"We talk About Justice and How little We Get, but yet Black Men be killing Black Men for talking Shit." Masta Ace
Bothersome questions often lead to answers more vexing then the queries themselves. While viewing the brilliant Byron Hurt's brilliant "Hip Hop : Beyond Beats and Rhymes" documentary, many linage related introspective thoughts dominated my mental plane. One such personal query was spurred on by what a Spellman professor Jelani Cobb stated as being the "The running inside joke of black masculinity". Loosely interpreted it implies that many Black Men cultivate, portray and project a hyper masculine image which far to often leads to tragic results, ironically to compensate for their lack of any conceivable tangible power.
In laymen's terms "Watch What You Say to Me"
"I'm known to make a mountain out a mole hill you don't wanna get ya peoples killed."
Yet in such threatening proclamations, many highly antagonistic groups bask in the safety afforded to those not designated as targets
Large swaths of Black culture play the role of the husband who is impotent and ridiculed at work, proceeds to go home, and projects the stored rage upon his wife.
Murder and abuse the easy target.
Ironically those that promote, exploit, or terrifyingly subscribe ultra terrifying Negro are most safest from the it's concocted grasp.
Why?
Nothing just is, and black n white / zero sum answers only placate the simplistic amongst us. While acknowledging numerous disdainful factors such as self hate, and morally reprehensive social economic crafting, I choose to only forces reason at the moment.
Training.
You know the same training that maintained the safety of NYPD cops after Sean Bell was executed.
The training that leads you or a friend to say while visiting a particular area "They don't play that here"
Yes the good ole life instructions only true power can provide.
Often such power doesn't haft to raise its voice often, for when it speaks its tone conveys a message that seems to reverberate for generations.
Like the imperiled children in "The Education of Sonny Carson" visualizing the future while sitting on a stoop gazing upon the moon, there is a vast dichotomy in the goals of Black Americans. Few, if any, however, hold aspirations of becoming an example of negative extrinsic motivation. Sadly those who we often forget should be experiencing the joys only afforded during the epoch of youth often are constructed into crude exhibits by malice.
How many of you got into fights in school or ones derived from incidents originated on educational grounds which where taken else where? Some of you might look back with glory upon your younger scuffles, while others might hold a slight animus towards themselves for not taking advantage of the generally more lenient punishments meted out to the younger members of society. You know, the regular three day to two week suspension from school, with the chance of expulsion if you where a "problem" child. No matter what your non golden gloves amateur records composition, imagine if for one of your high school fights you where charged with Attempted Murder. Not assault n battery, murder. Does it sound completely asinine .and implausible? Follow me to Jena, LA and re acquaint your self to America.
It is often stated that its not what isn't said but how what is spoken is worded. When the lives of societies undesirables are on a imminent path to undeserved destruction, the story is conveyed in a very meek manner.
Before reading the rest of this blog I kindly (with up most urgency) ask you take the time to watch one or both of these videos
Jena 6 Report (Story Starts 9:30 in)
BBC Report on Jena (Click Video on Right Hand Side)
and read this article
When ever you can afford to spare such time
Is it cruel irony or germane harsh reality that this is going on in what is deemed "God Country"? To what degree is this a personal indictment of our land that the rest of the world is conversing on this subject, yet the bastions of media that bombarded are psyche daily with "news" have remained relatively mute on the subject? A dui arrest for a athlete most could not pick out of a crowd is more pertinent then the imminent justice system destruction of the lives of youth? Is the criticizing of music more important then, investigating the actions of legally appointed officials playing God?
It is far easier to demonize another then to check ones self. Its even better to suppress ( Saigon, Papoose) or bleed to death (Ras Kass) the talented voices of those that invoke your ire that would bring such ills to light…
If your watched or read the previous links (I thank you) please compare them to the this docile CNN report
Gotta love the liberal media..
By know means is the position held here that negative, and if deemed to be so, criminal actions should go un punished. What's being questioned is the equal protection under the law that is allegedly afforded to all citizens of this nation. Let this case be even thought of being used as a general precedent…and the earth would split in two.
The general punishment for school and youth related crimes as stated earlier is substantially less then what these kids ..yes. kids are facing. The duration by the majority of those languishing in jail due to the draconian bail imposed upon them, in most logical applications of the law would be noted as being significant enough to constitute time served. Let us not even speak about the morally reprehensible tactics utilize during trail, such as denying the parents of one of the accused access to the court during it's proceedings, a concession afforded to those even charged with the most heinous of crimes. Such a crooked act relives jurors of potential feelings of guilt and empathy, but also denies the accused critical family support. Even Jeffery Dahmer was allowed to gaze upon his father during his legal proceedings.
The truly sad thing about this case is while, a prominent rich if not affluent. Black person in this land is out buying a new chain, car or watch, arguing to banish a word, or building something in Africa like they where born there, these kids remained trapped in legally maintained squalor.
No money for bail.
No money for a decent legal team.
No public acknowledgement or support.
Maybe they are afraid of becoming examples also..
About the writer…
This case was enough to motivte him to go to law school and hope to work f or the ACLU
