I've been away a couple of weeks due to an unplanned absence. Nothing bad, just a little reorganization of life stuff. I just had to stop in and comment on a story that's been in the news lately. It's the one about Bonnie Sweeten.
I'm sure you've probably heard about it, but just in case, she called 911 and told dispatchers that she and her 9 year old daughter had been car jacked after a rear end fender bender and then stuffed in the truck of a black Cadillac by two black men. She then called 911 several more times stating the same.
Well it turns out her story unraveled quickly because her car wasn't rear ended at all and was found at a different location than where she told authorities. She actually used a fake ID to travel to Orlando to go to Disney World. Yes she must have a screw loose.
My point is that she pulled a Susan Smith to weave her little trail of deceit. You remember Susan? In Union SC she claimed two black men jacked her car with her babies in it. Turned out dear Susan actually drove her car with her babies strapped in the back seat into a lake because she couldn't be bothered with them any more.
When thinking about these two women who are certainly not the only two to pull this stunt, I can't help but think that their knee jerking accusations take racism back decades when it comes to racial stereotypes. Clearly when weaving these ridiculous stories in their minds, they determine the only way these crimes can be committed is by, of course, a black man.
Sure these ladies and others who played this same card are extreme cases, but given the media exposure what do these scenarios create when others are faced with discovering they are the victim of a crime. What immediate conclusion do we draw? What face do we put on our invisible perpetrators? Now be honest with yourself when you think about this.
I'm just sayin.....
9 hours ago
6 comments:
Whenever you want the police and media to stand up and take notice, just play the race card. Works everytime. This is pathetic and it only highlights the cracks that still exist in our society's views on race.
Shirl,
As a Black man, I accept the fact that for some I will never be human enough; for them, my humanity remains a question mark.
I know the truth about who I am, that alone is my measurement; the confirmation of my humanity.
It is easy for someone to conveniently use the racially-charged accusation that "a Black man did it". It's convenient, believable and excusable. The one thing it is not is intolerable.
U
Her story didn't ring true with me from the start. But yeah, you're right-- some things haven't changed.
Zirgar's right. If she had used two white men, this wouldn't have been a national story. But two black men, now that's news worthy. It's sensationlism at its best.
Off the topic, There's one thing I've been hearing more of lately, and it's killing me. Why is it that whenever someone is telling a story about someone of color, it's led with "the black guy", or "some black guy" and of course the "Some big ol black guy"? It hurts my ears. I've never had to include someones race in a story about them...I don't get it.
Anyway, great post Shirl. You commented before that you'd like to hear my story...Well stop on by and read the post "My Story":) Have a great week...
JJ
And people continue to wonder how a race war is still going strong in our country. It's very, very sad and, in my opinion, completely intolerable.
@Zirgar - I agree, that little race card is just like having a wild card, works no matter how the deck is stacked.
@U - Well said as always.
@tricia - I smelled it right at the beginning too.
@Squeaksdaddy - You are so right -you never hear: "look at those white kids playing outside" or "a white lady won the award" and on and on.
I am on my way over to see you now.......
@broken silences - it is intolerable and in my opinion should be an additional charge when someone fabricates a story like this and makes it a racial issue.
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