An Illustration

[lazarus]

In an effort to bring understanding:

If you wonder why there is such a visceral reaction on the part of African Americans and others to the Treyvon Martin Case watch the Emmett Till story. This experience and many other provide the context for what we see now. Its not easy to watch but perhaps you will see things a little more clearly.

A little more depth here:

Don't get detracted by the comment under the video.

[Dr. Rich]

As if people here have never seen this before or heard of it---if not then go see the movie called "HELP". But none of this has much to do with the Martin and Zimmerman incident (IMHO). My own rainbow family shows that races can and do get along. And racial profiling has happened to my step son as he too was in a neighborhood in a car, going to a frinds house and the cops stopped him and made him get out so they could search the car because they thought he was a burglar suspect. Yes, he even had a hoodie on at that time. I warned him about this but he just ignors that warning.

While I was at Union College, my room mate and I were about the only white guys on the floor of blacks and many kids made fun of us for this. I was chosen by an all black football team and made the QB as all I had to do was throw the ball high enough and they would outjump the white guys. (Watch the movie "White men can't jump")

And being in sports helped me to have a better attitude for mixed races I suppose as many of my best friends were/are black. It's just the way things are and I don't think you and I can ever change that. There must be a reason for the Adventists to have a black college and black churches and even a black forum, but if the show was on the other foot--say a white college, white church and white forum, then guess who would be doing the hollering?

[bonnie]

BOYS IN THE HOODIES

IT'S ALL ABOUT RACE NOW

Pat Buchanan: Zimmerman is being 'crucified' in arena of public opinion

Published: 3 days ago

by PATRICK J. BUCHANANEmail | Archive

If it had been a white teenager who was shot, and a 28-year-old black guy who shot him, the black guy would have been arrested.

So assert those demanding the arrest of George Zimmerman, who shot and killed Trayvon Martin.

And they may be right.

Yet if Trayvon had been shot dead by a black neighborhood watch volunteer, Jesse Jackson would not have been in a pulpit in Sanford, Fla., howling that he had been “murdered and martyred.”

Maxine Waters would not be screaming “hate crime.”

Rep. Hank Johnson would not be raging that Trayvon had been “executed.” And ex-Black Panther Bobby Rush would not have been wearing a hoodie in the well of the House.

Which tells you what this whipped-up hysteria is all about.

It is not about finding the truth about what happened that night in Sanford when Zimmerman followed Trayvon in his SUV, and the two wound up in a fight, with Trayvon dead.

It is about the exacerbation of and the exploitation of racial conflict.

And it is about an irreconcilable conflict of visions about what the real America is in the year 2012.

Zimmerman “profiled” Trayvon, we are told. And perhaps he did.

But why? What did George Zimmerman, self-styled protector of his gated community, see that night from the wheel of his SUV?

He saw a male. And males are 90 percent of prison inmates. He saw a stranger over 6 feet tall. And he saw a black man or youth with a hood over his head.

Why would this raise Zimmerman’s antennae?

Perhaps because black males between 16 and 36, though only 2 to 3 percent of the population, are responsible for a third of all our crimes.

In some cities, 40 percent of all black males are in jail or prison, on probation or parole, or have criminal records. This is not a product of white racism but of prosecutions and convictions of criminal acts.

Had Zimmerman seen a black woman or older man in his neighborhood, he likely would never have tensed up or called in.

For all the abuse he has received, Geraldo Rivera had a point.

Whenever cable TV runs hidden-camera footage of a liquor or convenience store being held up and someone behind the counter being shot, the perp is often a black male wearing a hoodie.

Listening to the heated rhetoric coming from demonstrations around the country, from the Black Caucus and TV talkers – about how America is a terrifying place for young black males to grow up in because of the constant danger from white vigilantes – one wonders what country of the mind these people are living in.

The real America is a country where the black crime rate is seven times as high as the white rate. It is a country where white criminals choose black victims in 3 percent of their crimes, but black criminals choose white victims in 45 percent of their crimes.

