This is a very good point; I've been bothered by this phenomenon since the nukeese incident on local talk radio. It's definitely code word amongst the ignorant, uneducated listeners. I know a lot of white kids who wear polo shirts, hunt and drink beer who have screwed up as well.
Nice post about what a thug really is. A lot of people around here don't seem to really understand. A gun in your car with filed serial numbers does not make you a thug unless the gun is used for violence, intended violence or intimidation of others.
