Let me know if this is you:
You’re on twitter, reading about the Ray J and Fabolous “beef”, or posting pictures of your Fantasy Football standings, when you notice one of your favorite rappers or maybe someone you consider influential on twitter posting something about a guy named “Troy Davis”. They’re saying he’s unjustly being put to death and it’s an outrage and only YOU can stop this miscarriage of justice! Powerful stuff – you’re on board. You’re gonna make a difference in something you really believe in!
Only, you have no idea what actually happened.
Maybe you Wikipedia his story or read whatever popped up first on Google or Bing. That article now becomes fact. Or maybe that’s too much effort for you. Maybe you just start reading the TT’s on this guy and reading various timelines to get some rapper’s perspective.
You start RT’ing all the “Save #TroyDavis” tweets and forwarding the phone number for the attorney general. You start talking like an expert – you know, how the death penalty is something you’ve always been against and how the evidence was tainted and the cops were forcing witnesses to lie. You’re all fired up now! You start tweeting other people about how you and your newfound cause have helped garner OVER A MILLION SIGNATURES on a petition!!! You’re a renaissance man/woman! You’re doing just what your parents or grandparents had done in the 60s and 70s. You’re the new Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr. You’re gonna change the world!!!
Only, by next week, once Troy Davis has been executed and is in the ground, you’ll be less interested in human rights and the death penalty and more into the NBA Lockout or which athlete is having sex with which Kardashian.
And therein lies the problem.
I’m not saying not to fight for what you believe in. Just the opposite, actually. I think more people need to actually care about a cause. But you have to actually invest yourself into a cause before you earn the right to complain. See, now that a high profile execution is getting media attention, everyone wants to speak out against the death penalty, as if it’s something they’ve dedicated their lives to defeating. So now rappers such as Q-Tip are telling you that you need to speak out against this travesty. Well, where was Q-Tip on this issue for the past 20 years? I buy his records. I’ve never seen him speak out on this oh-so-important cause of his. How come he wasn’t organizing this campaign 5 years ago? Why are we hearing about it now, days, hours before his execution? It’s because in this age of instant gratification, it’s often “On to the Next One”.
Let’s talk about Troy Davis. This is the man that you choose to rage against the government for? Seriously?? I’m struggling to find the argument here. So, he already had a charge for carrying a concealed weapon with the serial scratched off. Most of us are smart enough to know why you scratch the serial numbers off of a gun. It’s because you intend on committing a crime and don’t want the gun to be traceable. This is who we’re defending?
Now, I’ll be the first to tell you that having a gun conviction or even carrying a gun on that night doesn’t necessarily mean he’s guilty. But at the same time, having some questions or not being 100% sure doesn’t mean he’s innocent either. There’s been no hard evidence to come forward and clear him. There’s been hearsay and circumstantial arguments. That’s what our court system is based on – proving something beyond a reasonable doubt. They did that and then the conviction stood through multiple appeals courts.
If you think that there’s a national conspiracy to kill Troy Davis, then you watch too much Prison Break. Do cops sometimes bend the evidence when they’re certain they have the right person but maybe not the right evidence? Yes. Is it ethical? No. But they’re also fighting against criminals who throw the ethics books out the window, defense lawyers who aren’t any better, and laws that are set up to protect the accused. If they know they have the right person and they taint the evidence in their favor to help gain a conviction, then so be it. It’s wrong, but it’s better than the alternative.
See, that’s what people don’t think about. Anyone who’s had a friend, family member, or God forbid a sibling or child killed, understands that you want the cops to do anything in their power to catch this killer and bring him to justice. But then we’ll rally against those same police and cheer for the convicted criminals’ rights?
Troy Davis chose to carry a gun. He chose to scratch off the serial number, which shows at least the intent of a criminal act. These are life choices that he made. With these choices comes the possibility of consequences. I always laugh when a career drug dealer gets caught for the one thing that he didn’t do and then complains about fairness. So, you can sell drugs 365 days a year. Lie, cheat and steal to avoid arrest. Then if you get arrested for something you didn’t do, based more on suspicion and circumstantial evidence, you feel you have some God given right to freedom?
It’s similar to the Rodney King situation. A convicted felon was speeding at 117 miles an hour, drunk – putting people’s lives in danger – and we decide to rally around him. Should the cops have beaten him? Of course not. But separate the two situations. Rodney wasn’t a hero. He wasn’t Rosa Parks. He wasn’t a martyr.
Back to the topic at hand, though.
