@Jillybean Jilly, thanks so much for sharing the denotative (dictionary) meaning of the word. It is the connotative (emotional) meaning of these words that is stirring the pot here. When we see a bunch of Blacks and Minorities kids being thrown down on the ground and handcuffed with the words "hoodlum" and "thugs" thrown at them on the news from powerful and influential politicians and elsewhere in our society, there in lies that connotative impact of the words. Of course, the meanings of these two words are not relegated to one particular race. However, it certainly looks that way for so many Black and Brown skin people who see what is happening in our world today.Again, words are weapons--used for good and bad. We, as a society, must choose our words wisely.

@Sophie1 Good points. I cannot agree more, children certainly do need parents who are not their buddies.

@ReadtoAchieve2 Yes, I understand - particularly with our law enforcement and school teachers. But to have parents and grandparents afraid of their own children/grandchildren is a huge problem that should be nipped in the bud now. I remember telling my own that if they ever did something stupid that caused harm to themselves or others, or got into trouble with the LEOs, their biggest threat/problem would be me. It starts at home.

After giving this discussion some thought, I feel one of the most lacking things in youth today, not all, is good old fashion RESPECT. If you want it then you need to show it.
And that my friends begins in the home. And it sure starts way before the kids begin school.

@Sophie1 I agree 100%

@PearlandDotCom Thank you officers, and we are glad you have Officer Nodi as part of the team!

@globama No,, "hoodlums" because they ran from the police officer and they rammed into two cars, and then ran away.

@Lyn0811 Kendria, Please do not try to incite anger where there is none. If I my say so, please finish school and learn correct grammar. The correct word is "specific" not "pacific." Also, I believe you meant to say "you're" which is the contraction for "you are." " Your" means something that belongs to you. Yes, I am a teacher, but I sincerely believe the way you communicate with people leads people to respect what you are saying, or notice only the poor grammar. We will listen more if you will speak correctly.

@HillCountry Parents used to say "My house or the highway." And, when they said it, they meant it. We definitely need a lot more tough love from parents.

@annweiss @Lyn0811Ladies, you've made my point exactly. There are so many teens/young adults who cannot communicate correctly verbally or in writing. And, yes they are very angry. How is it that so many of our Nation's children are saying your when they mean you're? Or, there when it should be their? We, as a great society, have and are continuing to fail our children. All I can say is this: Look for them to be angry!!! I've written a book on this mess!

@ReadtoAchieve2 And, Lyn0811, it is not just young people. Many, many people post on Face Book using the incorrect word. Would love to read your book.

@annweiss Go to my website, www.readtoachieve2.com
My book is titled, Cracked Glass, Vol One, The Whole Damned FamilyIt is not a narrative to be taken lightly.I still cannot believe that I got my Master's degree in reading. As a teen, I couldn't communicate in reading and writing on grade level expectations. I was very much one of these kids that I talk about. Today, I still struggle with grammar on some levels. But, via God's grace, I am an author. Who would have thought it?

@ReadtoAchieve2 You obviously have some strong feelings on this subject and your comments are welcome. I was not going to reply to any of the posts, especially those calling me out as a racist from those who know nothing about me and are only knee-jerking a response to a word which they obviously do not know the meaning. In regards to my choice of words: I know the meaning of hoodlum, and it was lobbied on all 4 individuals, not just those of a certain race. I have zero patience or tolerance for people who break the law and put other's lives in danger by fleeing from police.

@Ellison Sir, I do have very strong feelings on this subject indeed. I, personally, have never called anyone a racist without knowing it for a fact. As far as I am concerned, I think we all have a passionate awareness of race in us if we are to be honest with ourselves. Just being different and recognizing those differences make us aware of our races. However, it is when we allow those differences to turn into hate, intolerance, and bigotry that becomes the problem. You sound like a learned individual. I am aware that you must know the meaning of hoodlum from the dictionary or from hearing its use. But, have you lived in a ghetto, rat and roach infested hood?That's the origin of hoodlum from the word hood that so many minorities get caught up in and fight against.Now, I don't want to get into a verbal debate here, but "zero tolerance" is all encompassing. There are circumstances in almost every situation. That is why nothing is ever cut and dry or black or white. There is usually a gray area somewhere. I will end with this: As a young girl long long ago, I, like my brothers, could be considered in today's terms a "thug" or "hoodlum." I was crazy as hell for reasons. You, Sir would've had "zero tolerance" for me as a teen. But, now I think you would appreciate the person that I have finally become. Thank God, I was given an opportunity to learn better and to do better.No, I don't believe that you are a racist. However, I do see you as someone who is not forgiving and empathetic. Perhaps because you have not walked enough in shoes that are defeated, worn, and tired of what life has offered from birth to adulthood.

@annweiss You know I kept looking at that thinking I know that is the ocean, but so wanted to say what ever it was that I could not grasp the correct spelling.