Speak Out!
Black-on-Black Crime
Sun, 11/25/2007 - 22:38 | Crime
Recently, demonstrators planned a rally at the Justice Department to protest the government's handling of hate crimes. But, USA Today reported that activist Shane Johnson was planning a counter rally, of sorts, to call attention to the rape of a 35-year-old Haitian mother and her son:
Johnson and a modest band of supporters are pushing back against the outpouring of black support for black male offenders, such as the Jena 6, saying it comes at the expense of female victims of black-on-black crime.Although Mr. Johnson’s focus was specifically female victims, it raised the general question: Where’s the community outrage over Black-on-Black crime?
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I, like many Black folks are
I, like many Black folks are fed up with Black on Black crime. But why does it happen ? I believe it happens because the Hood has its own mentality. The Hood leans onto its own understanding, which is contrary to the Divine Word Of The Most High God. And of course the Hood is the people who live/exist in it.
Contrary you ask? For example, "don't snitch" is actually code for, don't tell the truth. The Word Of God says tell the truth, it will set you free. "This is how we do it in the Hood"? How does the Word of God say do it? "Doing what I got to do to get mine"? That means do whatever it takes to get yours. And what is yours? Respect, money, and that thing between her legs? Whatever it takes to get those, do it?
And so if it's not the way of God, it's automatically Satan's way. There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Prov. 14:12)
I know this may sound judgmental, but the Hood, collectively speaking (not 100% of the people in the Hood), is Satan's playground. That's why there is so much darkness there.
Shake the Hood's mentality, and the crime goes away. If you don't believe me, look among the people who don't share that mentality.
Black on Black
I am also wondering this same thing. The situation, however, that I am seeing in my office is amongst professional people. There are a group of blacks, who mock another black (just this one individual)...it is almost like gang violence. Now the person who is constantly being mocked is a spirit filled christian. So perhaps it's not a black on black thing, but Satan.. It's very disturbing.
Black on Black crime!!!!! As
Black on Black crime!!!!! As a black in law enforcement for 20 years I have seen this over and over again. I ask my young brothers the question, why? They don't ever know why, other than, he disrespected me! or I'm trying to survive. Hell, I'm trying to survive; but, I'm not hurting my people in the process, those who look like my son, my daughter, brother, sister.
It has brothered me for 20 years now. The problem as I see it, we have assimilated with "white" America and have lost the (back in the day) family unit. In our communities, the next house/family looked out for the next house/family. We don't do that anymore. We don't even speak to each other anymore. Some of us have lost the connection to our history (short history at that).
My solution is to bring back our (back in the day ways). I speak to my brothers at all times. I hold the door for my sisters at all times. I teach my son to hold the door for women at all times, speak to everybody. When I see a young brother doing something wrong that will cause a negative impact on us as a people. I speak to him or her. I'm trying to replace the stones to our past by doing those things that made us a unique people (caring for one another) because of our struggle just being black.
We have the power within ourselves to change us, one person at a time. So, speak when you see me! Don't ignore yourself walking by.... Peace!
I agree with many of the
I agree with many of the comments already posted regarding black-on-black crime. I must disagree with the poster who stated that blacks should move into inner city black neighborhoods, no matter how much money they make... . I understand where she's coming from -- I, and many black folks, grew up in neighborhoods with a diversity of educational and income levels. This mix of people worked back in the day because everyone was striving to be the best that they could be. Values like faith, family, and education were priorities. Sadly, these things are no longer valued by many in the black community, and for that reason, the notion of black professionals living in certain areas in an effort to provide stability, role models, etc., does not work now (ask Julian Bond his thoughts on this). Instead of achieving the goals of such attempts, these people find themselves the victims of crime by the very people that they are trying to help.
Also, we need to do more fact checking before we all jump on the bandwagon in defense of people just because they're black. There was more than met the eye in the Jena 6 matter. While the punishment of these teenagers was unjust in the sense that it was too harsh (and the fact that the white youths were not punished enough for their role, among other things), let's not forget that there was a crime committed by these kids, and the one most severely punished already had quite a criminal record before the incident that made headlines.
The point that I'm making is that we need to turn the focus on ourselves; it ain't all (or always) about the "white man". Where is the personal responsibility when it comes to black-on-black crime, the high rates of HIV/AIDS in our community, the high rates of out of wedlock pregnancies, lack of appreciation for education, and the list goes on (after all, HIV, pregnancy, drug use, etc., don't just "jump on you"). Before we can hold governments' feet to the fire, we need to call ourselves to account.
Yes, institutional racism exists and must be fought, however, racism has always existed and always will, especially given our history in this country, yet black folks have not only survived, but thrived against overwhelming odds. If you don't believe it, just watch Dr. Gates' PBS special. Yet now that we have so much more to work with (education, the opportunity to be home and business owners, etc.), we are doing worse than our ancestors! We need to know the stock from which we came, and learn and apply the lessons of the past to create a better present and future. In so doing, we need to learn and appreciate our roots in THIS country because, while we are descendants of the African continent, we are NOT African; if you don't believe it, ask an African if they're "black", or see how you're received in the Motherland.
