Kaepernick, #BLM and ND grad

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

In today's news: Lil Wayne Says He's Never Experienced Racism | TMZ.com

Truth is, you go looking for "racism" in everything and you're going to find it. Very few 20-something year olds have ever faced overt oppression or racism. That's why we've had to invent terms like "microaggressions" so that when someone says "don't go to the dark side" in a Star Wars reference it can be painted as "racist." Racism used to be being told you can't eat at a restaurant, marry a certain person, use a certain bathroom, go to a certain school, etc. Real systems of oppression. And the effects are still felt today, but they don't exist anymore and haven't for awhile now.

Racism now is anything that offends you; or any bad action by a white person against a non-white person regardless of actual motivations.

So when Kaepernick grandstands about cops murdering black people, or Jesse Williams says "some way cops figure out how to deescalate situations with white people without killing them"... but the most comprehensive studies show that's all just a BS narrative... it's hard to take them seriously.

Racism is evil. Point out the racists and I'll condemn every single one. But I think everyone my age is a little sick and tired of being told how much "racism" there is when we grew up in a world where people were moving past it and not talking about it because it wasn't a problem and then magically over the past 5 years it's become some giant scourge despite nothing actually changing except the creation of social media to give antagonizers a megaphone.

I've lived my entire life in and around the blackest city in America. I went to a public grade school that was majority black. I went to a public high school that was minority white. Not once in my entire life growing up did a single person complain about a racism, nor did I witness a single act of overt racism from anyone that wasn't Asian. We were all taught to treat people as people and no one even talked about race.

Now, kids are being taught in public schools that everything is a racist microaggression, that white people have been and always will be racist oppressors, white people aren't allowed to have opinions on race unless they agree with a minority, and to hate this country. That's just fucking stupid, and it's a product of people with ulterior motives. I thank God every day that my dad is half Latino so that I'm allowed to have a quarter of an opinion and be a quarter not-evil.

I can't rep you but I tried. I'm conflicted because I want to sympathize with people but I also don't want to be played for a fool.

 

[Voltaire]

A week ago my wife showed me an article from Boston where a public school teacher was teaching like 3rd or 4th graders about "microaggressions" and white racism. I seriously doubt every school teacher is going on a white guilt crusade, but indoctrinating children that the "white male patriarchy" is responsible for all of this country's ills seems a bit warped to me.

Am I the only person of color left in America who thinks that white SJWs publicly flagellating themselves for social media points and implying that people of color can only get ahead in this country if whites actively take themselves down a notch is just absolutely inherently racist to an insane degree?

Also, I've said it before, and I'll say it again, when are folks going to get serious about the real social injustice in this country that is yellow privilege? White SJWs, you can finally realize your dream of being a downtrodden minority because Asians don't just make more than twice as much as black folks, they make more money than you, too!

 

[ulukinatme]

This was from last October, but it's even more appropriate today

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AWRJvl2TkNk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Wingman Ray]

Awesome post bro. And yeah, as a cop, i have given up on trying to defend not being racist. Supporting studies don't matter or change any opinions...nothing does. Its funny, I was having a conversation recently and the person I was speaking with brought up how my job puts me in a position to be proactive (guns, drugs, gangs..etc) and that I "target" minorities. I brought up this point...even "proactive units" are generally reactive. We go to areas where crimes are reported. Who do you think are reporting crimes in innercities? The white rich people from down the road? No, its people living in the city. Black/latino residents calling and reporting drugs being sold on corners, gun shots, gang graffiti..etc. The residents call and say they want the activity to stop because of the obvious quality of life issues. So, my whole point is that its not cops "targeting" minorities. Minorities call the police on other minorities and police have a duty to respond. If they dont respond the neighborhood starts yelling that cops dont care about them.

Great post man. Thank you

 

[Wingman Ray]

My first thought on this thread - I would never think to enter into this type of conversation with a co-worker. So many things could go wrong, I don't know why you would want to open yourself up to that.

