So what excuses are we offered for 14 year olds doing something like this? They’re not victims of anything, they’re violent criminals.
The kids are merely acting out what they have seen their adult models do. This is not something that occurs naturally to a 14 yr old, this required "coaching", and probably some "rehersals".
Whitey has "Little Leage" and the "Boy Scouts" and other programs for teaching kids acceptable practices, how to interact in society. I guess the Black Kids have other groups, such as ex-Cons, "Mommy's Boyfriend", the local Gangsta leadership and the "Black Panthers" to instill their values in their children.