See, it’s cool to get involved in the movement of the moment. But if you really care about the death penalty, then why not study politics? Read about the local judges and senators and congressmen who share your same views. Not a month before the election when they’re smothering television with ads. But now. In an off year. Why not offer your time to someone’s campaign to help them get elected? How about using your social media status to do more than spam out your latest “hit single”? Use it to spread the word about the things you want to change. Read books on the topic, not a Wikipedia page. Learn the pros and cons of your cause, not just your side. Understand why people support something that you’re against. That’s the only way to make rational, intelligent decisions. If you’re against the death penalty but have no idea why other people support it, then your opinion is mostly irrelevant. Watch CNBC instead of ESPN sometimes.
Or don’t. But then don’t fucking complain.
See, we’re fortunate enough to live in a country where we have the opportunity to change the things we don’t like. Is our system perfect? No. Far from it. But it’s the system we have. So either make the most of it, dedicate your life to reforming it, or don’t get involved and just accept whatever happens. You can’t ignore politics and then complain about who gets elected. Life doesn’t work that way. Unless you’re doing something to make a change, you have no right to complain.
Listen, I don’t know shit about the Troy Davis case. I read a little bit about it this morning, but I’m far from informed. I have no idea if he was innocent or guilty. None of us do, no matter how many rappers speak out on it or how many blog posts we read. The only people who know were the people who were there. That cop knows. Unfortunately, that cop isn’t able to tell us who the murderer was because he’s dead. Yep, a man who dedicated his life to protecting the community is dead. But that’s not what we’re focusing on. We’re focusing on the man who was carrying a gun with no serial number who might not be guilty. Would it be a shame if he was put to death for one of the crimes that he didn’t actually commit? Yes, of course. But the real tragedy was the cop who only wanted to intervene on a potentially violent incident being killed. But there’s no rally around finding out who really killed him if it wasn’t Troy, is there? Nobody is asking “if it wasn’t Troy, then who was it?”. We’re perfectly happy to set this possible killer free and just let the case go. Imagine how the family of the cop must feel?
If that’s not you, then congratulations. You’re one of the very small percentage of people who actually take the time to study what they scream about.
Just to reiterate – I’m not in favor or not in favor of the death penalty. I have no idea if Troy Davis is innocent or not. This post is much bigger than that. It’s about us being informed and investing time into our issues, not just jumping on a bandwagon. There are so many noble causes to be involved in. So many people who dedicate their entire lives to making humanity better. Do we really need to get behind speeding drunk drivers and people who are carrying around illegal weapons? Why can’t we invest our time into the people who spend their lives doing positive things for the community? You live in a country where you have freedom. Freedom of religion, speech and the opportunity to do anything you want. We have a black president, women in some of the highest levels. Are things perfect? No. Does racism and sexism still exist? Yes. But we have the opportunity. One that people throughout the rest of the world could only dream of. But what do we do? We complain. We don’t fight for change, we complain.
It’s our entire culture. Puffy said “Vote or Die”, basically telling uninformed residents to blindly vote for the people who will craft our country’s policies. The message shouldn’t be “vote blindly”, it should be “educate yourself”.
I don’t have a fraction of Puff’s audience, but if I could inject one idea into your minds, it would be “Educate Yourself”. If you’re informed, I will respect your opinion, regardless of if I agree. You can’t change anything unless you’re passionate and well informed. Educate yourself.
I would REALLY love to hear your thoughts on this.
The rally isn’t for his freedom, it’s for a new trial…something that proves his guilt or innocence…
Posted by Anonymous | September 21, 2011, 4:01 pmna see that’s my point – the majority of people don’t even know what they’re fighting for. do you have any idea how many “pardon troy davis” tweets i’ve seen?
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:33 amI must say this is a great article i enjoyed reading it keep the good work
Posted by Anthony Johnston | September 21, 2011, 4:20 pmAmen… This is a big part of why racism still exists. Black people get genralized as one because they get behind something they know little about just because another black is involved. We now have a bigger fool than ever running this country because the election turned into a class superlative contest..
Posted by amen | September 21, 2011, 4:30 pmhmm….. lol
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:34 amI’m sorry, when I was watching television last night and saw Jessie Jackson in front of the cameras along with NUMEROUS white people, I am not understanding why it is you have to make this about a “black issue.” Racism only stays alive by those that do not want it to die. There was support for Troy Davis by all races and cultures. Be sure to look and observe what is going on before claiming “black people get generalized…..” If you believe the “blacks” are being generalized, try being Jewish, Hispanic, etc. Each culture is generalized from time to time; it is a fact so please do not try to make this about generalization of one race or culture!
