The Michael Brown Shooting Official Thread

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

I haven't heard witness statements that said Brown was killed at close range.

Brown could have been shot at while running away and is the basis of someone's viewpoint. Did any reports say how many rounds were fired vs how many bullets were collected from the scene/Brown's body.

Good point.. The cop could have fired while running away and those shots missed - I had not considered that.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Are you calling me racist?

I don't think her comments are aimed at you.

There's a distinct change in attitude when black people are involved in this forum. We have to talk about the entire black community(something that Janelle and myself are tired of trying to defend since we do the right thing, but are still considered a part of). It's never focus on the victim/perp. It's the culture, it's black people as a whole. It's us sucking on the govt teet. But when a white person goes on a killing spree or we're talking about a white person, unless they're a liberal Democrat, not a peep.

Look at the Jesse Jackson thread you started. Then take a look at the Rick Perry thread I started. The outrage in your thread, you'd think JJ jr committed multiple murders. Over in my thread, it's almost tranquil in there.

Folks say we are race obsessed. And yet when the perp is black, our skin color is the FIRST thing they focus on.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

When I was a kid, Brockton, Milford, and other towns here in MA were largely Italian. Over the decades, more minorities moved in, especially Brockton. The crime rate went up. For a variety of reasons, there are cities and towns in every state where this has happened, and most frequently the poor black neighborhoods is where it has occurred. As this continues, the stereotyping continues to grow, IMO. But honestly, people are responsible for their own actions. Some of the habits and learned behavior are hard to break, but it does start at home. And from what you have posted here, your mother was a fine example of starting it at home. And you are living proof that it does work.

That's because when black people move in, most white families move out. When that happens, the city removes the services(such as the police force) and criminals know it's easy pickings. This is why in downtown, you can tell who lives on what streets, just by observing who picks up the trash. This was the whole point behind Spike Lee's rant over gentrification. He wasn't being racist. He was pointing out, too accurately for some, that when black folks occupy a neighborhood, the trash isn't being picked up nor are the cops doing their jobs. When white people moved in, all that changed.

For your second point, I agree 100%. But, growing up I've seen how people can lose their way quite easily when you're in a home full of drugs and roaches. When you know for a fact you're considered second rate in a country you were born in. Some of us get past it, others aren't so lucky.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I don't think her comments are aimed at you.

There's a distinct change in attitude when black people are involved in this forum. We have to talk about the entire black community(something that Janelle and myself are tired of trying to defend since we do the right thing, but are still considered a part of). It's never focus on the victim/perp. It's the culture, it's black people as a whole. It's us sucking on the govt teet. But when a white person goes on a killing spree or we're talking about a white person, unless they're a liberal Democrat, not a peep.

Look at the Jesse Jackson thread you started. Then take a look at the Rick Perry thread I started. The outrage in your thread, you'd think JJ jr committed multiple murders. Over in my thread, it's almost tranquil in there.

Folks say we are race obsessed. And yet when the perp is black, our skin color is the FIRST thing they focus on.

There is only one group of people in this country making this about race.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

There is only one group of people in this country making this about race.

So, do you think everything that happens to black people that never happens to white people, they should be silent?

Edit: The biggest thing is the difference in treatment. There are too many instances where black people are killed and it's sketchy at best. Just like now this video is out and this kid deserved to shot and killed because he got into an altercation with the police.

Edited August 18, 2014 by Su and Marvin

[spookyturtle 9,466]

That's because when black people move in, most white families move out. When that happens, the city removes the services(such as the police force) and criminals know it's easy pickings. This is why in downtown, you can tell who lives on what streets, just by observing who picks up the trash. This was the whole point behind Spike Lee's rant over gentrification. He wasn't being racist. He was pointing out, too accurately for some, that when black folks occupy a neighborhood, the trash isn't being picked up nor are the cops doing their jobs. When white people moved in, all that changed.

For your second point, I agree 100%. But, growing up I've seen how people can lose their way quite easily when you're in a home full of drugs and roaches. When you know for a fact you're considered second rate in a country you were born in. Some of us get past it, others aren't so lucky.

