Where is Al Sharptons Rage against Racism for this?

Originally posted by SideWynder

I believe the point the op was trying to make was, why was this not reported in the media big time as a "hate crime"??IE the double standard?

Thank You! =)

With all do respect to everyone commenting on this thread, after reading each post I can only conclude that arguments such as these do nothing for the betterment of our society.

A lot of important observations have been made and some facts have been laid out, but if no one here is a racist, then this thread needs to take a turn.

We all agree, from what I have read, that violence is wrong no matter if its white on black, black on white, black on black, white on white or even purple on blue etc.

Education is and always will be the key to solving these situations.
We all are in need of it from time to time no matter what we may think.

Yes, blacks were slaves to white land holders primarily (but not only) in the southern portions of the U.S. Blacks (in Africa) sold blacks, whites bought blacks, whites sold and bought blacks. Slavery has gone on in every region of the world throughout time. There is no argument for who were the most brutal as history can show Catholics were brutalized in slavery throughout Europe in a much earlier time but blacks as well were treated inhumanely by many of their white owners. People were killed based on their race, religion and nationality and it is all wrong. Whether you believe in God or not, it is simply moronic to think that we aren`t all created equally. Slavery was abolished by an amazing president named Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Since then, and yes it did take a long time, blacks have come a long way. Mentality of some white folk over time has never changed, thinking for some odd reason they are better then blacks. Mentality of some black folk over time has not changed, thinking all white men are evil that think they have some more God given rights then their black neighbors.

The only way to truly get past this is to actually give a shyt. If you want a better world for your children then you have to do the work.

Another amazing man, Martin Luther King Jr. put it best when he said "We shall overcome". He was absolutely right, and anyone who wants to can overcome any challenge no matter how great it is. It has happened all over the world. In the early 1900`s, Irish (just one example) were denied jobs by signs in store windows stating "Irish need not apply". Italians were treated poorly when they came to this country and even though I joke about them (only the illegals), yes Mexicans too have been treated just as badly. Everyone I think can be added to this list if we do the research.

That being said, back to the matter at hand. In America the most recent atrocity visited upon one group of people was slavery, no doubt about it. If you are not black, you really have to work hard to understand what it must be like to be in their shoes. It takes a long time for certain wounds to heal. Even though there isn`t a black person in America who has experienced slavery in this country, think about how it must have been for those slaves. Then think about how it must have been for their children to grow up in a divided society, many who accepted them but many who hated them. They still didn`t have all the rights of a white person for a long time to come and there are many blacks living today who grew up in a time when they didn`t have many rights other then not being a slave. Too many innocent people were killed even in the 1960`s (and later) just for the color of their skin or for supporting the rights of others.

I have also lived in NYC (as another poster who stated has) as well as some of the outlying urban neighborhoods, and have experienced racism by some blacks. But I have to admit for the most part, being the type of person who likes to fit in, minds my own business and tries to be genuine I don`t seem to find myself in too many situations where I feel hated because I`m white. Most people can sense when something is wrong, can sense animosity, and know when they`re not liked or wanted. Its pretty much common sense in my opinion.

I think a lot of black people are in bad situations because its hard to escape their mental confines. Again, its hard to imagine but you have to realize the whole picture. When you are already feeling down and somebody puts you down, how much worse does it make you feel? This happens for all sorts of reasons and isn`t only confined to racism. You can be overweight have bad acne be bullied in school, be a small chested female, etc. When people try to hurt you it holds you back unless you are very strong. People who overcome challenges are the strongest and will out survive the ignorant who try to hurt them. So it is obvious that many (most) on both sides want a level playing field and to achieve this is to stand together.

I have to say being white, I don`t think most white people understand the struggle. But at the same time I think it is totally unfair to blame white people for crimes occurring against black people generations ago even if it were their ancestors. Each person should be looked at individually and we should not base assumptions on one action as we need to see the whole picture and understand every situation is different and will cause different reactions. Of course there will be a-holes on both sides. There is good and bad in everything and we can`t judge one group of people by the actions of an individual.