Posted by Buffy | September 22, 2011, 8:26 pmi agree with that. they were on it cus it was the cool thing to do. that’s the point of my post. if you believe in something? i’m all for it. but this was just for fun.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:30 pmEven though I’m not sure how much it matters to anyone but I made a mistake in what I had to say in my above posting. It WAS NOT Jessie Jackson that was protesting in favor of Troy Davis in Georgia yesterday; it was Al Sharpton. I apologize for naming the wrong person even though I knew who it was — senior moment, lol!!
Posted by Buffy | September 22, 2011, 10:06 pmOften times, people (especially via the internet) are quick to criticize and tell others what they should do, and don’t even follow their own advice. Like yourself.
You are challenging people to educate themselves, yet the main example you used for your opinion is about a case that you have not even educated yourself about?
If i’m reading and understanding this correctly, then I’d say that’s very hypocritical. And what’s worse, you are criticizing other people who atleast care enough to spread information and attempt to become aware. Whether it’s effective or right is a different argument, but they are putting forth the effort. You said yourself you don’t know anything about the case. correction, you don’t know SHIT about the case.
Ok, so perhaps before posing the question if it’s really necessary to get behind a “drunk driver or a person with an illegal weapon”, you should educate YOURSELF.
I also can’t help but feel the bias towards cops.The following are your words:
————————————————————————————————————
“Do cops sometimes bend the evidence when they’re certain they have the right person but maybe not the right evidence? Yes. Is it ethical? No. But they’re also fighting against criminals who throw the ethics books out the window, defense lawyers who aren’t any better, and laws that are set up to protect the accused. If they know they have the right person and they taint the evidence in their favor to help gain a conviction, then so be it. It’s wrong, but it’s better than the alternative.”
“Anyone who’s had a friend, family member, or God forbid a sibling or child killed, understands that you want the cops to do anything in their power to catch this killer and bring him to justice. But then we’ll rally against those same police and cheer for the convicted criminals’ rights?”
“Yep, a man who dedicated his life to protecting the community is dead.” (referring to the cop that was murdered).
————————————————————————————————————
Laws set up to protect the accused? No, the laws are supposedly set up to bring justice, give each person a fair and speedy trial, all that bullshit. What has been happening since the 70′s (and really, before that), is the laws have been used (and are being used) to target poor people and people of color (which are by in large one in the same. This creates a false sense of “justice”.
In the Troy Davis case, 7 of the 9 eye witnesses that testified during the initial trial have now recanted their statements, some even saying that the POLICE (The people that are supposed to uphold the laws) pushed and possibly threatened them to testify that Troy was the person who killed the cop.
Based off that alone, I don’t see how YOU, or anyone in the justice system, or the families of the slain officer can be ok with the state executing Troy Davis. because there is no correcting that mistake. Once Troy Davis is killed, that’s it. If you find out two weeks from now that he was in fact innocent, what then? the family of the officer who so desperately wanted justice, are they happy now? Where is the justice for Troy’s family?
“We’re perfectly happy to set this possible killer free and just let the case go. Imagine how the family of the cop must feel?”
KEY WORD: POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is no justice for people of color in the country.
You see (or maybe you don’t see it),but THIS is the elephant in the room that quite frankly, most WHITE people in this country love to ignore.
Yes, I said it. WHITE PEOPLE.
When justice is important to them, damn any logical sensibilities. Damn the compassion for the wrongly accused. Lets go get us sum Justice. By any means necessary ironically enough. And I’m talking bigger than Troy Davis. Here’s a hint, MUSLIMS.
And before you dismiss my statement, Let me show you what I mean.
How many white people have been murdered by police in the last 5, shit make it 20 years because the police thought they were reaching for a gun (only to have it turn out to be a wallet, cell phone, and no weapon was found) ?
Oh, tough to come up with a long list of victims huh?
Sean Bell
Amadou Diallo
Oscar Grant
I just came up with three example of black men murdered by Police. I could name plenty more but this will do. Of those three cases, how many officers were convicted on murder charges?
Lemme help you. 0.
Do you know why? Have you even pondered the idea that there might still be a conscious effort to treat people of color unfairly in this country? I mean, it’s not like their is a history of that in America right? Oh….
I don’t know, but I’d be willing to bet that you haven’t spent much time educating yourself on Police brutality towards African Americans. Or actually talked with people from black or brown communities to understand the relationships between us and the police and/or the American “justice” system.
And hey, I could be wrong. But my guess is that if you did, and actually was iono….well informed, then you would undoubtedly have a different outlook on this case. But hey, why do that when we can just blog and tweet about it?
Posted by Clif Soulo | September 21, 2011, 5:53 pmThanks Clif…now go bang your WHITE woman.
Posted by Han Soulo | September 21, 2011, 8:33 pmI don’t hate white people. Or any other race for that matter. Sad if that’s all you pulled from my comment.