Even if you had the police force when growing up, it didn't replace your mother and the morals and values which she instilled in you. I am not suggesting it is easy, but the black community has got to start fighting to better themselves, not fighting against each other and blaming others for their own actions. Our President is a fine example of making it against the odds. I agree you shouldn't be considered second rate, but someone needs to start getting so many to stop ACTING like they are second rate citizens. IMO, it must come from within. Sure, help is needed in some areas, but like an alcoholic or drug addict, no one can take the first step for you. People have to want to rise above, and many do.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

So, do you think everything that happens to black people that never happens to white people, they should be silent?

we have already covered the never happens to white people angle. You and I both know it's not true.

Once again, which group in America makes his case about Race?

[decocker 7,198]

There is only one group of people in this country making this about race.

for real? which group is that?

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Once again, which group in America makes his case about Race?

Eskimos?

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

for real? which group is that?

The group that is looting, burning, and calling for the police officer to be killed. White people are killed by the police, frequently. It's never made about race.

This has nothing to do with race, to me. The facts first presented, made it appear the kid was murdered by a trigger happy cop. I was on the kids side. Now as more facts come out, it appears that was not the case. My opinion, and at this point it is still an opinion, has changed.

Eskimos?

Well not hardly. I don't understand that black people, can't just look at the facts, but turn it into a racial issue immediately, then get incsed that we start talking about the racial angle.

[Karee 4,191]

Unfortunately, many people here and in the real world use the percentage of crimes committed by blacks vs their percentage of overall population to judge everyone in the entire race.

I assume that's directed at me. It would do you good to look at the entire conversation that took place. The assertion was made made by Janelle that whites commit more crimes. I merely pointed out that was not the case. I pointed out that when you look at crime committed by blacks in the context of their ratio to the total population, they commit double even triple the amount of crimes. She continued on with her fuzzy math and then I brought out the facts based on the FBI crime statistics. How you made the leap from that to judging an entire race is beyond me. I was just stating the facts. If Janelle had not made the absolutely false claim in the first place, I never would have brought it up.

[decocker 7,198]

There is only one group of people in this country making this about race.

The group that is looting, burning, and calling for the police officer to be killed.

doesn't really makes sense but whatever.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I assume that's directed at me. It would do you good to look at the entire conversation that took place. The assertion was made made by Janelle that whites commit more crimes. I merely pointed out that was not the case. I pointed out that when you look at crime committed by blacks in the context of their ratio to the total population, they commit double even triple the amount of crimes. She continued on with her fuzzy math and then I brought out the facts based on the FBI crime statistics. How you made the leap from that to judging an entire race is beyond me. I was just stating the facts. If Janelle had not made the absolutely false claim in the first place, I never would have brought it up.

Not directed at you at all. I didn't have anyone in mind at all. I honestly was talking about people in general, myself included. And you are correct, the facts do support the statement that I made. The murder and crime stats show it clearly. I was trying to make a point without bashing anyone. I apologize if I offended you or anyone else. That truly was not my intent.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

doesn't really makes sense but whatever.

C

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Even if you had the police force when growing up, it didn't replace your mother and the morals and values which she instilled in you. I am not suggesting it is easy, but the black community has got to start fighting to better themselves, not fighting against each other and blaming others for their own actions. Our President is a fine example of making it against the odds. I agree you shouldn't be considered second rate, but someone needs to start getting so many to stop ACTING like they are second rate citizens. IMO, it must come from within. Sure, help is needed in some areas, but like an alcoholic or drug addict, no one can take the first step for you. People have to want to rise above, and many do.

Both statements are true. And like you said, not easy. It does start at home. If you don't have the right role models, it's an uphill battle compounded on the institutionalized racism already embedded in the system. But, like I said this is years and years of oppression. And getting rid of it is going to take a lot of time, probably won't even see it in our lifetime. That mentality has been burned into the community.

I was playing last of us this weekend. One of my squad members is a 15 year old black teenager. When I met him, he used to say the N-word like he couldn't help it. I've started to finally get to him, and he's not saying it anymore. He said he met another black guy online and this guy hated black people. He was going all about how we were lazy and criminal, worthless, etc. He asked me how is this even possible. I responded we've been taught to hate each other and ourselves. This is why I want you to be better than what you are now. Don't give them a reason to see you that way.