Huh?
Huh?
August 9, 2006 a man was robbed at gunpoint in my apartment complex. The only description about the robber was that he was a black male... No age, no height, no weight. Just a black male. I suppose a nice bit of the country is a suspect then. It's a shame really. I guess my father, uncles, cousins, friends, and I are all suspects. A tone has been set around the apartment complex. Along with racial tension which is already present in the Greater Houston Area, I know have to deal with being the spectacle of criticism as well as more locked doors, crossed parking lots, and clutched purses.
Huh?
Perhaps it's a question of familiarity, Lennox. If you live in an enclosed convent in Botswana then nobody's going to notice height or age so much as "it was a black MAN!", if you live in a traditional village 50 miles north of Reykjavik it'll be "it was a BLACK man!". If you live in a gay enclave where few white homies tread I agree the description lacks specificity.
Does nobody send out a forensics team to incidents? They have a tremendously impressive conviction rate when they swab the environment. I think every crime should have one, thereby making crime equate to conviction. Who'd be a criminal in those circumstances? We'd end up with one forensics team per city, spending most of its time playing pinochle, far cheaper than these amateurs with big truncheons who only go into policing so they can be legally violent.
Does nobody send out a forensics team to incidents? They have a tremendously impressive conviction rate when they swab the environment. I think every crime should have one, thereby making crime equate to conviction. Who'd be a criminal in those circumstances? We'd end up with one forensics team per city, spending most of its time playing pinochle, far cheaper than these amateurs with big truncheons who only go into policing so they can be legally violent.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
Huh?
If I were robbed at gunpoint Id probably be hard pressed to offer fine details. About the only thing I might notice would be that it was a white guy. Or he had a clown face on. Ya know ?
I AM AWESOME MAN
Huh?
Eww. TMI.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
If I were robed at gunpoint, all I would probablly remember would be the gun!
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
Huh?
CheshireCat wrote: If I were robed at gunpoint, all I would probablly remember would be the gun!
Youd probably remember if it was black or silver.
Youd probably remember if it was black or silver.
I AM AWESOME MAN
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
You are obviously a wonderful person and above reproach. Maybe you should be on "watch" as well. These are dangerous times and people are suspisious of people they don't know. If this happened and they don't know you, don't take offense. I'm pretty much weary of ANY man I don't know in certian situations. It's not a reflection of you, you are a dear, it's a reflection of the times.
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
Nomad wrote: Youd probably remember if it was black or silver.
Yep, and where it was aimed.
Yep, and where it was aimed.
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Huh?
I too would probably remember it was a black/hispanic/asian/white guy because that would be what stood out. There would be no time to notice his nose or the scar on his face or his limp. Heck, I might not even notice his color if there's a gun aimed at me. I am terrible at remembering what people have on or what their hair or eye color really is, sometimes I get it completely wrong.
That said, I completely understand what Lennox is saying. I see where he would be aggravated that onc eagain something bad is attributed The Generic Black Guy in general and now that automatically means him.
Slightly off topic, I got myself a new doctor. I described her as "a real attractive black woman, very thorough and well spoken." I can imagine people saying "What, you're surprised that a black woman would be attractive/well spoken?!" "What difference does it make it she's black?!" Answer, no difference. But as a white woman, she's the "opposite color" of me, and since there are sadly few black people in my town, I tend to notice her as a black woman. If she were russian, I would point that out too. If she weighed 400 pounds, that would be noticeable to me. If she were a white woman with stunning green eyes, I would notice that. It's just what I notice first off. Why do people give me that knee-jerk PC reaction? Are we just supposed to pretend we don't have any color or culture behind it?! I'm proud to be white, when I think of it at all. Usually I'm just a person. But when it's pointed out in a positive way, I think people of any color ought to be proud of their culture and themselves. I find this "pretending we're all the same color" stuff to be ridiculous and sad. Let's be proud of who we are! There is much to learn about all cultures! And I for one would like to be able to ask someone about their culture. *off my soapbox*
That said, I completely understand what Lennox is saying. I see where he would be aggravated that onc eagain something bad is attributed The Generic Black Guy in general and now that automatically means him.