Because unlike most white male Americans today, Im not a spineless coward afraid to have discussions about most anything. I talk about strong faith in Jesus openly and everything else. Everyone is running around so scared to say anything that may offend people except the people that they are afraid of offending! Do you see black people afraid of offending white people? Do you see women afraid of offending men? Yet the white male has to walk on eggshells? Hmmm no thank you

 

[Wingman Ray]

So if you're gonna say racism doesn't exist because Jim Crow laws don't exist anymore, etc, then fine, ignore the problem at hand. This country has made great progress, but there are still plenty of people who believe blacks are inherently inferior beings, and are raising their children with these mentalities. Maybe they aren't overtly oppressing black people anymore, but my gut tells me that if it were still legal, they would. As long as some children are being raised with the belief that blacks are inferior by nature, we're gonna keep having the same problems that we're having today in this country. And if you're gonna ask me what the problems are, then you're part of the problem.

Yet there are many blacks that think all whites are against them and out to suppress them despite nearly 40 years of Affirmative Action handouts in the workplace, etc. If you think that wasnt a far left swing of the pendulum, then you are kidding yourself. Except that yes, you are too young to know about the job losses and lack of promotions by white males then.

Is there an misconception of blacks by whites that blacks are aggressive and dangerous? Yes of course. However, I point to the fact that nearly daily on local news, you can turn it on to see a black male suspect wanted by the police or recently arrested for a crime. There is a reason why our prison systems are vastly overpopulated black. Is there biased situations sometimes with the judges? Of course. Are 98% the cases the person innocent and the judge was biased? Heck no.

My best friend in high school was black. Im married to an immigrant. Please dont waive the white fear is so unjust or that we are living in 1950 America because that is not the truth. I would love to see the % academic college scholarships in America today based on race and then I would love to see the actual academic standing/qualifications comparisons of these academic scholarship recipients. Of course all that data will never be made public now will it?

 

[Wingman Ray]

Last night, I was standing in my kitchen and listening to my ten year old daughter who was formerly a Ukrainian citizen now an American citizen sing "Im proud to be an American" (it is her nightingale school singing groups song now) and i couldnt help but think of Kap. How here is a little girl that can appreciate this country so much yet the people who have lived here and benefited from the people that sacrificed so much for them cannot. I just so want to say to all the people kneeling that I would gladly pay for their ticket to any country in the world if they would just first renounce permanently their US Citizenship. Starting with that poc Kap.

My wife went through immigration and just loves this country so much. She is so excited to vote for the first time in the upcoming Presidential elections even though Im probably not evening going to vote. When she sees people bitching about America she always frowns and says "If they only knew what it was like to live elsewhere they wouldnt be like this." It is just amazing the ignorant people who have no clue what they are talking about. The worst poverty stricken person in America has so much compared to most of the world. No opportunities? Please. I sponsor a kid in S America that has absolutely nothing and walks over five miles to attend a school twice a week. Can you tell me one kid in this "oppressive America" that is doing that or doesnt have a school to go to or doesnt get welfare money to buy food?

People flat out suck.

 

[ulukinatme]

Last night, I was standing in my kitchen and listening to my ten year old daughter who was formerly a Ukrainian citizen now an American citizen sing "Im proud to be an American" (it is her nightingale school singing groups song now) and i couldnt help but think of Kap. How here is a little girl that can appreciate this country so much yet the people who have lived here and benefited from the people that sacrificed so much for them cannot. I just so want to say to all the people kneeling that I would gladly pay for their ticket to any country in the world if they would just first renounce permanently their US Citizenship. Starting with that poc Kap.

My wife went through immigration and just loves this country so much. She is so excited to vote for the first time in the upcoming Presidential elections even though Im probably not evening going to vote. When she sees people bitching about America she always frowns and says "If they only knew what it was like to live elsewhere they wouldnt be like this." It is just amazing the ignorant people who have no clue what they are talking about. The worst poverty stricken person in America has so much compared to most of the world. No opportunities? Please. I sponsor a kid in S America that has absolutely nothing and walks over five miles to attend a school twice a week. Can you tell me one kid in this "oppressive America" that is doing that or doesnt have a school to go to or doesnt get welfare money to buy food?

People flat out suck.

 

[Green Mountains]

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color..... "

Are we talking about the flag that flew over the battlefields of Gettysburg, The Wilderness, and Antietam? The flag which was flown at Appomattox Court House the day Grant accepted Lee's surrender? The flag that represented the Union in which Hundreds of Thousands of men died to help end slavery? Is that the flag Kaepernick is referencing?

