In this study, we examine how youth use media production to represent, (de)legitimate, and reimagine their experiences of hypercriminalization--the pervasive complex of social practices such as racial profiling that position young men of color as "always-already criminal." We analyze two clips from a youth-produced news show called…

This case study of a young African-American urban male and his increasing involvement with the criminal justice system illustrates that merely providing opportunities for members of the underclass is not enough. An outlook that allows members of the underclass to invest personal resources in their opportunities must be fostered. (SLD)