Slightly off topic, I got myself a new doctor. I described her as "a real attractive black woman, very thorough and well spoken." I can imagine people saying "What, you're surprised that a black woman would be attractive/well spoken?!" "What difference does it make it she's black?!" Answer, no difference. But as a white woman, she's the "opposite color" of me, and since there are sadly few black people in my town, I tend to notice her as a black woman. If she were russian, I would point that out too. If she weighed 400 pounds, that would be noticeable to me. If she were a white woman with stunning green eyes, I would notice that. It's just what I notice first off. Why do people give me that knee-jerk PC reaction? Are we just supposed to pretend we don't have any color or culture behind it?! I'm proud to be white, when I think of it at all. Usually I'm just a person. But when it's pointed out in a positive way, I think people of any color ought to be proud of their culture and themselves. I find this "pretending we're all the same color" stuff to be ridiculous and sad. Let's be proud of who we are! There is much to learn about all cultures! And I for one would like to be able to ask someone about their culture. *off my soapbox*
Huh?
This reminds me of a story Oprah Winfrey told on her show one day.
A woman was visiting a strange city on business and rented a car. She became lost and was driving around, looking for her destination. She passed a group of men who saw her driving slowly and jumped out in front of her car, waving to her.
Panicked, she raced past them .... only to realize they'd been trying to warn her away from turning into a "one way" street.
The men were black and the woman was white.
When discussing this, Oprah did NOT accuse the woman of automatic racism! What she said was wise and understanding....she said that SHE would run from ANY group of men who'd behaved in the same way....because "this world isn't a safe place for any girl-child."
I never forgot that. So #$%*#$% WHAT if they were black or Asian or Hispanic? The victim of this crime was terrified and remembered the most obvious thing. Most crimes are commited by men. This one happened to be black. The victim gave a description.
Let's get on with things and find the perp!
A woman was visiting a strange city on business and rented a car. She became lost and was driving around, looking for her destination. She passed a group of men who saw her driving slowly and jumped out in front of her car, waving to her.
Panicked, she raced past them .... only to realize they'd been trying to warn her away from turning into a "one way" street.
The men were black and the woman was white.
When discussing this, Oprah did NOT accuse the woman of automatic racism! What she said was wise and understanding....she said that SHE would run from ANY group of men who'd behaved in the same way....because "this world isn't a safe place for any girl-child."
I never forgot that. So #$%*#$% WHAT if they were black or Asian or Hispanic? The victim of this crime was terrified and remembered the most obvious thing. Most crimes are commited by men. This one happened to be black. The victim gave a description.
Let's get on with things and find the perp!
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Huh?
she said that SHE would run from ANY group of men who'd behaved in the same way....because "this world isn't a safe place for any girl-child."
Okay I can see that but let's look at that from the other side. Do men feel that's a sexist viewpoint? If I get on an elevator with a bunch of other women already in it certainly no harm will come to me because I'm a woman and women don't commit crimes against other women. (yeah right) But I shouldn't get on an elevator with even one strange man in it because he might be a rapist. I don't think it's fair yet I understand why it's done. I would raise my children to be very wary (fear?) men because many men are *bad.* Can't be trusted. I would especially raise my girl to be that way and to a lesser degree my son. I have thought about this issue many times and I never come up with any other answer than to do it the way it's always been done that is to be wary of men. Still, I feel the world and society would be so different if we didn't have to be this way. It's necessary but it's also insulting to men. :-3
Okay I can see that but let's look at that from the other side. Do men feel that's a sexist viewpoint? If I get on an elevator with a bunch of other women already in it certainly no harm will come to me because I'm a woman and women don't commit crimes against other women. (yeah right) But I shouldn't get on an elevator with even one strange man in it because he might be a rapist. I don't think it's fair yet I understand why it's done. I would raise my children to be very wary (fear?) men because many men are *bad.* Can't be trusted. I would especially raise my girl to be that way and to a lesser degree my son. I have thought about this issue many times and I never come up with any other answer than to do it the way it's always been done that is to be wary of men. Still, I feel the world and society would be so different if we didn't have to be this way. It's necessary but it's also insulting to men. :-3
Huh?
OK...are "men" in general insulted because society needs to protect innocent people from rapists and murderers?
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Huh?
No, no...are men insulted that we think they ALL have the potential to be rapists and murderers. There are women who rape and murder. Why do we not fear them? Is it because there are less of them or what?
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Adam Zapple
- Posts: 977
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:13 am
Huh?
RedGlitter wrote: No, no...are men insulted that we think they ALL have the potential to be rapists and murderers. There are women who rape and murder. Why do we not fear them? Is it because there are less of them or what?