In my opinion:
Some whites need to be more helpful to showing blacks we aren`t racist and actually caring enough to be a true friend.
Some whites need to understand that it is much harder to accomplish the same goals if you are a minority.
Some whites need to understand we are a product of our environment and until we create a better environment for all (not just laws) we will all suffer from racism.
Some blacks need to stop blaming whites for their problems, and understand that they do have it tougher but they can still overcome any obstacle.
Some blacks need to look up to their very successful intelligent peers, (of which there are many) Oprah, Obama, Cosby, Jordan, just to name a few to see that all is possible.
Some blacks need to understand that most whites want nothing to do with the slavery and racist mentality of past whites and do want us all to be treated equally.
We all need to stand together as a people if we are to evolve as humans.
We all have common goals and must be very careful we do not let some powerful elite rule our world and divide us as a people. There are bigger conspiracies that are intended against all of us and we are much stronger if we stand together.

As for the video,
Its wrong by all means.
If its racist its even worse.

Main stream media has different objectives.
Don`t expect anything remotely plausible to take place.
If anything it is probably a ploy to play us into the hands of the elite.

We need to stand together more then ever.
Discussions that create more animosity only divide us and make us weaker to control.

Originally posted by SideWynder
After actually reading all of the posts about this thread, I would like to say that most of the posters have stated thier views eloquently (for the most part). even when they seemed, to me to get a bit off the ops, original intent.
I believe the point the op was trying to make was, why was this not reported in the media big time as a "hate crime"??IE the double standard?
This, (I think) is what we should be "thinking" about... But, I think the real question is, WHY, should we even be considering this for discusion...
What I mean to say is, in the 21st century, why is "Race" still an issue??
Is it because of the media coverage? or opportunists? or is there something deeper?
In mho, this thread may have the opportunity to make us step back and and consider the emotions that the op. has revved up in us, and ask the question "WHY"

It took me so long to write my post that a few were made while I was still typing.
I totally agree with what you said.

reply to post by comm12


I see you`ve been made a victim and yet you aren`t even racist.
Its not your fault, its the fault of some other idiots combined with ignorance of a few.
I totally understand your post but keep strong and don`t let society be divided.

and al sharpton has what to do with this???

Originally posted by mybigunit
I think we need to quit whining and let us all be human beings. Every person is racist white black asian arab it makes no difference some are just worse than others and we should all be free to feel how we want to feel. Trying to prevent humans to not be racist I feel is causing more problems than it is solving because your trying to change human nature.

This is for sure IS a racist attack it may not of been BASED on race it may of been words in the isle but the fact that the guy is white added to the tension that the black guy felt. You can sugar coat it how you want but its the truth.

There are good in all races but lets face it if your in an elevator as a white guy and there are all blacks there you feel apprehension right? Its natural.

Trust me your sentiments are not felt by most and I`l be the first to admit at not being the least bit racist. I firmly believe we are all created equal any other thinking is illogical and flat out dumb.

You stand out as a racist with your post and if this is what you`re proud of then you obviously have no desire for the advancement of society.
I think you should rethink your assumptions because you are far from the truth.

reply to post by csulli456


Agreed.

I'd also like to add that we should be looking at the larger picture here. Regardless of the offender's motive, a man was assalted from behind, knocked out cold, and robbed. ANYONE who is civil and decent would never handle a verbal disagreement in this manner.

There is no room for criminal behavior such as this toward ANYONE, therefore, there should be no need for "hate crime" legislation. Whether racially motivated or not, the punishment should always fit the crime.

Having read through the thread, what I would like to say is that it is too bad that someone like Al Sharpton doesn't show up and make a big deal out of an incident like this, and loudly condemn this type of behavior, and that the local residents don't go out of their way to make a big deal out of this situation, and publicly denounce it.

It is amazing that some of the posters have made statements that the white guy probably said something so he deserved what he got. Sorry, but no matter what stupid remarks someone makes, it does not give you the right to cold cock them, or to attack them violently in any way. Condoning this type of act is extremely wrong and only works to encourage this type of act. Do you realize what most non-blacks think when they see this video? What they think is that we need more cops and more jails, and so what if the police fill some black guy full of lead when he goes to pull out his ID.

Maybe if some black leader were to start setting up rallies to demonstrate against black on black crime and black on white crime, and to make speeches about how wrong it is to beat somebody up because you think they insulted you, then there would be a heck of a lot less black on black crime, and black on white crime, and a lot less blacks in jail, and a lot less racism.