Posted by Clif Soulo | September 21, 2011, 9:16 pmLaw are set up to bring justice, but many times the same laws that bring justice are the same ones that let criminals free. They get off all the time because evidence was tampered with and the defense lawyer lets them do it knowing they can’t use it. (Casey Anthony)
Saying #sorrytroydavis is about as informing as a score on the bottom of ESPN. Im only 23 so this happened when I was 1, but what about the people who are older? Why haven’t people been talking about this and giving awareness to the general public. Cause they really don’t care, that’s why.
Posted by Mike Vic (@ImaSith) | September 21, 2011, 10:52 pmi agree with you completely. there are PLENTY of laws that protect GUILTY people because of a loophole. i dont see anyone on twitter raging about that tho.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:40 amI totally agree.. It seems that some people are focusing on the superficial aspect of the campaign behind Troy Davis today. It’s fine to believe that one should know all the facts and do all the research before ” jumping on a bandwagon” but if your main concern is if folks are blind followers or not then your missing the point. A life is in the balance, and not to mention the principle of the matter. If Rev run or Kim K can bring awareness to some people who may never pay attention to current events other than entertainment news so be it. It may not motivate all but a few might be inspired to do more, learn more, and think more….
Posted by Indigo_hue | September 22, 2011, 2:59 amBut where are these people today??? The cameras are gone, Jessie Jackson has gone home and how many of those people are still on their soap box? Is this no longer news worthy? What about the others that are still on death row? Why are they not working for them? The death penalty is the death penalty regardless of who it is or how news worthy it is. Was Troy Davis just the flavor of the month? I also wonder why the execution of a white man in Texas was not as news worthy as Troy Davis? Was it because he was white or was it because the news stations were not nearly as abundant as they were in Georgia?
Am I 100% in favor of the death penalty – No. Although, I am in favor of knowing the facts, reading up on the story/researching and the reasons why someone is on death row. I am also interested in knowing why some people that should be on death row are out walking the streets amongst you and I so I read to find out the facts. Once I have the facts or let’s say, can obtain the fact as best as I can because there is bias in EVERY article every printed on the topic on the internet, I try to form my opinion.
I will not allow myself to jump on any band wagon or soap box and embarrass my self by spouting hear say or bits and pieces of a positing on Facebook or Newsvine. A lot of people do not believe our justice system works in this country and I wonder why that is?? It isn’t right to ask for the laws to be one way for one yet want them to be different when it you or you do not agree with them. Btw, when I say you I am not referring to anyone in general; it is not meant to be taken literally.
Posted by Buffy | September 22, 2011, 9:15 pmi agree with you – but what buffy said was spot on. the cameras are gone so there’s no more cool points to gain. so where’s the issue today//
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:32 pmFirst off – thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to write such a thorough comment. I’ll reply as best I can.
I’ll start by saying I disagree with much of what you said, though I completely understand why you feel that way.
So – right off the bat, you missed the entire point of the post. In no way was I giving my opinion on his guilt or innocence, nor the validity of the death penalty. That’s why I clearly stated that I don’t know much about the case. I’m not challenging people to educate themselves on EVERY SUBJECT – but to educate themselves on the ones they supposedly care about. I saw hundreds of ignorant tweets about Troy Davis yesterday from people who don’t have the faintest clue about the situation, with the exception of reading a few paragraphs on a website. If you CARE about the death penalty? Study the pros and cons, the history. If you CARE about Troy Davis, don’t just read propaganda or the anti-death penalty advocates take on the case. Go back and look up the case files. The original reports. Read the OTHER side of why people might have recanted. Read this, for instance: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/20/prosecutor-says-he-has-no-doubt-about-troy-davis-guilt/?hpt=hp_t1 I’m not saying that should sway your mind, but at least be informed before you rage against the machine.
See, all you’ve read are the rebuttals. The public relations angle. The activists who are looking to cast down in people’s minds. You know why they’re working so hard? Because they can’t win in court. Conversely, you won’t hear the government or anyone rebutting anything in the public eye because they don’t have to. They won in court and they’ve consistently won on appeals, time and time again. Nothing that the defense has presented has ever been legally substantial, merely circumstantial.
You like to harp on the “7 out of 9 witnesses recanted” without really looking at both sides. Without giving any thought to the pressures that anti-death penalty advocates may have put on these witnesses to speak out against the DP. Without thinking that maybe after 18 years of hearing that it wasn’t him, maybe they’re questioning their memory. They came out suddenly a few days before his execution? Where were they for all those years?
