parts we are made up of that were passed down to us by our family tree.
Again, I am not smart enough to know the answer or even to explain what I think I know, but I hope my attempt at least makes a little sense.