Woah, suckered the guy from behind...he's a real tough gangsta, bra! [/sarcasm]
What a coward. A scared, insignificant, boy. They should throw away the key. He's a menace to society.

I think that poet has made a great point.

In no way is a physical response valid in the face of a verbal assault. Ever. By sensationalizing this story, and others like it, we are adding fuel to the fire and find ourselves willing to take all instances of third person brutality as a given that someone else did what they did and probably deserved it.

We never know what the circumstances of any given story are. Period.

The heightened level of paranoia from our police and from our reactions is an implicit refusal to look at a situation and ask questions. Rather many of us come right out of the gate and react.

Where is the productivity of such a persisitent reaction/action?

In my personal opinion, this occurence need no elevated media presence, instigated by human rights icon(s). Why? Al Sharpton does not possess the exact same information that we lack. He is as much a third party identification as you are....as I am. Who knows how either of the two in question woke up that morning?

Racism is still, unfortunately, prevalent in today's society. So is religious opposition. So are political boundaries.

All instances of intolerance regarding the above subjects can not be dissected by the mass media. And why would we want them to? It illustrates people acting not like people, not like constructive citizens....

...It is negative popularization that perpetuates the same.....let's not give this our valuable attention if we are not going to do it constructively.

Now if you'll excuse me...Will Smith is on and making me feel less than proficient by his incredible wit...which I happen to love every second of...

reply to post by MemoryShock


Thanks for agreeing with my point that this action was in no way justified, but you seem to have missed the rest of my point.

It doesn't matter what reason this guy cold cocked the other guy, whether he was insulted or he was showing off for his girlfriend, or what ever, the fact is that no matter the reason, this type of violent act is not justified. Unless you are responding to a physical assault, you should never instigate a violent attack against another. This is the message that needs to be delivered, especially in high crime areas. The community does need to speak out and make some noise condemning violent acts as a response to any perceived insult.

reply to post by MemoryShock


It's an expression. Like "knocked silly" only not.

ShiftTrio, you make the assumption that your hypothetical situation would unfold exactly as you say. Simple fact is, people get beaten up by people of other races every day. Why? Well, people are jerks, and that's pretty much it.

Originally posted by ShiftTrio
wcbstv.com...

I have to say I am sick and tired of double standard racism. This is a hate crime pure and simple. Now I do know this was a argument about aisle space, but I am a white male, who lived in the projects in Harlem at one point and know all to well about racism. If this was anyone but a white male I bet my life there would be no incident. But I have seen this all too many times and is a real issue in America. A hidden and less spoke about form of hate crime? And anyone arguing that this is not racism, think if a group of White males did this to a black man. Would it be any different. But damm right we would hear about it.

I read your question. But if you know hate crime laws, its not a hate crime unless the perpetrator somehow made it known that he dislikes white people. If he didn't say "I hate honkeys", or "I hate white motha #as" then it likely won't be prosecuted as a hate crime. You can think all you want that he did it just because the guy was white, but I doubt he will get charged with a hate crime unless witnesses step forth and state that he used some type of racial slur or something.

Also think of this, if it was a black guy getting clobbered, it wouldn't even have made the news. Is that in itself racist, or prejudiced? Just like black kids go missing all the time, but you only hear about white kids missing on CNN.

Al Sharpton is black, he speaks up at times when blacks are wronged. You can say its a double standard, but that shows ignorance because the deck was/is stacked against blacks in the first place. Is a woman's rights advocate supposed to speak up for a male shovenist pig? Maybe that was a bad analogy but you get the point.

reply to post by poet1b


Duly noted.....and agreed. Violence need never be an answer, or question.

The point of my thread kind of focused in that direction.

Instead of reacting, consider all of the factors that you do not have and ask questions in those directions. Helps all involved and prevents problems....

The only problem is Black men get done up like this all the time. Is Black on Black violence a self hate crime? Probably! It's really hard to distinguish this incident from any random jumping that happens in cities.

Sharpton is a race man, he only deals with issues involving Whites subjecting Blacks; that's what he looks for.