 

[rocket66]

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color..... "

Are we talking about the flag that flew over the battlefields of Gettysburg, The Wilderness, and Antietam? The flag which was flown at Appomattox Court House the day Grant accepted Lee's surrender? The flag that represented the Union in which Hundreds of Thousands of men died to help end slavery? Is that the flag Kaepernick is referencing?

Well said.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pkt77242]

GOP Rep. Steve King on Kaepernick: 'This is activism that's sympathetic to ISIS'

What an idiot.

 

[pkt77242]

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color..... "

Are we talking about the flag that flew over the battlefields of Gettysburg, The Wilderness, and Antietam? The flag which was flown at Appomattox Court House the day Grant accepted Lee's surrender? The flag that represented the Union in which Hundreds of Thousands of men died to help end slavery? Is that the flag Kaepernick is referencing?

Seriously?

You could also say it is the flag of a country that allowed slavery or that even after slavery was appealed allows things like Jim Crow laws, and outright discrimination for a long time.

The truth is that US history is complicated and that there are many things to love about the U.S. and its actions but there are also bad/horrible things in our past (and in the present depending upon your view point).

I think that my biggest issue with Kap's stance isn't that he is protesting tha national anthem but that he didn't have an idea of what goals he wanted to accomplish with his protest.

 

[NDgradstudent]

My first thought on this thread - I would never think to enter into this type of conversation with a co-worker. So many things could go wrong, I don't know why you would want to open yourself up to that.

If a black guy starts talking about it, there is no way he would get fired. But if a white guy does...

Who is oppressed again?

 

[IrishBroker]

Seriously?

You could also say it is the flag of a country that allowed slavery or that even after slavery was appealed allows things like Jim Crow laws, and outright discrimination for a long time.

The truth is that US history is complicated and that there are many things to love about the U.S. and its actions but there are also bad/horrible things in our past (and in the present depending upon your view point).

I think that my biggest issue with Kap's stance isn't that he is protesting tha national anthem but that he didn't have an idea of what goals he wanted to accomplish with his protest.

The flag does not represent the current state if affairs or the government. Its the idea of America and the liberties she provides. It represents resistance to tyranny. Hope for millions around the world. Some of those flags are later draped over the coffins of men who fought and died for it. You may not believe in our current government or its policies but the flag should not be held to be a representative of those issues.

That his why I disagree with Kap and the hastag warriors out there. The flag isn't a representation of the "bad" of America. It's a symbol of the good.

 

[pkt77242]

Last night, I was standing in my kitchen and listening to my ten year old daughter who was formerly a Ukrainian citizen now an American citizen sing "Im proud to be an American" (it is her nightingale school singing groups song now) and i couldnt help but think of Kap. How here is a little girl that can appreciate this country so much yet the people who have lived here and benefited from the people that sacrificed so much for them cannot. I just so want to say to all the people kneeling that I would gladly pay for their ticket to any country in the world if they would just first renounce permanently their US Citizenship. Starting with that poc Kap.

My wife went through immigration and just loves this country so much. She is so excited to vote for the first time in the upcoming Presidential elections even though Im probably not evening going to vote. When she sees people bitching about America she always frowns and says "If they only knew what it was like to live elsewhere they wouldnt be like this." It is just amazing the ignorant people who have no clue what they are talking about. The worst poverty stricken person in America has so much compared to most of the world. No opportunities? Please. I sponsor a kid in S America that has absolutely nothing and walks over five miles to attend a school twice a week. Can you tell me one kid in this "oppressive America" that is doing that or doesnt have a school to go to or doesnt get welfare money to buy food?

People flat out suck.

You are right, how dare someone protest to improve something here in the U.S. while someone some where in the world has it worse.

 

[RDU Irish]

Perhaps the point is that his interactions with police are different than his white peers. It could be that his upbringing and financial success did little to change how officers target and treat him.

I haven't followed this story, but that's how I would articulate it if I were in his shoes. Even if he hasn't sniffed that narrative, it's a valid argument. I know several successful black attorneys that are pulled over about once a month and often don't end up with a ticket. They were pulled over just because. It's a completely different experience than mine. I know I'd feel very differently if that was a persistent theme in my life. That's just one piece of anecdotal evidence, so take it for what it's worth.

Maybe they shouldn't follow those ambulances so closely.

 

[ACamp1900]

That his why I disagree with Kap and the hastag warriors out there. The flag isn't a representation of the "bad" of America. It's a symbol of the good.

