Beating Charges Split La. Town Along Racial Lines

[Chris Luva Luva]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12353776

But last year, a few days into the first semester, a new student, a freshman African American, asked the principal at an assembly, if he, too, could sit under the tree. He was told he could sit anywhere he liked.

Three white boys on the rodeo team apparently disagreed. The next morning, there were three nooses hanging from the shade tree in the courtyard.

I think this may be the 1st protest I ever attend. I believe that for some reason or another, people of all backgrounds have become complacent and lax. People don't stand up for anything anymore... At least it seems that way to me. The lay man doesn't seem to care anymore, why is that?

I will admit that the main thing I got from events of the past 8 years or so is that I need to vote and voices need to be heard.

Opinions?

[Irn-Bru]

That's so sad, and it looks like many of the authorities involved are either stupid or incompetent.

I'm not black but when I read stories like this one I can understand why that community feels like so many institutions (most of them state institutions, I should add) are dangerously bigoted. As if the stories about our schools could get any worse. . .

I know that there are undoubtedly two sides to this story, but I can't believe how much parents and authorities provoked these reactions from the kids. They came with an iron fist expecting to squash dissent, but instead ignited even more hatred.

[Cappster]

This situation is an example of why we cannot move beyond racial lines in this country. I guess it would also have been a joke to burn crosses at the tree too. I agree that the authorities are big time racist in that county. The sad part is that racism is passed down from generation to generation in families. It takes someone along the line to rise above the negative influence and say NO! I am not going to hate another person for the pigment of their skin. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen very often. Especially when you are in a town where everyone is a racist.

The only way that I see somewhat of a resolution is if the feds get involved and crack down on these local officials. How or will that happen? Not sure. It is a shame after many thousands of years that people of different color have existed, we still have things like this happening.

This is an instance where protest would probably do a lot of good. This story needs a lot of exposure to put pressure on those county officials and the people living in it to do the right thing. Where is the NAACP? I have mixed feelings about the NAACP mainly because they never apologize when they falsely accuse a non-black person of a crime against a black person (duke rape case). That is a whole different issue but for the problem at hand, they need to get this on t.v. and people of all colors need to speak up.

[Mursilis]

That story is just sickening - clearly, a double standard has been used for the misbehavior of the white and black kids. And it sounds like that local DA is another Mike Nifong, drunk on his own power. Stupid backwater burgs!

[rick301]

That story is just sickening - clearly, a double standard has been used for the misbehavior of the white and black kids. And it sounds like that local DA is another Mike Nifong, drunk on his own power. Stupid backwater burgs!

Agreed - but its just not the DA. The system there enables this type of 'excrement' to continue. There should be a wholesale cleansing - but I doubt that will happen.

[VetSkinsFan]

Let's keep in mind that this is ONE story about an on-going situation. If it's true, then it would be a travesty in today's society, but there are usually 3 sides to the story; side A, side B, and somewhere in the middle, is the truth.

[Fios]

Let's keep in mind that this is ONE story about an on-going situation. If it's true, then it would be a travesty in today's society, but there are usually 3 sides to the story; side A, side B, and somewhere in the middle, is the truth.

Yes, I'm sure there is a positive, sensible side to this story

[Deadskins]

I hope this story leads to ramifications against the DA.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Let's keep in mind that this is ONE story about an on-going situation. If it's true, then it would be a travesty in today's society, but there are usually 3 sides to the story; side A, side B, and somewhere in the middle, is the truth.

One side? I thought the 3rd party who wrote this article showed all sides.

I can't believe that kids asked for permission to sit under the "white tree". That alone shows how things still are in the south. It's sad.

[Countertrey]

I can't believe that kids asked for permission to sit under the "white tree". That alone shows how things still are in the south.

"The South" is no different than anywhere else in this country. The most bigoted person I have ever met lives about 15 miles from my home... in Maine. Wherever you live, Chris, is no different...

Stereotypes are still just stereotypes... and are no more than another form of prejudice.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I can't believe that kids asked for permission to sit under the "white tree". That alone shows how things still are in the south.

"The South" is no different than anywhere else in this country. The most bigoted person I have ever met lives about 15 miles from my home... in Maine. Wherever you live, Chris, is no different...

Stereotypes are still just stereotypes... and are no more than another form of prejudice.

I've seen bigotry, I've experienced it. But nothing like that... I wasn't surprised... I was more so shocked by the lack of support from the "black" community. I really don't want to get too deep on a football board but I was kinda disappointed by the lack of support... Maybe I expect too much from people. Some people seem willing to accept it, I'm too bull headed for that.