First of all, if you think all men are potential rapists and murderers, as if there is something inherently evil in being male, then you have issues. If you think you must carefully place yourself in safe situations because any male you don't know could potentially be a rapist or murderer then I would say you are a smart woman. I have no problems with "male profiling". I hope my girls are smart enough to do it. I'm not offended by it. That some males are violent is a fact of life. Why should I be offended if a female is cautious and takes self-preservation to heart? True story: It was approx 3:00am in Paris. Some buddies and I were lost in the subway system because the lines back to our hotel were closed. The five of us were alone down in the subway station. Out of nowhere comes a lone black woman. She stopped and helped us find the right trains back to our hotel. I was very grateful but at the same time wondered why she would stop in a deserted station to help five males she didn't know. Not real smart if you think about it. How did she know we weren't going to jump her?
As for Lennox's original post - I'm usually the first person people talk to after being robbed. Not knowing the full situation, it is not surprising that the race of the offender is the only information the victim could remember. It happens all the time, especially if the victim is assaulted and only seconds elapse during the crime.
First of all, if you think all men are potential rapists and murderers, as if there is something inherently evil in being male, then you have issues. If you think you must carefully place yourself in safe situations because any male you don't know could potentially be a rapist or murderer then I would say you are a smart woman. I have no problems with "male profiling". I hope my girls are smart enough to do it. I'm not offended by it. That some males are violent is a fact of life. Why should I be offended if a female is cautious and takes self-preservation to heart? True story: It was approx 3:00am in Paris. Some buddies and I were lost in the subway system because the lines back to our hotel were closed. The five of us were alone down in the subway station. Out of nowhere comes a lone black woman. She stopped and helped us find the right trains back to our hotel. I was very grateful but at the same time wondered why she would stop in a deserted station to help five males she didn't know. Not real smart if you think about it. How did she know we weren't going to jump her?
As for Lennox's original post - I'm usually the first person people talk to after being robbed. Not knowing the full situation, it is not surprising that the race of the offender is the only information the victim could remember. It happens all the time, especially if the victim is assaulted and only seconds elapse during the crime.
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Huh?
First of all, if you think all men are potential rapists and murderers, as if there is something inherently evil in being male, then you have issues. If you think you must carefully place yourself in safe situations because any male you don't know could potentially be a rapist or murderer then I would say you are a smart woman.
Thanks for your honest reply!
I'm not sure if what I was trying to say came through or not. Sometimes I cram my points together. I personally don't think men are evil. I like men just fine. What I'm curious about is that it seems a little one sided and I'm not sure why. Even when we tell our kids "be careful of strangers" I think most of us really mean "watch out for strange men." Women harm people too. I'm glad you're not offended Adam Zapple by the "profiling," I'm just giving my view as a woman. Didn't mean to take this thread off its original subject if I did. :-3But Lennox's complaint of racial profiling made me think of sexist profiling. I'm not sure I see the difference.
Thanks for your honest reply!
I'm not sure if what I was trying to say came through or not. Sometimes I cram my points together. I personally don't think men are evil. I like men just fine. What I'm curious about is that it seems a little one sided and I'm not sure why. Even when we tell our kids "be careful of strangers" I think most of us really mean "watch out for strange men." Women harm people too. I'm glad you're not offended Adam Zapple by the "profiling," I'm just giving my view as a woman. Didn't mean to take this thread off its original subject if I did. :-3But Lennox's complaint of racial profiling made me think of sexist profiling. I'm not sure I see the difference.-
Adam Zapple
- Posts: 977
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:13 am
Huh?
My use of "you" was meant to be generic, not "you" as in RedGlitter. Sorry if I confused, it's just the way I talk.
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RedGlitter
- Posts: 15777
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am
Huh?
No prob! 
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Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Huh?
Lennox wrote: August 9, 2006 a man was robbed at gunpoint in my apartment complex. The only description about the robber was that he was a black male... No age, no height, no weight. Just a black male. I suppose a nice bit of the country is a suspect then. It's a shame really. I guess my father, uncles, cousins, friends, and I are all suspects. A tone has been set around the apartment complex. Along with racial tension which is already present in the Greater Houston Area, I know have to deal with being the spectacle of criticism as well as more locked doors, crossed parking lots, and clutched purses.Lennox, why do I get the feeling that you don't give a damn about fixing the problem? Time and again I've seen you start a thread designed to bait bigots, especially the politically correct ones, and abandon it when you get thought-filled caring responses instead.
