Minority Lawyers/Law Students and the Minority Population Forum

[Anonymous User]

I don't really know where to post this but I want to use the Anon option because this may be a controversial topic. If the mods feel this thread doesn't belong, I just ask that you guys delete it and PM me about it. Please do not reveal my identity. Here it goes:

I am a Latino law student interning at a DA's office this summer. I have noticed that when I see defendants, or just other people in the community within my demographic (Hispanic male in early to mid 20s) that look disadvantaged (ie, tattoos, ghetto demeanor) there is a very strange vibe. Like I know they are looking at me, seemingly every move i make and when I make eye contact with them, there's a strange thing that happens. It's like they are amazed that someone in their demographic is in a suit accompanied by lawyers or doesn't have tattoos or speaks in am educated manner. I don't know why or how I get this feeling.

In terms of how I feel about it, part me feels bad for them but in a way, I am frustrated that those in my community within my demographic aren't bettering themselves mostly out of their unwillingness or ignorance of doing so.

So I just want to know, for the black, latino, any other minority law student/lawyer out there, how do you feel when you see one in your own demographic in the seemingly disadvantaged position described above? Do you pity them? Do you even care?