Again – I’m not even trying to convince you he’s innocent. I don’t have an opinion on if I think he’s guilty or not. It’s not what I’m arguing. I’m arguing for people to educate themselves instead of grabbing a few random facts and then raging against the machine based on one-sided opinion.
And LOL at your statement about police killing blacks. You did NO research. You just took the three most recent sensationalized examples and are building your case on it. That’s EXACTLY what my post is trying to avoid.
First off, people aren’t necessarily being killed because they’re black. It’s more of a social-economic thing. It has more to do with the neighborhood than the color. In my neighborhood now, nobody comes around and harasses black people because our neighborhood is well kept. In my old neighborhood in Brooklyn? There was a MUCH higher rate of crime. And because african-americans tend to populate low income neighborhoods at a higher rate, it only makes sense that there’d be more blacks being shot by cops because there are more cops in those neighborhoods and more violent crimes.
Second, how come you aren’t expressing outrage over the nearly 200 cops who get killed on average in the United States every year – with over 25% of those being in shootouts? Oh, actual statistics? See, that’s called RESEARCHING before you respond and go off on a tangent.
Does racism exist? Sure. But it’s SO much less prevalent in the younger generations, and the younger generations are the ones who make up the majority of beat cops. These cops dedicate their lives to protecting the community. They get paid shit money and risk their lives every day. But I don’t see you commenting, blogging or tweeting when one of them gets shot by someone who was being harassed for selling drugs (regardless of race). One when of them gets shot? There’s no words. Every now and again, can a black (or hispanic or white) person be mistaken for a criminal when in fact they were doing nothing wrong? Sure. It happens. Policemen are human. They have less than a second sometimes to decide if they’re in danger and if they need to neutralize a situation. I grew up in these neighborhoods. They don’t go around shooting random black people. But for every ONE person who was minding his own business, there are dozens, if not hundreds, that really were causing a dangerous situation. Our cops aren’t infallible. And will there be some racist cops or some bad seeds? Sure. Again, they’re human. Just like there’s bad judges, bad priests, and bad lawyers. But there are also a lot of bad PEOPLE living in these neighborhoods. Why are cops held up to an unreachable standard, but then we rally around one convicted criminal because the court system MIGHT have made a mistake? It’s extremely hypocritical.
And as far as your last couple of paragraphs, you can insinuate anything you damn well please. Rarely do I find the motivation to defend myself, but I grew up in Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Bedstuy Brooklyn and have seen all sides of life. I’m proud to have escaped that life, but I dedicate a great deal of money and time to those same neighborhoods. I’ve been a volunteer at Year-Up, where I mentor young adults who came from underprivileged backgrounds. I volunteer at Publicolor, where we paint schools in poor neighborhoods with the students, using bright colors to give them a sense of pride and accomplishment. And I volunteer with my company where I do a “story-time” with young children and activities (such as bowling, ice skating and basketball) with young teens who were once part of gangs but have instead joined these types of after-school projects.
But yea, I’m uneducated and uninformed and you really shut me down. You’re a prime example of the type of people I was speaking about in my blog.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:31 amI will say this here as well as twitter:
The fact that you laughed out loud at the idea that Police are killing blacks and then turn around and tell me that Police dedicate their lives to protecting the community shows me all i need to know about the type of person you are.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/death-penalty/us-death-penalty-facts/death-penalty-and-race
There is some information for you to inform yourself.
Posted by Clif Soulo | September 22, 2011, 11:54 amSheesh Clif, you COMPLETELY missed the broad side of the barn with your comment. You’re going off on tangent that has nothing to do with the main idea. The point is people shouldn’t be blindly jumping on the bandwagon and rallying for something they know nothing about and this case is a prime example. This post isn’t about racism in the justice system, it’s about if you believe there needs to be reform, then fight for it on April 16th when there is no Troy Davis case or Oscar Grant case.
Btw, for everybody who keeps bringing up the 7 of 9 witness crap. Eye witness testimony is never reliable (i.e. if you get complimented on the shirt you’ve been wearing since 9 am this morning, 9 times out of 10 you’re going to look down because you forgot what it looked like), so eye witness 10 years later is even WORSE. This is why no Judge in their right mind would allow that to influence anything.
Next time you want to write 750 words, please do it somewhat on topic.
Posted by Justin Vincible (@SirCatalyst) | September 22, 2011, 5:18 pmNo, i didn’t miss the point. I was highlighting the fact that as he criticized others for hoping on the bandwagon, and supporting a cause while not knowing all of the information, he was doing the very same thing. If you are going to comment on the case, whether for it, against it, or in his case to tell people they need to be more informed, perhaps you should first educate yourself. Furthermore, this case would not be a “prime” example because it hasn’t turned out that Troy Davis was in fact the killer, but to the contrary.