Black journalists point to the racism manifest even in progressive cities, where cabs deliberately pass them by to pick up white folks down the block.

That this happens is undeniable. But, again, what is behind it?

As Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute has written, from January to June 2008 in New York City, 83 percent of all identified gun assailants were black and 15 percent were Hispanics.

Together, blacks and Hispanics accounted for 98 percent of gun assaults.

Translated: If a cabdriver is going to be mugged or murdered in New York City by a fare, 49 times out of 50 his assailant or killer will be black or Hispanic.

Fernando Mateo of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers has told his drivers, “Profile your passengers” for your own protection. “The God’s honest truth is that 99 percent of the people that are robbing, stealing, killing these guys are blacks and Hispanics.”

Fernando Mateo is himself black and Hispanic.

To much of America’s black leadership and its media auxiliaries, what happened in Sanford was, as Jesse put it, that an innocent kid was “shot down in cold blood by a vigilante.”

Yet, from police reports, witness statements, and the father and friends of Zimmerman, another picture emerges.

Zimmerman followed Trayvon, confronted him and was punched in the nose, knocked flat on his back and jumped on, getting his head pounded, when he pulled his gun and fired. That Trayvon’s body was found face down, not face up, would tend to support this.

But, to Florida Congresswoman Federica Wilson, “this sweet young boy … was hunted down like a dog, shot on the street, and his killer is still at large.”

Some Sanford police believed Zimmerman; others did not.

But now that it is being investigated by a special prosecutor, the FBI, the Justice Department and a coming grand jury, what is the purpose of this venomous portrayal of George Zimmerman?

As yet convicted of no crime, he is being crucified in the arena of public opinion as a hate-crime monster and murderer.

Is this our idea of justice?

No. But if the purpose here is to turn this into a national black-white face-off, instead of a mutual search for truth and justice, it is succeeding marvelously well.

[SivartM]

Bonnie, so what if many black men are criminals? Trayvon was not. That's the point. If racial profiling was a factor, it was wrong, and resulted in the death of an innocent. But instead of attempting to care about what lazarus wants to show us, you've opted to bring more speculative vitriol into his thread.

[OzarkWoman]

Bonnie, so what if many black men are criminals? Trayvon was not. That's the point. If racial profiling was a factor, it was wrong, and resulted in the death of an innocent. But instead of attempting to care about what lazarus wants to show us, you've opted to bring more speculative vitriol into his thread.

We really don't know if he was a criminal or not. You are stating something as fact that you have no real knowledge about.

[bonnie]

Bonnie, so what if many black men are criminals? Trayvon was not. That's the point. If racial profiling was a factor, it was wrong, and resulted in the death of an innocent. But instead of attempting to care about what lazarus wants to show us, you've opted to bring more speculative vitriol into his thread.

Check out the meaning of "vitriol"

Speculative vitriol is "hunted down like a dog,"executed" using the word black indicates racial profiling.

Tell me what you KNOW that makes you insistent that this is racial profiling.When the dispatcher asked what race,was he profiling?

When NBC edits the 911 tape to indicate racial profiling,that is more than speculative profiling.

I think the point Buchnan was making is that the death or injury of blacks is important only because of someone white or hispanic.

Cab drivers profile for their own protection.So do others. It does not mean that blacks are profiled exclusively.

Those known to commit certain acts are viewed with suspicion.

I don't know what was in Martin's mind at the time this occurred.I don't know what was in Zimmerman's mind when this occurred.You don't either

I know there had been robberies in this community.I know that for some reason Martin needed to be portrayed in a completely different light than his actual behavior indicated.Why

Why was he portrayed as this very young angelic teen and Zimmerman as some beefy out of control bully.

Why would a major news media feel the need to publish the name of a young witness and refuse to publish the name of his girlfriend?

The report now coming out that the Orlando News contacted outside sources to analyze the tape seems to be taken for gospel.Would the police dept have given out the original or were they listening to a copy?