Flopstock made an excellent suggestion. What are your thoughts on it?
Flopstock made an excellent suggestion. What are your thoughts on it?
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
Accountable wrote: Lennox, why do I get the feeling that you don't give a damn about fixing the problem? Time and again I've seen you start a thread designed to bait bigots, especially the politically correct ones, and abandon it when you get thought-filled caring responses instead.
Flopstock made an excellent suggestion. What are your thoughts on it?
Now that you mention it....
Flopstock made an excellent suggestion. What are your thoughts on it?
Now that you mention it....
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
Huh?
Accountable wrote: Lennox, why do I get the feeling that you don't give a damn about fixing the problem? Time and again I've seen you start a thread designed to bait bigots, especially the politically correct ones, and abandon it when you get thought-filled caring responses instead.
Flopstock made an excellent suggestion. What are your thoughts on it?
I do give a damn. I don't want to be looked at as a criminal just like I don't want my friends or family to be viewed as a criminal. I don't start post and then abandon them. I start them, let others post, then I post again. I'm not worried about who responds or why they respond. I'm not trying to bait any particular type of response, I'm just trying to get some clarification or some other viewpoints concerning some things. That is the point of starting a thread is it not?
I do know my neighbors. My neighbor is one of those people that rushes inside and locks the door when I come out of my apartment. I must say I know more people around this complex than anyone else I've come across. With that being said I am a very visible person, you can see me walking my dog 3 or 4 times a day or just outside getting a breath of fresh air. With this being said I still live in a city that is only 7% black and with a crime being perpetrated by "a black male" that puts people on high alert.
As far as things go why is it that I have to go out of my way for people to know that I'm not a criminal? I don't see too many stereotypical white man coming to my door to say to say, "Hey I'm not serial killer/rapist they are looking for" or anything of that nature. I'm one that has never in life pulled the "race card" but I feel like this is one time that I have to throw it on the table. There is no amount of justification that can be made as to why there are such scant details. I would have said there was a robbery be on the lookout for everybody and anybody you don't know regardless of race. With saying just watch that black guy with the black dog is inciting panic, and it's rather frustrating. I guess it's something that must be experienced to be understood. :-5
I think the whole get to know your neighbor strategy is good, but it won't stop people from looking at me in a tainted light. The simple reality is that I live in an area that "I'm not good enough to live in" coming from a state with a bunch of people that weren't that good enough to come to this state to begin with. I get one look because I'm black and then I get another when I tell people I'm from Louisiana. I completely understand the whole be wary or men thing but it seems like people are for more wary or me than others. If I was white I do so seriously doubt that I would be viewed the same or at least not with the same frequency.
If I see someone I'm leary of, I speak. I try to get to know them. In the time I'm talking to them I'm taking an inventory of their appearance, what they have on, tattoos, eye color, hair color, diction, accent all of that, but with that being said I'm not afraid of anyone walking the face of this Earth nor am I afraid of anything they have.
Flopstock made an excellent suggestion. What are your thoughts on it?
I do give a damn. I don't want to be looked at as a criminal just like I don't want my friends or family to be viewed as a criminal. I don't start post and then abandon them. I start them, let others post, then I post again. I'm not worried about who responds or why they respond. I'm not trying to bait any particular type of response, I'm just trying to get some clarification or some other viewpoints concerning some things. That is the point of starting a thread is it not?
I do know my neighbors. My neighbor is one of those people that rushes inside and locks the door when I come out of my apartment. I must say I know more people around this complex than anyone else I've come across. With that being said I am a very visible person, you can see me walking my dog 3 or 4 times a day or just outside getting a breath of fresh air. With this being said I still live in a city that is only 7% black and with a crime being perpetrated by "a black male" that puts people on high alert.