[The Hogster]

I can't believe that kids asked for permission to sit under the "white tree". That alone shows how things still are in the south.

"The South" is no different than anywhere else in this country. The most bigoted person I have ever met lives about 15 miles from my home... in Maine. Wherever you live, Chris, is no different...

Stereotypes are still just stereotypes... and are no more than another form of prejudice.

I've seen bigotry, I've experienced it. But nothing like that... I wasn't surprised... I was more so shocked by the lack of support from the "black" community. I really don't want to get too deep on a football board but I was kinda disappointed by the lack of support... Maybe I expect too much from people. Some people seem willing to accept it, I'm too bull headed for that.

This story is a painful reminder that racism is alive and well...maybe now more than ever. It's just moved behind closed doors and rears its head through things like this. Lynchings have been replaced with malicious prosecutions, negative portrayal in the media etc.

Not to get off subject, but I was listening to AM Talk radio Sunday morning and callers were actually calling in saying they would root against the US Basketball team because they are "thugs" and "hip hoppers". To me, thats code word for racism being that nothing about Tayshaun Prince, Jason Kidd, Amare Stoudamire, Dwight Howard, Michael Redd...etc is either "thuggish" or hip hop.

Besides, why would you ever root for another country against America ??

Chris, what do you mean by lack of support? Last I heard this case has garnered tons of support from African American Activist groups.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Chris, what do you mean by lack of support? Last I heard this case has garnered tons of support from African American Activist groups.

When I 1st found out about the situation there wasn't a lot of buzz about it. Around the time I posted this article, things started to pick up.

[Mursilis]

Chris, what do you mean by lack of support? Last I heard this case has garnered tons of support from African American Activist groups.

When I 1st found out about the situation there wasn't a lot of buzz about it. Around the time I posted this article, things started to pick up.

Only makes me wonder what similar incidents haven't come to light which probably should.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Chris, what do you mean by lack of support? Last I heard this case has garnered tons of support from African American Activist groups.

When I 1st found out about the situation there wasn't a lot of buzz about it. Around the time I posted this article, things started to pick up.

Only makes me wonder what similar incidents haven't come to light which probably should.

I think it also says a lot of what's tolerated/accepted there also. But I won't sit here and say what I would/wouldn't do without being raised in the area.

[The Hogster]

Chris, what do you mean by lack of support? Last I heard this case has garnered tons of support from African American Activist groups.

When I 1st found out about the situation there wasn't a lot of buzz about it. Around the time I posted this article, things started to pick up.

Only makes me wonder what similar incidents haven't come to light which probably should.

I think it also says a lot of what's tolerated/accepted there also. But I won't sit here and say what I would/wouldn't do without being raised in the area.

Its like unless it gets on Oprah, nobody cares. The media also doesn't pick these stories up like they do other BS stories like (the chick that got lost in the Bahamas, etc) sadly, the media doesn't carry these stories because people don't care all that much.

I call it typical American hypocrisy, people call themselves Christians and humanitarians, but in reality they mean....I care about the stuff that affects me and my interests.

Unfortunately 6 blacks kids facing life in prison for a schoolyard fight is "justice" for all those Christians and humanitarians.

[Countertrey]

Unfortunately 6 blacks kids facing life in prison for a schoolyard fight is "justice" for all those Christians and humanitarians.

Nice generalization. I like it... let's resolve prejudice with more prejudice. I hope you see the irony there...

[The Hogster]

Unfortunately 6 blacks kids facing life in prison for a schoolyard fight is "justice" for all those Christians and humanitarians.

Nice generalization. I like it... let's resolve prejudice with more prejudice. I hope you see the irony there...

You added about what I figured you would to this thread...not much. But the 'irony' is that you're more outraged by the loss of Vicks poor dogs, in the other thread than you are about the loss of freedom for these 6 black kids.

I see now.

[Fios]

Unfortunately 6 blacks kids facing life in prison for a schoolyard fight is "justice" for all those Christians and humanitarians.

Nice generalization. I like it... let's resolve prejudice with more prejudice. I hope you see the irony there...

You added about what I figured you would to this thread...not much. But the 'irony' is that you're more outraged by the loss of Vicks poor dogs, in the other thread than you are about the loss of freedom for these 6 black kids.

I see now.

Trey and Hogster: I already had to move one thread to Smack because of this type of discourse, please abide by the site rules regarding personal attacks.