My point is that the strength of our people was forged in the fire of experiences in THIS country, and it is from our black AMERICAN ancestors that we need to learn and draw strength to continue thriving in this land that was built on their backs. These people didn't sit down and complain about racism and what the "white man" did to (and didn't do for) them because they knew that they couldn't expect anything from those who had enslaved and oppressed them. They didn't waste their time worrying about white folks; they got busy marrying and raising families, working hard and getting an education, and instilling these values in their children. I don't know what happened to these values in our people, but I do know that unless and until we get them back, no politician, government program or other institution is going to help us. As someone once said "quit begging for a piece of the pie; make your own damn pie!"
I agree with many of the
I agree with many of the comments already posted regarding black-on-black crime. I must disagree with the poster who stated that blacks should move into inner city black neighborhoods, no matter how much money they make... . I understand where she's coming from -- I, and many black folks, grew up in neighborhoods with a diversity of educational and income levels. This mix of people worked back in the day because everyone was striving to be the best that they could be. Values like faith, family, and education were priorities. Sadly, these things are no longer valued by many in the black community, and for that reason, the notion of black professionals living in certain areas in an effort to provide stability, role models, etc., does not work now (ask Julian Bond his thoughts on this). Instead of achieving the goals of such attempts, these people find themselves the victims of crime by the very people that they are trying to help.
Also, we need to do more fact checking before we all jump on the bandwagon in defense of people just because they're black. There was more than met the eye in the Jena 6 matter. While the punishment of these teenagers was unjust in the sense that it was too harsh (and the fact that the white youths were not punished enough for their role, among other things), let's not forget that there was a crime committed by these kids, and the one most severely punished already had quite a criminal record before the incident that made headlines.
The point that I'm making is that we need to turn the focus on ourselves; it ain't all (or always) about the "white man". Where is the personal responsibility when it comes to black-on-black crime, the high rates of HIV/AIDS in our community, the high rates of out of wedlock pregnancies, lack of appreciation for education, and the list goes on (after all, HIV, pregnancy, drug use, etc., don't just "jump on you"). Before we can hold governments' feet to the fire, we need to call ourselves to account.
Yes, institutional racism exists and must be fought, however, racism has always existed and always will, especially given our history in this country, yet black folks have not only survived, but thrived against overwhelming odds. If you don't believe it, just watch Dr. Gates' PBS special. Yet now that we have so much more to work with (education, the opportunity to be home and business owners, etc.), we are doing worse than our ancestors! We need to know the stock from which we came, and learn and apply the lessons of the past to create a better present and future. In so doing, we need to learn and appreciate our roots in THIS country because, while we are descendants of the African continent, we are NOT African; if you don't believe it, ask an African if they're "black", or see how you're received in the Motherland.
My point is that the strength of our people was forged in the fire of experiences in THIS country, and it is from our black AMERICAN ancestors that we need to learn and draw strength to continue thriving in this land that was built on their backs. These people didn't sit down and complain about racism and what the "white man" did to (and didn't do for) them because they knew that they couldn't expect anything from those who had enslaved and oppressed them. They didn't waste their time worrying about white folks, they got busy marrying and raising families, working hard and getting an education, and instilling these values in their children. I don't know what happened to these values in our people, but I do know that unless and until we get them back, no politician, government program or other institution is going to help us. As someone once said "quit begging for a piece of the pie; make your own damn pie!"
We can't escape it and we
We can't escape it and we have to address it. Unfortunately, I doubt very very few go to local police meetings. I doubt very very few are involved in mentoring on any level outside of immediate family. Like the scriptures says, "Faith without action is dead" and so is talk about a problem. Involvement is needed. Write letters requesting things change. Make changes yourself. Black Men must get involved, because this is much of our creation with the abandonment of the family and the creation of a generation of fatherless, directionless men.
This question is easily the
This question is easily the most ridiculous of the new year-to-date (surpassed only by the existence of the issue in prior years). What group of people commit more crimes against another race than they do against their own race. Would the nay-sayers, black or white or in-between, rather that they commit more crimes against a different race. This is a human and logistical issue that will always be true. How convenient to have a group you perceive as competition spending their time on unsolvable problems. Fix discrimination, joblessness, and injustice and you'll see a black profile more in line with what some apparently perceive as "normal".
To live as a slave is to
To live as a slave is to think as a slave, that's what happen when the only history taught in schools for years is that blacks were slaves. Very little about the many inventors that didn't have rights to their inventions because their minds and souls were controlled by their slave owners, as well as property, has much to do with the past. Black on black crime has been a product of such learned behavior in order to gain favor or get ahead. Until black history is understood as white history the control still prevail. One day, week in a month to caught up on a life time of injustice and shame will not gain back the heart of our fellow brothers, and as long as there is division between whites and blacks, the learned behaviour of black on black crime prevail, because it's the same learned behavior of the past. The famous william lynch theory. Some called him willie.