Part of the good is that right to do what they are doing how they are doing it.. always strive to do better, which is good and why for the most part I have not been riled up over this. One point that still kind of sticks is touched on here and numerous other posts... the overall tone and dialogue seem to have an exclusive focus on the negative without acknowledging any of the tremendous good our nation has accomplished on these various human rights' matters. It feels, to me anyway, that the Kaps of the world and those firmly on Kaps side seem to view our nation, and it's symbols, as a net negative on the world and it's people... as in the bad firmly outweighing the good.

 

[pkt77242]

The flag does not represent the current state if affairs or the government. Its the idea of America and the liberties she provides. It represents resistance to tyranny. Hope for millions around the world. Some of those flags are later draped over the coffins of men who fought and died for it. You may not believe in our current government or its policies but the flag should not be held to be a representative of those issues.

That his why I disagree with Kap and the hastag warriors out there. The flag isn't a representation of the "bad" of America. It's a symbol of the good.

To me it is the ideal protest (kneeling not sitting) if you believe that the U.S. isn't living up to those ideals. Kneeling is not disrespectful (sitting might be seen that way) and it conveys the message that we are not living up to that ideal.

Did you read the link that Cack posted?
Here it is if you haven't read it
Take MLK’s name out your mouth: An open letter to Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney | theGrio

 

[pkt77242]

Part of the good is that right to do what they are doing how they are doing it.. always strive to do better, which is good and why for the most part I have not been riled up over this. One point that still kind of sticks is touched on here and numerous other posts... the overall tone and dialogue seem to have an exclusive focus on the negative without acknowledging any of the tremendous good our nation has accomplished on these various human rights' matters. It feels, to me anyway, that the Kaps of the world and those firmly on Kaps side seem to view our nation, and it's symbols, as a net negative on the world and it's people... as in the bad firmly outweighing the good.

I don't think that the bad outweighs the good.

People on the other side from you have had different experiences that lead them to view this country as failing to live up to it ideals, and while that is to be expected because people almost never attain the ideal, the fact that a large portion of the country belittle them for believing that and say that it doesn't exist exacerbates the issue. It disenfranchises them.

 

[ACamp1900]

I don't think that the bad outweighs the good.

People on the other side from you have had different experiences that lead them to view this country as failing to live up to it ideals, and while that is to be expected because people almost never attain the ideal, the fact that a large portion of the country belittle them for believing that and say that it doesn't exist exacerbates the issue. It disenfranchises them.

On this issue?? I'm not really on a side... I just touched on this one sub point... I'm somewhat indifferent to the whole thing by and large... and see some valid points on either side.

 

[IrishLax]

I don't think that the bad outweighs the good.

People on the other side from you have had different experiences that lead them to view this country as failing to live up to it ideals,

Some of them have, absolutely. What experiences has Kaepernick had? He gave one example of a teammate at Nevada moving out of a house, cops being called on them (i.e. someone reported a robbery), and responding to the call. He alleges that this was racist (with no evidence of it being race motivated... just why he infers a neighbor called the cops)... this is the only example of "racism" he can muster from his entire life, and nothing bad happened. No one got shot or arrested or assaulted, the cops checked out the complaint and did their job.

He was raised comfortably by white people, with free college and a multi-million dollar job... doesn't mean he hasn't experienced racism or oppression, but he's yet to share any "personal experiences" that show he has been oppressed besides the anecdote above.

He's not protesting on personal experiences, he's protesting based on what someone else has told him is a problem. In fact, he himself even said that it's because of what he "sees" happening to other people (not him) that he is protesting. So it has little to nothing to do with personal experience, it has to do with how he interprets information from the internet. This is all taken directly from his interviews.

and while that is to be expected because people almost never attain the ideal, the fact that a large portion of the country belittle them for believing that and say that it doesn't exist exacerbates the issue. It disenfranchises them.

No, a large portion of people are capable of objectively considering facts. And the facts are that huge chunk of BLM's anti-police movement has been based on lies and half-truths. There is no evidence... absolutely none... that white cops are out on the streets murdering black people for being black. That is what Kaepernick said he is protesting. So it's hard to support someone protesting something that isn't real.... because it isn't real.