I find your opinion on the eye witnesses ironic as this is EXACTLY reason why people were protesting, petitioning, and demanding a stay/delay on Troy Davis’ execution. So next time you want to write a reply, please educate yourself further on the facts.
Posted by Clif Soulo | September 22, 2011, 5:38 pmJust – once again, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:33 pmYou’re a typical race-baiting dipshit
Posted by Dumb Soulo | January 25, 2012, 4:35 amThank you for that, I agree with what you are saying, “Fuckin’ Microwaves” – Hex Murda
Posted by Bardley Beats (@TimeTheftNation) | September 21, 2011, 6:44 pmlol yea, FUCK microwaves (one of my favorite ever interviews)
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:36 amThis isn’t JUST about the Troy Davis case. It’s more about our fractured and extremely uneven “Justice” System then anything. Do any of us KNOW what happened 20 years ago? Of course not. Should Troy Davis be executed without there being the requirements for him to be so. HELLFUCKINGNO. You’re entitled to you’re opinion as I am. After all, it’s America…freedom of opinion, speech and the individual freedom to express it isn’t illegal. Yet…
One.
Posted by producersiknow | September 21, 2011, 7:40 pmi’m not arguing about whether he should be executed. i honestly couldn’t give a fuck either way. it isn’t something i feel strongly about. but – if you want to argue the merits of the death penalty, do it year round, not for three days while a sensational case has caught your attention. if in 5 months, you’re still clamoring for a change to the death penalty and you’re doing something to try and initiate change, I, my friend, will give you the ultimate kudos.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:37 amThis clarifies your point in a much more eloquent way than screaming “Fuck Troy Davis! Let him die!” On twitter. I agree with much of what you wrote. My only point to you was if you can’t prove his guilt OR his innocence, why does he deserve to die today? Educate yourselves #agreed stand up and fight for a cause #agreed Understand that if our collective voice can accomplish this, we can educate and fight for things we believe in, collectively! And THAT is what the kids not hip on Woodstock, The Civil Rights Movement etc… Simply don’t understand. This will show them, even if Troy Davis dies.
Posted by Jamie J | September 21, 2011, 10:12 pmright – but nobody is fighting. they’re treating this like a way to kill the day. lets send a few tweets and then complain about the results. the majority of people will be back to their every day random shit by tomorrow. THAT’S my point.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:39 amCulture VI is the farthest thing from rascist, he’s a straight shooter, hes right defending troy davis has become the trendy thing to speak on evidenced by kim kardashian, diddy & other celebs ppl idolized up to 2 days ago i neber heard 1 mention of his name
Posted by Dlorenzo616 | September 21, 2011, 10:37 pmare you trying to say kim kardashian isnt deep?? O_O
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:39 amPersonally, I feel very hypocritical getting so involved in the final hours of the life of a man who’s existence was only brought to my ears 48 hours ago. No disrespect intended but in 48 hours from now he will fade back to black for me. But of course his name is going down in history and will be used as an example for years to come. This being said: Culture Vi’s article is a great eye-opener for all of the digital bandwagoners out there…
Posted by Karen Jonze | September 21, 2011, 10:48 pmappreciate that karen – im glad you could get something from the article. that means a lot
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:39 amI agree with you on voting. There should be laws set up about who can vote. I don’t want everybody voting because half of these people aren’t educated on the candidate’s ideas.
Posted by Mike Vic (@ImaSith) | September 21, 2011, 10:55 pmi agree again. ive said for years there should be a 10 question – all fairly simple – where you need to get x amount right before you can vote. basic stuff.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 11:41 amI agree completely with your article. I hate people that just hop on a bandwagon and don’t completely understand what there supporting. And no I don’t know if Troy actually killed the cop but i do not believe in the death penalty. I feel that taking a persons life because they took another life is not right let them rot in jail and go crazy its much more effective lol. But unfortunately im not old enough to vote even though I have a full beard lol –@Comm_Knowledge7
Posted by Daniel Lewis (@Comm_Knowledge7) | September 21, 2011, 11:54 pmInnocent until proven guilty.Critiquing the justice system is a too extensive of a dialogue for this medium, so for sake of brevity I just want to give daps on the analysis of modern social activism via internet. I think it’s an interesting study on a new habit pattern of the mind to trick itself into thinking it’s being ‘socially active’ by forwarding a few messages or updating a status feed. This subject could be a great course covering a timeline from the late 80s to today.