Originally posted by comm12
I am a white male. I lived in the south philly ghetto for a while when I was trying to get through college. I had a few friendly black friends who were super nice and would drink beers at my apartment all the time. However, for the most part, it is a brutal and hostile situation to be a white male living in these areas. I would be harassed just going to the store, made fun of, called racist names, I was once egged while riding my bike home from class. I was mugged once or twice. I am glad I no longer live there, it's no way to live, always watching over my back. I am the farthest thing from racist, in fact I'm color blind. I would venture to say, though, that my living situation was a lot worse than say, the couple of blacks that live down the street from me in my current suburban, pre-dominantly white neighborhood. I doubt they have to experience harassment and racism every single day when they walk out the front door. Maybe it's different in southern areas, with rednecks and whatnot. Your always hearing about white on black racism though, but I'm telling you if your white in a black neighborhood, it can get ugly. So yea, I just wish everyone was color blind.

Agreed, Comm12 and everybody...if only we could get people a good dose of color-blindness.

Your experiences reminds me of one I had in Texas ( a small town on the border between Brownsville and McAllen) last year. So, if your're thinking the south is any friendlier you can let that notion go by the wayside. I'm not going to post what happened to me just because I think I'd get ridiculed here....because I'm white....sigh. Maybe I should have just stayed down for the count. But you know what they say about hind-sight having 20/20 vision!

Texas isn't such a nice place to be anymore, IMO....especially when you understand enough Spanish to know all the foul words being hurled your way while you're providing health care to people being funded by "the govt. system".

It's sad, whay can't people just live and let live?

Originally posted by poet1b

It is amazing that some of the posters have made statements that the white guy probably said something so he deserved what he got. Sorry, but no matter what stupid remarks someone makes, it does not give you the right to cold cock them, or to attack them violently in any way.

We don't know what happened it's just pure speculation at this point - it just seems to make the most sense with what was presented - We're not awarding the guy who cold cocked Mr. Mouth. We're just not very surprised by the guy who stuck his arm in the lion cage and pulled back a stump. Darwin award time anyone?

Think about it a little more my friend. We wouldn't need laws if people would just be nice to one another, would we? So, if people don't run their mouths when they clearly can't back it up - we wouldn't need laws to protect them from getting smacked down by someone who for whatever reason felt insulted and therefore retaliated with a knock out.

Prisons are full of those guys that don't take crap from anyone. There's plenty of other volunteers ready & willing to take the bait from the next smart butt who's out of pocket - just so they can join their bros in the big yard.

You can cry all you want about how it is criminal, against the law, wrong or whatever. Bottom line if you want to be civil and live in a civilized world don't put people down with your words or your hands.

Bad words & remarks cause wars, regardless of whether anyone has the right to do so, it's just the way it is - the real world ain't Disneyland and the real Matterhorn don't have seatbelts or guardrails - so watch out for crevasses & cliffs. If you talk crap in the ally you better be able to back it up. Stupid is stupid does.



[edit on 21-2-2008 by verylowfrequency]

reply to post by verylowfrequency


First of all, you don't know if the victim of the crime said or did anything offensive, you are just assuming that he did. Nobody should have to act like they must constantly worry about showing a little pride in order to avoid physical attack. Second of all, when you condone violence because somebody said something offensive, you are just encouraging that type of behavior.

This ain't the wild west anymore. If it was, you might find that people are willing to start being more aggressive to defend themselves. This whole concept that you have the right to physically attack someone because you think they were offending you is extremely wrong. Remember when the guy killed a bunch of kids on the subway a couple of decades ago because he felt threatened by this pack of aggressive young kids. Everyone was outraged that this guy finally took it upon himself to defend himself from young aggressors. Is that what we want to return to.

How would you have felt instead of this guy trying to pay for his things and leaving he responded by pulling out a weapon and taking out this group of young thugs. Would you then be saying that they shouldn't have been talking smack if they couldn't back it up?

This is ridiculous, and all communities should come together to condemn this type of aggressive behavior, just because someone claims that they were being insulted. When you have to bury your kid because he called out the wrong guy over some supposed insult, you will probably feel a whole lot different about this type of street code.

[edit on 21-2-2008 by poet1b]

[edit on 21-2-2008 by poet1b]

reply to post by verylowfrequency


Where did you even get that from? so your telling me one guy was talking smack to six guys, no matter what the color, that is the most UNLIKELY thing that happend. Good lord man that argument is just plain silly