There is evidence of police brutality and targeting of minorities for enforcement of certain laws that are equitably applied to white people. This is something I strongly oppose. This is also something Kaepernick mentions. But his main premises... the unjust murder of black people for being black by racist white cops who gets away with it because they're white... is total bullshit. And anyone who believes it's the case isn't informed, or is just a total moron/lemming.

 

[IrishBroker]

To me it is the ideal protest (kneeling not sitting) if you believe that the U.S. isn't living up to those ideals. Kneeling is not disrespectful (sitting might be seen that way) and it conveys the message that we are not living up to that ideal.

Did you read the link that Cack posted?
Here it is if you haven't read it
Take MLK’s name out your mouth: An open letter to Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney | theGrio

Again...more "you don't understand, white man". Which is an absurd response to a coach who was obviously reaching out and attempting dialogue. Dabo was using Dr. King in a positive way, and by his own interpretations. Which are as valid as this authors own interpretations.

This is a big part of the problem. If you chastise everyone that is attempting to "understand", then you will likely stop finding people who give a damn.

I at least admire this author for having some solutions, as many of those protesting don't. But I'm wondering what the exact end game is? Does anyone know?

When are things going to be "better"?

 

[IrishBroker]

Some of them have, absolutely. What experiences has Kaepernick had? He gave one example of a teammate at Nevada moving out of a house, cops being called on them (i.e. someone reported a robbery), and responding to the call. He alleges that this was racist (with no evidence of it being race motivated... just why he infers a neighbor called the cops)... this is the only example of "racism" he can muster from his entire life, and nothing bad happened. No one got shot or arrested or assaulted, the cops checked out the complaint and did their job.

He was raised comfortably by white people, with free college and a multi-million dollar job... doesn't mean he hasn't experienced racism or oppression, but he's yet to share any "personal experiences" that show he has been oppressed besides the anecdote above.

He's not protesting on personal experiences, he's protesting based on what someone else has told him is a problem. In fact, he himself even said that it's because of what he "sees" happening to other people (not him) that he is protesting. So it has little to nothing to do with personal experience, it has to do with how he interprets information from the internet. This is all taken directly from his interviews.



No, a large portion of people are capable of objectively considering facts. And the facts are that huge chunk of BLM's anti-police movement has been based on lies and half-truths. There is no evidence... absolutely none... that white cops are out on the streets murdering black people for being black. That is what Kaepernick said he is protesting. So it's hard to support someone protesting something that isn't real.... because it isn't real.

There is evidence of police brutality and targeting of minorities for enforcement of certain laws that are equitably applied to white people. This is something I strongly oppose. This is also something Kaepernick mentions. But his main premises... the unjust murder of black people for being black by racist white cops who gets away with it because they're white... is total bullshit. And anyone who believes it's the case isn't informed, or is just a total moron/lemming.

100%. It's the same as "hands up, don't shoot"...based on a propagated lie

 

[Irish Insanity]

If a black guy starts talking about it, there is no way he would get fired. But if a white guy does...

Who is oppressed again?

I worked with a few gay guys back in the day. One of them would attempt to antagonize anybody he wasn't good friends with. To the point he would be asked several times to stop and at times HR would be approached about his behavior. His response to us co-workers was always 'it's not like they can fire me, I'm gay.'

I'm somewhat indifferent to the whole thing by and large... and see some valid points on either side.

This is where I'm at with it.

Some of them have, absolutely. What experiences has Kaepernick had? He gave one example of a teammate at Nevada moving out of a house, cops being called on them (i.e. someone reported a robbery), and responding to the call. He alleges that this was racist (with no evidence of it being race motivated... just why he infers a neighbor called the cops)... this is the only example of "racism" he can muster from his entire life, and nothing bad happened. No one got shot or arrested or assaulted, the cops checked out the complaint and did their job.

He was raised comfortably by white people, with free college and a multi-million dollar job... doesn't mean he hasn't experienced racism or oppression, but he's yet to share any "personal experiences" that show he has been oppressed besides the anecdote above.

He's not protesting on personal experiences, he's protesting based on what someone else has told him is a problem. In fact, he himself even said that it's because of what he "sees" happening to other people (not him) that he is protesting. So it has little to nothing to do with personal experience, it has to do with how he interprets information from the internet. This is all taken directly from his interviews.