Why is a funeral director being contacted and giving statements.Now many seem to take that as the medical examiner.

Regardless of the circumstances there would be more than a few words for a funeral director pandering to the press concerning a family member of mine

[SivartM]

In an effort to bring understanding:

If you wonder why there is such a visceral reaction on the part of African Americans and others to the Treyvon Martin Case watch the Emmett Till story. This experience and many other provide the context for what we see now. Its not easy to watch but perhaps you will see things a little more clearly.

This is a very disturbing story to watch. It's sad to realize that these events are not far behind us. I'm glad, though, that African Americans are able to speak out as they were not able to then, even though some would like to silence them.

[phkrause]

This is a very disturbing story to watch. It's sad to realize that these events are not far behind us. I'm glad, though, that African Americans are able to speak out as they were not able to then, even though some would like to silence them.

[phkrause]

Here's an interesting article that kind of goes alone with that, also disturbing:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/nyregi...tions.html?_r=1

[bonnie]

Originally Posted By: SivartM

This is a very disturbing story to watch. It's sad to realize that these events are not far behind us. I'm glad, though, that African Americans are able to speak out as they were not able to then, even though some would like to silence them.

Just as disturbing that there are Africn-Americans and others that they would like to silence with the cry of racist if some do not see racism at every issue

[SivartM]

Just as disturbing that there are Africn-Americans and others that they would like to silence with the cry of racist if some do not see racism at every issue

Is the topic of this post a crime caused by racism?

[bonnie]

Originally Posted By: bonnie

Just as disturbing that there are Africn-Americans and others that they would like to silence with the cry of racist if some do not see racism at every issue

Is the topic of this post a crime caused by racism?

Is the whole topic of Martin a crime caused by racism?

You have failed time and time again to provide your information/facts to show this is a crime of racism.

We have to tapes/video to prove Zimmerman was targeting a black man. Both ABC and NBC have had to backtrack on their less than honest portrayal.

You really need to contact the authorities with your knowledge that this is a tacist crime

[SivartM]

Is the whole topic of Martin a crime caused by racism?

You have failed time and time again to provide your information/facts to show this is a crime of racism.

We have to tapes/video to prove Zimmerman was targeting a black man. Both ABC and NBC have had to backtrack on their less than honest portrayal.

You really need to contact the authorities with your knowledge that this is a tacist crime

I'm talking about the topic of this post. Emmett Till. Murdered for whistling at a white woman. You do not seem to have noticed or cared that this thread is not just another Trayvon Martin thread, and your comments have completely missed the point. Was Emmett Till's murder a racial hate crime, or were black people just being whiny?

[bonnie]

I'm talking about the topic of this post. Emmett Till. Murdered for whistling at a white woman. You do not seem to have noticed or cared that this thread is not just another Trayvon Martin thread, and your comments have completely missed the point. Was Emmett Till's murder a racial hate crime, or were black people just being whiny?

I think you find it very difficult to find anywhere that I am of the opinion racism doesn't exists. There are white people that are racist,black people that are,asians,hispanics and everyone in between.

There are racial crimes against black people by whites,there are racial crimes against white people by blacks.

Emmett Till's murder as a racist crime does not mean you blame all white altercations with black people racist.

Yet this seems to be the train of thought here. If you do not believe all types of situations like this are racist in origin you are somehow a racist

[bonnie]

If Zimmerman was the one shot would this be a continuing discussion knowing that Martin was guilty of racism.

Would Sharpton and Jessie Jackson be shouting about the war on whites by blacks.

Would either of them spend much time if this had been a black on black incident worrying about it.

Not all people that disagree with you and the others that have absolute facts are racist. Because I have had/have black friends does not mean I believe all black people are without racism.They are not all law abiding.No race is.

I have met some pretty nasty black people,should I assume all black people are like that? Why? I have met some pretty nasty white people and I don't assume all white people are like that.