As far as things go why is it that I have to go out of my way for people to know that I'm not a criminal? I don't see too many stereotypical white man coming to my door to say to say, "Hey I'm not serial killer/rapist they are looking for" or anything of that nature. I'm one that has never in life pulled the "race card" but I feel like this is one time that I have to throw it on the table. There is no amount of justification that can be made as to why there are such scant details. I would have said there was a robbery be on the lookout for everybody and anybody you don't know regardless of race. With saying just watch that black guy with the black dog is inciting panic, and it's rather frustrating. I guess it's something that must be experienced to be understood. :-5
I think the whole get to know your neighbor strategy is good, but it won't stop people from looking at me in a tainted light. The simple reality is that I live in an area that "I'm not good enough to live in" coming from a state with a bunch of people that weren't that good enough to come to this state to begin with. I get one look because I'm black and then I get another when I tell people I'm from Louisiana. I completely understand the whole be wary or men thing but it seems like people are for more wary or me than others. If I was white I do so seriously doubt that I would be viewed the same or at least not with the same frequency.
If I see someone I'm leary of, I speak. I try to get to know them. In the time I'm talking to them I'm taking an inventory of their appearance, what they have on, tattoos, eye color, hair color, diction, accent all of that, but with that being said I'm not afraid of anyone walking the face of this Earth nor am I afraid of anything they have.
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Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Huh?
Lennox wrote: I do give a damn. I don't want to be looked at as a criminal just like I don't want my friends or family to be viewed as a criminal. I don't start post and then abandon them. I start them, let others post, then I post again. I'm not worried about who responds or why they respond. I'm not trying to bait any particular type of response, I'm just trying to get some clarification or some other viewpoints concerning some things. That is the point of starting a thread is it not? Glad to get that cleared up. I'm happy to be wrong. BTW, you never let us know if you & your family were okay from the hurricane on one of your very first threads.
Lennox wrote: I do know my neighbors. My neighbor is one of those people that rushes inside and locks the door when I come out of my apartment. I must say I know more people around this complex than anyone else I've come across. With that being said I am a very visible person, you can see me walking my dog 3 or 4 times a day or just outside getting a breath of fresh air. With this being said I still live in a city that is only 7% black and with a crime being perpetrated by "a black male" that puts people on high alert. Then why do you think they would suspect you?? Do your neighbors look at you differently? People that used to be friendly to you now crossing the street and clutching their handbags? Try to read your post with a stranger's eyes. It seems a bit paranoid.
Lennox wrote: As far as things go why is it that I have to go out of my way for people to know that I'm not a criminal? I don't see too many stereotypical white man coming to my door to say to say, "Hey I'm not serial killer/rapist they are looking for" or anything of that nature. I'm one that has never in life pulled the "race card" but I feel like this is one time that I have to throw it on the table. There is no amount of justification that can be made as to why there are such scant details. I would have said there was a robbery be on the lookout for everybody and anybody you don't know regardless of race. With saying just watch that black guy with the black dog is inciting panic, and it's rather frustrating. I guess it's something that must be experienced to be understood. :-5 The ol' 'it's a Black thing, you can't understand' line? That's crap.
You may not have "pulled the race card" in life, but you have here several times. You identify yourself as black first, man second. What eggshells would you have the media walk on when describing a person of dark skin and African features? Really, I want to know what description would not have gotten up your nose. I have heard on the news of a local robbery, for instance, where the only description was a white male & an age range. It didn't make me think everyone was looking at me.
Lennox wrote: I think the whole get to know your neighbor strategy is good, but it won't stop people from looking at me in a tainted light. The simple reality is that I live in an area that "I'm not good enough to live in" coming from a state with a bunch of people that weren't that good enough to come to this state to begin with. I get one look because I'm black and then I get another when I tell people I'm from Louisiana. I completely understand the whole be wary or men thing but it seems like people are for more wary or me than others. If I was white I do so seriously doubt that I would be viewed the same or at least not with the same frequency.You may be right. I suggest you verify it. Ask someone in your neighborhood straight up. Share your instincts/ideas/whatever and ask if you're right. Hell, you may be the first intelligent black man they've ever had a chance to speak to.
If it's strangers that you're talking about, f'k them. What do they know? let'em be scared if they want to.
Lennox wrote: If I see someone I'm leary of, I speak. I try to get to know them. In the time I'm talking to them I'm taking an inventory of their appearance, what they have on, tattoos, eye color, hair color, diction, accent all of that, but with that being said I'm not afraid of anyone walking the face of this Earth nor am I afraid of anything they have. :mad:I'm sure you already know you're relatively rare in this respect. Don't hold contempt for those that don't have your balls.