No, a large portion of people are capable of objectively considering facts. And the facts are that huge chunk of BLM's anti-police movement has been based on lies and half-truths. There is no evidence... absolutely none... that white cops are out on the streets murdering black people for being black. That is what Kaepernick said he is protesting. So it's hard to support someone protesting something that isn't real.... because it isn't real.

There is evidence of police brutality and targeting of minorities for enforcement of certain laws that are equitably applied to white people. This is something I strongly oppose. This is also something Kaepernick mentions. But his main premises... the unjust murder of black people for being black by racist white cops who gets away with it because they're white... is total bullshit. And anyone who believes it's the case isn't informed, or is just a total moron/lemming.

Does he have to experience it, or even see it first hand, to protest it or stand against it?
*I'm not in any way arguing what he's protesting. Just stating that you don't have to be 'part' of it.

 

[pkt77242]

Some of them have, absolutely. What experiences has Kaepernick had? He gave one example of a teammate at Nevada moving out of a house, cops being called on them (i.e. someone reported a robbery), and responding to the call. He alleges that this was racist (with no evidence of it being race motivated... just why he infers a neighbor called the cops)... this is the only example of "racism" he can muster from his entire life, and nothing bad happened. No one got shot or arrested or assaulted, the cops checked out the complaint and did their job.

He was raised comfortably by white people, with free college and a multi-million dollar job... doesn't mean he hasn't experienced racism or oppression, but he's yet to share any "personal experiences" that show he has been oppressed besides the anecdote above.

He's not protesting on personal experiences, he's protesting based on what someone else has told him is a problem. In fact, he himself even said that it's because of what he "sees" happening to other people (not him) that he is protesting. So it has little to nothing to do with personal experience, it has to do with how he interprets information from the internet. This is all taken directly from his interviews.



No, a large portion of people are capable of objectively considering facts. And the facts are that huge chunk of BLM's anti-police movement has been based on lies and half-truths. There is no evidence... absolutely none... that white cops are out on the streets murdering black people for being black. That is what Kaepernick said he is protesting. So it's hard to support someone protesting something that isn't real.... because it isn't real.

There is evidence of police brutality and targeting of minorities for enforcement of certain laws that are equitably applied to white people. This is something I strongly oppose. This is also something Kaepernick mentions. But his main premises... the unjust murder of black people for being black by racist white cops who gets away with it because they're white... is total bullshit. And anyone who believes it's the case isn't informed, or is just a total moron/lemming.

I agree that black people aren't being murdered by racist cops (well at least in any significant amount, I imagine it has happened once or twice before), it doesn't mean that minorities aren't oppressed.

As to Kap and his lack of experiencing racism, I say so what? I have never personally been on the receiving end of racism (ageism once but not racism) but I have witness minority friends being treated horribly by cops for no reason while the white members in the group were left alone, I have minority friends (mostly Hispanic because I live in AZ) who have had "bad" encounters with cops, etc. People can feel that there is an injustice without having experienced it themselves and some people who have had the experience don't want to talk about it.

I have stated my feelings at BLM before, I agree with part of their message (that minorities are more likely to be targeted and mistreated by law enforcement). On the other hand I think that some within the movement go way too far by calling for violence or saying that all police are racist. Police officers are like the general population there are some good ones some ok ones and some shitty ones (yes that includes some racists but also some taking bribes, sleeping with prostitutes, etc).

 

[Wild Bill]

The hypocrisy of leftists is always entertaining.

They're holding him up as some brave citizen who is well within his rights to express himself. Right or wrong, we should all support him b/c he's trying to improve this nation.

As if we're to believe they'd hold the same position if a few facts were changed. For instance, let's assume Kaepernick, rather than being upset about perceived injustices, was upset about federal government usurping the power of the state government and he started wearing a confederate flag shirt to post game interviews and said things like "I'm not against the US or the US military, I'm not a racist, but I'm just not going to sit quietly while the feds take over. We can do better."

He'd be unemployed within hours or the left would be lined up at the Niners practice facility acting like fools to suppress his so called right to express himself.