Posted by KilltheEgo | September 22, 2011, 12:13 amIt’s really the violation of those 4 little words that keep the dogs at bay in a non-totalitarian government system that people are getting up in arms about: “innocent until proven guilty”. that’s what all those “I am Troy Davis” signs mean: if that mantra is not damn well insisted on by every citizen, you too are at risk of being executed by your government without doing a damn thing. yes, it’s that easy.
preventing that state of affairs is a bandwagon worth jumping on.
Posted by ShamusMac | September 22, 2011, 9:24 amI Am Troy Davis” is the same as “Change” – propaganda. nothing more.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:33 pmTroy Davis was innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It was the Prosecutor’s job to prove that Troy Davis wasn’t innocent and that is what happened 22-years ago. I believe it is the responsibility of the Defense attorney to prove the innocence of Troy Davis once he was proven guilty and on death row. Through the justice system that has been established in the United States of America, Troy Davis was given more opportunity than any other prisoner in the last 50 years to prove his innocence or to change the minds of those judges that reviewed the new evidence; his attorney failed to do that. It is so sad that in all of this fighting for the rights of a convicted murderer, the victim, Mr. MacPhail’s rights have been ignored and that the family he left behind are now being made out to be the bad guys.
Posted by Buffy | September 22, 2011, 10:21 pmYou are telling people to educate themselves on the troy davis situation before speaking on it then proceed to speak on it, and how he has an unmarked gun, etc. Though i agree with your point in that sense, its a contradiction. AND, no one is asking Troy Davis to walk away like nothing happened, although if he did, and he’s actually innnocent it’d be fair – as he served most of his adulthood in prison. I think people are simply asking for a fair shot at a trial before ending his life, something he can’t get back.
But too little too late, so be it.
Posted by Toy Miller | September 22, 2011, 10:12 amAmnesty International and other groups such as National Association for the Advancement of Colored People took up Davis’ cause. Prominent politicians and leaders, including former President Jimmy Carter, Al Sharpton, Pope Benedict XVI, Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, presidential candidate Bob Barr and former FBI Director and judge William S. Sessions called upon the courts to grant Davis a new trial or evidentiary hearing.
Posted by Matt | September 22, 2011, 10:18 amyou find that on almost any high profile case, especially when it’s regarding the death penalty. it’s a hot button issue that everyone likes to get a piece of. in addition, jimmy carter (for example) has fought vigorously against the death penalty for years. so its not unexpected that he took exception to this case.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:29 pmHere is the thing Culture VI; I totally understand your argument and like many other I was not aware of Troy Davis until a few days ago. However, I felt it neccessary to jump on the bandwagon because the case was not publicized until he only had a few days to live. It scares me to think that if 9 people join forces and claim I did something I can actually be killed do to “hear say”. Therefore if I decided to make up a story about you and promise I’m telling the truth even though I have no proof to support my accusation.. Is it then right for you to be put to death based on my story… No..Culture VI you can say you lived in this neighborhood or have seen this or that… But until you have been pulled over and serached for no reason, witnessed employers disregard applications because the applicants name sounds black or “ghetto”, seen the scars on your great-grandmother’s back from whippings, see white women hold on their purse because a black man is approaching, or have seen your cild cry because another white child was forbidden to play with him because of his color then what you have to say may hold a bit more weight. If it were you facing death you would want any and everyone to hear your story and support you, because that is what being humane is all about. How many of us have watched the St. Jude hospital documentaries or feed the children commercials and were compelled to donate even if we have never considered it before. It’s sad that people say that blacks don’t do enough, we don’t educate ourselves on current events, we don’t speak up on injustices, and so on… But when we do we are criticized and judged for it.. How can we uplift ourselves when people like you will tare us down whenever we speak up.. Just remember even though slavery is a thing of the past; racism and hate crimes are not so there is still a lingering fear of what may happen if we talk bak to Master. But hey according to you Q-Tip asked us to speak out about this travesty… It goes to show how you generalize us… Correction: It was Big Boi not Q-Tip.. But who cares right we all look alike anyway…LOL get some help…
Posted by Oh Shut up | September 22, 2011, 1:48 pmi find it both humorous and sad how i keep being called a racist. I’m closer to being an astronaut than a racist, but i digress.
ill address your stupid fucking racial comment first, where you supposedly showed that i “generalize us”. IT WAS Q-TIP WHO I BUILT THE POST AROUND, NOT BIG BOI. q was posting about it all day – as was big boy and tons of other celebrities. http://twitter.com/#!/QtipTheAbstract/status/116502244958011392 <—that's the SPECIFIC EXACT POST i was referring to.
see, i respect and appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and comment on my blog, so i never like to attack anyone. i try and respect every viewpoint, but assuming I'm a racist and making stupid comments about me thinking all black people are the same are just ignorant and intolerable. please treat me with the same respect that i treat my readers with. i CHOOSE to write these blogs to help educate our society. to be called something disgusting flies in the face of everything I've chosen to do with my life.