Glad to get that cleared up. I'm happy to be wrong. BTW, you never let us know if you & your family were okay from the hurricane on one of your very first threads.Lennox wrote: I do know my neighbors. My neighbor is one of those people that rushes inside and locks the door when I come out of my apartment. I must say I know more people around this complex than anyone else I've come across. With that being said I am a very visible person, you can see me walking my dog 3 or 4 times a day or just outside getting a breath of fresh air. With this being said I still live in a city that is only 7% black and with a crime being perpetrated by "a black male" that puts people on high alert. Then why do you think they would suspect you?? Do your neighbors look at you differently? People that used to be friendly to you now crossing the street and clutching their handbags? Try to read your post with a stranger's eyes. It seems a bit paranoid.
Lennox wrote: As far as things go why is it that I have to go out of my way for people to know that I'm not a criminal? I don't see too many stereotypical white man coming to my door to say to say, "Hey I'm not serial killer/rapist they are looking for" or anything of that nature. I'm one that has never in life pulled the "race card" but I feel like this is one time that I have to throw it on the table. There is no amount of justification that can be made as to why there are such scant details. I would have said there was a robbery be on the lookout for everybody and anybody you don't know regardless of race. With saying just watch that black guy with the black dog is inciting panic, and it's rather frustrating. I guess it's something that must be experienced to be understood. :-5 The ol' 'it's a Black thing, you can't understand' line? That's crap.
You may not have "pulled the race card" in life, but you have here several times. You identify yourself as black first, man second. What eggshells would you have the media walk on when describing a person of dark skin and African features? Really, I want to know what description would not have gotten up your nose. I have heard on the news of a local robbery, for instance, where the only description was a white male & an age range. It didn't make me think everyone was looking at me.
Lennox wrote: I think the whole get to know your neighbor strategy is good, but it won't stop people from looking at me in a tainted light. The simple reality is that I live in an area that "I'm not good enough to live in" coming from a state with a bunch of people that weren't that good enough to come to this state to begin with. I get one look because I'm black and then I get another when I tell people I'm from Louisiana. I completely understand the whole be wary or men thing but it seems like people are for more wary or me than others. If I was white I do so seriously doubt that I would be viewed the same or at least not with the same frequency.You may be right. I suggest you verify it. Ask someone in your neighborhood straight up. Share your instincts/ideas/whatever and ask if you're right. Hell, you may be the first intelligent black man they've ever had a chance to speak to.
If it's strangers that you're talking about, f'k them. What do they know? let'em be scared if they want to.
Lennox wrote: If I see someone I'm leary of, I speak. I try to get to know them. In the time I'm talking to them I'm taking an inventory of their appearance, what they have on, tattoos, eye color, hair color, diction, accent all of that, but with that being said I'm not afraid of anyone walking the face of this Earth nor am I afraid of anything they have. :mad:I'm sure you already know you're relatively rare in this respect. Don't hold contempt for those that don't have your balls.
Huh?
There is no particular description. I think it's just as sad when they say the suspect is a white male, hispanic male, or asian male. I think because I've worked with a news station and I have a degree in communications I know what and what should not be reported as to not incite panic. When I "pull the race card" i do it not out of anger but in an attempt to have EVERYONE treated fairly. I would have been upset if others were being typecast all facts pending on I've grown up with have all types of races in my family. Right now it's something black but I just want EVERYONE to be treated fairly that's it.
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Adam Zapple
- Posts: 977
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:13 am
Huh?
I'm just curious. If a white male or black male commit a crime, especially if the police are looking for them and need information from the public, why shouldn't the race be mentioned. It's a description that helps identify the perpetrator.
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
I live in a city that is 60% black, actually 61.4%. (Memphis) I don't know why that is important, but I felt I should mention that. I think being a idiot, criminal, moron, biggot, ect... is an equal opportunity occupation. I'm assuming that you are a young person. The world is full of a@#holes that are going to be very closed minded and simple, you have to be better than they are. I've had old ladys curse at me because I have red hair. It's not right, it's not fair, that's the way it is. You have to grow a thicker skin maybe and just ignore the mooncalfs and rednecks. There ARE prople out here that are intelligent and know what's up. Just hold your head up and be the good man that you are. Don't sweat the BS! :-6
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
Diuretic wrote: Uncommon good sense CC.
Thank You, I owe it all to my Momma! :p
Thank You, I owe it all to my Momma! :p
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
Huh?
JMHO..but "common sense" isn't as "common" as we'd like it to be. If a middle-aged, red-haired woman committed a crime, I'd expect people to be watching me more closely than they'd be watching Lennox. They might even question me. I'd get over it.