[Mursilis]

Unfortunately 6 blacks kids facing life in prison for a schoolyard fight is "justice" for all those Christians and humanitarians.

Nice generalization. I like it... let's resolve prejudice with more prejudice. I hope you see the irony there...

You added about what I figured you would to this thread...not much. But the 'irony' is that you're more outraged by the loss of Vicks poor dogs, in the other thread than you are about the loss of freedom for these 6 black kids.

I see now.

You can't just throw the hypocrite label at "Christians and humanitarians" just because they aren't rioting in the streets over the Jena 6 - after all, what are you doing about that particular situation? I believe it's an injustice what is being done to those 6 black kids down there in Jena, but I also believe this isn't the only injustice in the world (in fact, the world is pretty full of injustice), and I recognize I'm somewhat limited in my personal power to do much about the situation. That which I can do, such as raise my children to be open-minded and accepting of most of humanity without regard to race, sex, etc., I do. That which I cannot do, I cannot do.

I do agree with your points about the short attention span of the public and the media, and how they tend to sensationalize some stories to death (like the pretty blond girl who went missing in the Bahamas) while completely ignoring other, more important stories. I think the media is a mess generally, focusing more on entertaining rather than informing, which is why I've pretty much stopped watching the broadcast news.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I believe the protest is scheduled for the 20th of September.

[The Hogster]

Unfortunately 6 blacks kids facing life in prison for a schoolyard fight is "justice" for all those Christians and humanitarians.

Nice generalization. I like it... let's resolve prejudice with more prejudice. I hope you see the irony there...

You added about what I figured you would to this thread...not much. But the 'irony' is that you're more outraged by the loss of Vicks poor dogs, in the other thread than you are about the loss of freedom for these 6 black kids.

I see now.

You can't just throw the hypocrite label at "Christians and humanitarians" just because they aren't rioting in the streets over the Jena 6 - after all, what are you doing about that particular situation? I believe it's an injustice what is being done to those 6 black kids down there in Jena, but I also believe this isn't the only injustice in the world (in fact, the world is pretty full of injustice), and I recognize I'm somewhat limited in my personal power to do much about the situation. That which I can do, such as raise my children to be open-minded and accepting of most of humanity without regard to race, sex, etc., I do. That which I cannot do, I cannot do.

I do agree with your points about the short attention span of the public and the media, and how they tend to sensationalize some stories to death (like the pretty blond girl who went missing in the Bahamas) while completely ignoring other, more important stories. I think the media is a mess generally, focusing more on entertaining rather than informing, which is why I've pretty much stopped watching the broadcast news.

I agree with you. Outside of signing the petition and e-mailng their local politicians, I haven't done anything much either. But, I do care about the situation.

I choose to voice my concern in discussions (which is about all we can ask from most Americans) but just look at the threads in "The Lounghe". Its proof that people care more about things that interest them, and unfortunately (IMO) things like this just don't interest a lot of people.

[Irn-Bru]

So you participated in a thread that you didn't even start on a Washington Redskins message board that no one will see but a handful of Redskins' fans scattered across the world. To boost yourself by comparison, you point out that, golly gee, there aren't a ton of Redskins fans who take their lunch break to visit a thread on racism in the lounge and express the same kind of productive rage that you have.

And with that ethos you say that Christians and humanitarians have been silent (have you checked the Colorado Rockies 'Beer and Peanut' forum?) and therefore think that sending those black kids to jail is justice?

[Chris Luva Luva]

Since it was brought up...., a Christian is the author of the thread. If he can take the day off, he'll be in the area to protest. Myth debunked.

[The Hogster]

So you participated in a thread that you didn't even start on a Washington Redskins message board that no one will see but a handful of Redskins' fans scattered across the world. To boost yourself by comparison, you point out that, golly gee, there aren't a ton of Redskins fans who take their lunch break to visit a thread on racism in the lounge and express the same kind of productive rage that you have.

And with that ethos you say that Christians and humanitarians have been silent (have you checked the Colorado Rockies 'Beer and Peanut' forum?) and therefore think that sending those black kids to jail is justice?

Your post might be clever and witty if this story was actually in the national media. But it isn't. It gets just about as much attention on FOX and CNN as it does on here. And BTW...I had heard of it before this thread...being that I'm a defense attorney.


Thanks though, your report was almost Colbert-esque.

And for the record. I am not anti-Christian. I am anti-hypocrite and I happen to be Christian.

BTW...I didn't say "ALL" Christians and Humanitarians. When someone says something that doesn't apply to you, then you shouldn't be upset by it.