When frustration grows, the younger generation tends to react in two different ways, says Dr. Dovidio. Whether it's rap or gangs or martial arts, which is seeing a renaissance in some inner cities, they create their own society. Alternatively, they push to take charge of the existing civil rights leadership. Back at the church meeting, some teens are downright combative toward the older generation. Some in the audience holler in agreement.
Some adults sit quietly, frowning.
As the forum ends, debate in the still-full hall continues informally over the youths' new role and how the adults fit in. Everybody is so comfortable, so debonair. Youths want to take helm As these young people see it, they've become the agitating force in the battle for respect and fair treatment. Elaine Coffy carries away a young boy who was taunting mounted Cincinnati police officers last week. Riots and protests hit the city after a policeman killed an unarmed black teen.