 

[ACamp1900]

I think there is something to be said for wealth vs. poor rather than white vs. anyone else... I beleive the primary oppression currently in this country is those without wealth, or those with wealth having privileges and opportunities not accessible to the rest of us, and that for the most part this dynamic sees very little color... but the majority of those with that door open are white so we create this kind of false dichotomy of 'white privilege' when it really should be 'wealth privilege' by and large... I honestly think race and stuff like that is, at times, a purposeful side show for those who have the goal of continuing their wealth privilege... if we all as, middle class and below, Americans rose up together and addressed that issue, those at the top would have problems, but if we are forever divided against each other on race and the like then good luck changing anything... not that race and racism isn't a thing, but you all see where I'm going I'm sure.

 

[IrishLax]

I agree that black people aren't being murdered by racist cops (well at least in any significant amount, I imagine it has happened once or twice before), it doesn't mean that minorities aren't oppressed.

As to Kap and his lack of experiencing racism, I say so what? I have never personally been on the receiving end of racism (ageism once but not racism) but I have witness minority friends being treated horribly by cops for no reason while the white members in the group were left alone, I have minority friends (mostly Hispanic because I live in AZ) who have had "bad" encounters with cops, etc. People can feel that there is an injustice without having experienced it themselves and some people who have had the experience don't want to talk about it.

Yeah, me too, in my very family. To me, that does count as personal experience. You experienced the event, even if you weren't the main party to it. What you're saying I think counts, the same way Kap's anecdote would've counted had there been more racism and less cops doing their job well.

I have stated my feelings at BLM before, I agree with part of their message (that minorities are more likely to be targeted and mistreated by law enforcement). On the other hand I think that some within the movement go way too far by calling for violence or saying that all police are racist. Police officers are like the general population there are some good ones some ok ones and some shitty ones (yes that includes some racists but also some taking bribes, sleeping with prostitutes, etc).

Agreed. Hell, I started the "Police State USA" thread here. I think there needs to be serious law enforcement reform and criminal justice reform in this country.

What I don't appreciate is bullshit, and a lot of what BLM and others purport as "truth" is either completely fabricated or intentionally misleading. We're not going to get anywhere until we all start dealing reasonably with facts. And, IMO, Kap is not helping by shouting from the mountaintop things that aren't true.

 

[IrishBroker]

Yeah, me too, in my very family. To me, that does count as personal experience. You experienced the event, even if you weren't the main party to it. What you're saying I think counts, the same way Kap's anecdote would've counted had there been more racism and less cops doing their job well.



Agreed. Hell, I started the "Police State USA" thread here. I think there needs to be serious law enforcement reform and criminal justice reform in this country.

What I don't appreciate is bullshit, and a lot of what BLM and others purport as "truth" is either completely fabricated or intentionally misleading. We're not going to get anywhere until we all start dealing reasonably with facts. And, IMO, Kap is not helping by shouting from the mountaintop things that aren't true.

...All while wearing a "Che" shirt.

It's hilariously ironic

 

[pkt77242]

Again...more "you don't understand, white man". Which is an absurd response to a coach who was obviously reaching out and attempting dialogue. Dabo was using Dr. King in a positive way, and by his own interpretations. Which are as valid as this authors own interpretations.

This is a big part of the problem. If you chastise everyone that is attempting to "understand", then you will likely stop finding people who give a damn.

I disagree and I don't even know where to start.

I at least admire this author for having some solutions, as many of those protesting don't. But I'm wondering what the exact end game is? Does anyone know?

When are things going to be "better"?

This has been my complaint about Kap, not the protesting. What are the solutions that he is calling for?

Things I would suggest but I am sure that there are others
1. Body cams for all cops. It helps to protect the officer and the citizens
2. More and different training. The average police academy is about 20 weeks. In Arizona to become a cosmetologist you have to undergo 1450 hours before taking the test. Which is about 36 weeks at 40 hours a week. We ask our police to do a very hard job that covers a wide variety of tasks. More training (and maybe changing how we train, though I am not the best person to talk about that) is probably needed. Also I understand that they get more training once they join a department.
3. Maybe look at what we ask them to do? Are we asking them to do too wide of a variety of tasks?
4. Maybe even look at how we screen applicants? Are the people that we are hiring the "right" people? Do they have the mental make-up for the job?
5. Change the environment of police forces. Many times it can be hard for police officers to tell the department who the "bad" officers are (basically "snitches are bad"). There is a culture of protecting each other (which while good in the field) leads to bad officers not being either retrained or removed.

I am sure that there are other ideas (and probably many that are better) but it is what I came up with off the top of my head.