Sorry,I think the media has behaved in a shameful manner,as the president and others.

Can you imagine a white congressman on the floor of congress acting as Waters and the others did,saying what they said if it had been black on white crime?

Some need to keep racism alive and if they need to use the death of a young man and destroy another man,they will do so.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Emmett Till was murdered because he whistled at a pretty white woman in the South during an era of Civil unrest and McCarthyism. He apparently was not aware of the mores of the White South at that time. It was tragic. But bringing up the subject of Emmett Till's 1955 murder is really digging up old wounds that should be long closed. It's an effort to stir the pot, to keep old hard feelings alive.

It doesn't give anyone (Black, White, Red, Blue, Green, Purple, or any other color of skin) the right to condemn, try, and convict someone without due process of law.

If historical treatment of a particular race is just cause for current feelings of provocation, then

Native Americans should feel discriminated against..

Irish-Americans should feel discriminated against..

Japanese-Americans should feel discriminated against..

Jewish-Americans should feel discriminated against..

...I guess I should feel discriminated against, since I fit 3 of the 4 groups..

*****

What about rising above the **poor me** attitude, and strive for **change** rather than revenge??

okay. I'll leave...until I'm sufficiently disgusted again...

[bonnie]

The implication by bringing Emmett Till up is that nothing has changed. There cannot be a very effective due process for Zimmerman at this point.If he is charged,brought to trial and found innocent the riots will begin.After all what can you do if the verdict isn't what you demand

[Stan]

the point that seemed to be missed was this.

When you harress a person, or perhaps bully them, and you are insecure, the victim gets tired and begins to turn on you, and you panic and are scared and have a gun, and the law semi-permits, BANG.

That can happen to insecure bullies even if they are painted pink by nature.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

the point that seemed to be missed was this.

When you harress a person, or perhaps bully them, and you are insecure, the victim gets tired and begins to turn on you, and you panic and are scared and have a gun, and the law semi-permits, BANG.

That can happen to insecure bullies even if they are painted pink by nature.

interesting...whistling at a woman is now considered sexual harrassment...

oh well..

The implication that Zimmerman was being a bully is another supposition that, unless someone viewed the incident, is unfounded; furthermore, it tends to indict someone before due process..

[phkrause]

Excellent point Stan, and I don't believe for one minute that Laz was trying to stir anything up.

[lazarus]

As if people here have never seen this before or heard of it---if not then go see the movie called "HELP".

Originally Posted By: rudywoofs

But bringing up the subject of Emmett Till's 1955 murder is really digging up old wounds that should be long closed. It's an effort to stir the pot, to keep old hard feelings alive.

Quote:

What about rising above the **poor me** attitude, and strive for **change** rather than revenge??

Originally Posted By: bonnie

The implication by bringing Emmett Till up is that nothing has changed. There cannot be a very effective due process for Zimmerman at this point.If he is charged,brought to trial and found innocent the riots will begin.After all what can you do if the verdict isn't what you demand

Quote:

interesting...whistling at a woman is now considered sexual harrassment...

oh well..

Alas it seems that you do not understand. Considering the Kenneth Chamberain case that will so hit the news soon, riots will probably come this summer.

A riot is the language of the unheard.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Two things that help to change and heal people is a listening ear and an understanding heart. Both take time and a gracious spirit.

[Woody]

Quote:

Two things that help to change and heal people is a listening ear and an understanding heart. Both take time and a gracious spirit.

And one needs to lead by example. It can't be one sided.

[lazarus]

And one needs to lead by example. It can't be one sided.

Explain.

[Woody]

For there to be resolution - there needs to be listening and an understanding heart. Along with a gracious spirit. All this needs to be brought to the table by BOTH sides.

[lazarus]

For there to be resolution - there needs to be listening and an understanding heart. Along with a gracious spirit. All this needs to be brought to the table by BOTH sides.

So what is the hurt, fear and frustration that you personally or the white community experiences in the USA?