Re: “Don’t ask why, just color your fears with my black face” (Leonard Pitts Jr. column, 6-3).
As a black man, when the story Pitts describes first hit the news, I knew almost immediately how it would turn out. The Cadillac reference was the dead giveaway that this would turn out to be a wrongful, racially tinged accusation.
I do disagree with Pitts about one thing, though. While the people he mentions were prosecuted for the felony they were trying to blame on a black man, none was prosecuted for a hate crime that in days past could and did get many innocent black men tortured, jailed, beaten, lynched and murdered.
How does this culture of “blame the black guy” affect the perception of black men? How do these perceptions exacerbate the mean, unfair and disrespectful treatment of black men in public, at work, when applying for a job or when a promotional opportunity arises? How about DWB’s (Driving While Black)?
In our system of law and injury, a major test of the suitability of legal action, whether it is criminal or civil, is whether or not the victim experienced a tangible loss. I think this type of hate crime more than passes that test.
White people, especially of the Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrinch persuasion and their followers should stop continuing to say to black people, “What are you so angry about? Why don’t you people just get over it and move on!”
To them I answer, “As soon as you do, fella. As soon as you all do.”
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.