That's why I think we need a
That's why I think we need a brother like Obama in the Black House. Look, if we could have a black man in the Black House, I think it would do a world of good, because just think if he can make it to the Highest office in the land with all these racist White people, then they can't stop us.
The problem is role models, no education and being lazy. If you want something out of life, it's not going to come to you; so you know as a black man or woman you have to work twice as hard as the white. Wearing your pants half off your as is not the thing to do; speaking slang is not going to get you a job. And heaven forbid if you speak proper he or she is talking white; give me a break, because I pronouce my words.
We need to wake up, kick our kids in the ASS and let them know what we will and will not have in our home. My girls are not allowed to bring home anything less than a B if they want all these clothes and shoes; I'm not going to buy you all these high priced clothes and you bring home C and D. We will go to Walmart and get you clothes for the grades that you bring home. I spend money on shoes and you know why we will do that - they just last longer. And mother and fathers be a good role model for your kids especially the Farters some of us have been missing and the real problem Daddies get in your child's life. They need us so they won't end up in prison or dead because of the people they hang with and think are their friends.
We need to love each other and quit being jealous of some people's success, because if they can do it, so can we. It might take some time and a little work but if you can see it, you can achieve it. Believe in yourself; no one going to stop you but you and thinking negative. And for JETT we should always care about each other; that's why we are talking about this now.
Look, back in the day we might [have] killed each other but not like today; we have more and better opportunity than they did back then, and we should help each other so that we can live the AMERICAN DREAM.
Could it be because bringing
Could it be because bringing that issue to the forefront would show how hurtful, mean, evil, and despicable we can be to each other? Or maybe because it's easier to fight the antics of the White man but when we have to turn the mirror on the black-on-black crime, it's too true a visual. We need to march in our own neighborhoods against these drug dealers, pimps, and others willing to sacrifice my life for their need to have a new car or thousands of dollars in their pocket. Then again that would mean pointing a finger at my brother, mother, father, sister, cousin or best friend, and most of all MYSELF!
I frankly am tired on all the
I frankly am tired on all the marches and protests. Other than bringing attention to a situation does it actually solve the problem...I encourage people to read, Mis-education of the Negro, by Carter Woodson. There are more Black-elected officials then ever yet we as blacks still have a problem with inequality in the legal system. Is it all about party politics? or Will the real concerned black politicians stand up?...No one standing yet..Exactly! Here is my main point with all the power and money in the churches and political arena, they can not influence young black Americans to stop killing each other.
The question is not where is
The question is not where is the outrage, it is what are crime-free communities worth to us? It was reported in Black Enterprise in 2005 that by 2009 annual black buying power will be nearly a trillion dollars. Today, it is estimated that the collective annual revenues of the black church alone are $60 billion. By 2009 that will grow to $100 billion. When you look at what this money is spent on, it appears that none of it is spent on protecting our families from these terrible acts and ridding our communities of crime. Crime-free communities will come at a cost. If we can spend $60 billion to build and maintain our magnificent places of worship, then what would another $30-$60 billion buy us in eliminating crime from our neighborhoods?
As long as our women are
As long as our women are abused, murdered and hated...our communities will never be whole or healthy. Women have always been the black community's greatest...unsung warriors. I see that women are fighting....way past wounded. Our screams have been silenced...too many of our men are desensitized to our cries.
Black on black crime is
Black on black crime is something that needs to cease immediately; we should never mind why it exists, because everybody is pointing fingers. We need to teach one another, our true History, that has much to do with ceasing, and effectively organizing to unite is important, too. It is my mission to serve as Minister of Information to the Youth, and also my brothers and sisters (not all, but selected) locked down in the Prison System
Black folk are just people
Black folk are just people and people believe 80% of what they see and 20% of what they hear. So with that in mind why should black folk give a damn about other black folk, where else in the world does this happen? Does it happen in Europe, Mexico, and it sho-nuff ain't happening in Africa but keep looking and let a brother know when ya find out. In closing, the way I figure it, the best shot we have is to fight the bigger battle which is systemic racism. Cause inferiority is a mother and some folk just refuse to feel inferior and thus you have the push back which most often is violent. You can call me wrong but I know that this was the case with myself.
HOLLA!
Black people have developed
Black people have developed so many problems since that big boat ride. I think that a step in the right direction to solving this problem would be seeing dark skinned women for their beauty and stop worshipping light skinned black women and white women. I feel that the attackers couldn't see her beauty. Blacks need to
move back into black communities no matter how much money they make. This would help bring stability,love and pride back into our neighborhoods. All this crime is centered around self love verses self hate. Marching bring attention to the problem but self love may just solve the problem.