Life isn't fair. People commit crimes and, as Adam says, sometimes it happens so quickly that skin color's the only thing victims have time to notice. Does that make them bigots? Does it make the police/media reports bigoted if they mention it?
PLEASE!
Life isn't fair. People commit crimes and, as Adam says, sometimes it happens so quickly that skin color's the only thing victims have time to notice. Does that make them bigots? Does it make the police/media reports bigoted if they mention it?
PLEASE!
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
Lulu2 wrote: JMHO..but "common sense" isn't as "common" as we'd like it to be. If a middle-aged, red-haired woman committed a crime, I'd expect people to be watching me more closely than they'd be watching Lennox. They might even question me. I'd get over it.
Life isn't fair. People commit crimes and, as Adam says, sometimes it happens so quickly that skin color's the only thing victims have time to notice. Does that make them bigots? Does it make the police/media reports bigoted if they mention it?
PLEASE!
Ok, first off, I'm not middle aged.
My comments were for Lennox, not aimed at the person that identified an assialant as white or black or pink or polkadotted.
Maybe you should grow a thicker skin!
Please, indeed
Life isn't fair. People commit crimes and, as Adam says, sometimes it happens so quickly that skin color's the only thing victims have time to notice. Does that make them bigots? Does it make the police/media reports bigoted if they mention it?
PLEASE!
Ok, first off, I'm not middle aged.
My comments were for Lennox, not aimed at the person that identified an assialant as white or black or pink or polkadotted.
Maybe you should grow a thicker skin!
Please, indeed
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
Huh?
NO, C'C! I'm the middle-aged redhead....I was talking about myself...take a look at my profile! YOU are undoubtedly MUCH younger than I! Sorry...
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
Lulu2 wrote: NO, C'C! I'm the middle-aged redhead....I was talking about myself...take a look at my profile! YOU are undoubtedly MUCH younger than I! Sorry...
:wah: Sorry, I'm so touchy!
Didn't mean to snap. :-3
The whole race thing is a hot topic here, and it just gets so old sometimes. You just want to scream " Ok, Grow Up People!" I mean the stupid KKK still want to march downtown and protest the Civil Rights Museum at the old Lorraine Hotel. It is maddening!
:wah: Sorry, I'm so touchy!
Didn't mean to snap. :-3
The whole race thing is a hot topic here, and it just gets so old sometimes. You just want to scream " Ok, Grow Up People!" I mean the stupid KKK still want to march downtown and protest the Civil Rights Museum at the old Lorraine Hotel. It is maddening!
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
Diuretic wrote: Civil Rights Museum? That would be a good tourist drawcard. The local Chamber of Commerce should give the KKK a good boot up the back of the robes..... unless.........
Oh, nobody takes those idiots seriously.
As far as the museum goes, It's a HUGE tourist draw. It's kind of a shrine to MLK. It's very moving. I don't know a person that has been there that isn't deeply affected.
Oh, nobody takes those idiots seriously.
As far as the museum goes, It's a HUGE tourist draw. It's kind of a shrine to MLK. It's very moving. I don't know a person that has been there that isn't deeply affected.
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
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CheshireCat
- Posts: 1550
- Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am
Huh?
Diuretic wrote: Since MLK is a personal hero of mine I'm very glad to know about this CC. Thank you. I am indebted.
I should add it's now bookmarked.
The Lorriane Hotel is where MLK was shot in 1968 when he came to Memphis for a sanitation worker strike.
I should add it's now bookmarked.
The Lorriane Hotel is where MLK was shot in 1968 when he came to Memphis for a sanitation worker strike.
"My body is the earth but my head is in the stars."
God Bless BR!!!
God Bless BR!!!
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Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
Huh?
Lennox wrote: There is no particular description. I think it's just as sad when they say the suspect is a white male, hispanic male, or asian male. I think because I've worked with a news station and I have a degree in communications I know what and what should not be reported as to not incite panic. When I "pull the race card" i do it not out of anger but in an attempt to have EVERYONE treated fairly. I would have been upset if others were being typecast all facts pending on I've grown up with have all types of races in my family. Right now it's something black but I just want EVERYONE to be treated fairly that's it.I don't understand how describing a criminal by his physical features is unfair. How should they be described so that Joe Public will be able to help catch them?