plenty of the things you've mentioned, I've experienced first hand. but guess what? when i was walking through bedstuy at midnight with a hoody pulled up and my jansport on and was stopped by cops, put against a wall and searched, you know what i did? i let them search me. i treated them with respect, despite them not being overly respectful. and 30 seconds later, it was over. i was glad they were being proactive in a very dangerous neighborhood.
what i DIDNT was bitch, cry and complain about equality and say "fuck cops" and make the situation worse. i didn't use my race (i'm hispanic) as a crutch.
what's funny is i truly feel bad for the history that minorities of ALL races have experienced (do your research as to how the italians, native americans and other races have been treated throughout the years), but in 2011, you've never had it better. is it perfect? no. can it get better? yes. should you strive to make it better? yes. but i see a lot of minorities use it as a crutch, as if the indignities that your ancestors felt was somehow felt by you. you live in a world where you have the internet on your phone, you go clubbing every weekend, minorities can and do have positions top to bottom in corporate america as well as in our own white house. instead of being grateful for everything those before you have done, you complain because nobody will give you a shortcut. many of you who claim that "we" (meaning non-african-americans) don't know what "you" go through, when in fact YOU don't go through anything. those before you fought and struggled for all the conveniences you have today, but you don't show any appreciation. yet you have the gall to call ME a racist.
and you said it right. y'all have the power to change things, but you have to start with yourselves. and that isn't a black, white or hispanic statement. it's a human statement. we need to treat OURSELVES with respect. we need to invest in ourselves. we need to improve ourselves before asking others to improve things for us. we'll spend money on a fancy car but won't buy health insurance. we'll buy bottles in the club, but not pay child support. we need to change OURSELVES first before we can demand change from anyone else.
and yes, i say WE.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:26 pmThank you CultureVI….this is EXACTLY what I was trying to make a point of earlier.
@Oh Shut Up – How sad, even your screen name is angry, IMO (in my opinion). Even though I am Jewish, I do not hold what happened during the Holocaust against those Germans of today. I do not live in the past and I do not try to prosper off of the pain and harm that were inflicted upon my ancestors. The cries of “you do not know what it’s like when…..” Oh yes I do!! You do not get to capitalize on that statement. I have family member that are still around today with an identification number tattooed on their arm, although I am not asking to be treated differently because of it. I am a responsible and accountable person and I am responsible for my actions of today, good or bad and I do not try to get around anything because of what happened to my ancestors.
As for, and I quote you, “…But who cares right we all look alike anyway” what a cop out. Wasn’t that something that was said back in the 60′s??? And again, you can’t capitalize on that one either, I have heard many, many African-American women (I pray I am being politically correct!!) say that about white people, Hispanic, Asian, Spanish, etc., so please, black people are not the only ones being verbally abused by other cultures and races. Each and every culture and race is guilty of making horrible and disrespectful comments about others — we all live in glass houses and we have all thrown stones.
I have read your posting over and over again Oh Shut Up, and, IMO, if there is any racist comments or bigotry taking place on this blog it is oozing off of your post.
Posted by Buffy | September 22, 2011, 11:07 pmWhat ever… It is about racism And the fact that you cannot sentence someone to DEATH based solely on witness recantation…PERIOD. We can argue and speak about how grew up and what we have seen all day but that does nothing to help the situation. America was put to shame because of Georgia (the state I live in by the way), and some of us don’t want to be represented that way. I’m not asking to be handed anything I work hard and I posses two MBA’s, as I am a divorced mother of three and only 30 years old, so my success by no means has been handed to me and I dont need excuses because I dont have anything in my personal life to complain about.
But the problem is that justice was not served to Troy Davis.. This is life we are screaming about not a who’s right or who’s wrong. Someone died and that is enough to be angry about… What happened to “with liberty and justice for all”. Check out these links.. The first is on how the parole board whom sentenced Troy Davis to death also let a white man who commited murder and confessed to it go because he was sorry.. In the second Judge Mathis explains the law in relation to convicting someone when the only proof is witness recantation.
Maybe this will stop the silly bickering and maybe change the fashion in which you choose to direct your argument. I don’t really care how you “meant” to say what you said.. You have to consider that when you communicate that everyone won’t agree with our position and not everyone will interpret your intentions the same way you have designed it in your mind… Hence call me a racist, or what ever… I’m a human being who’s life is worth something, just like your life is worth something… Just like Troys life was worth something.. Such as a air trial…
http://nydeuces.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/georgia-are-you-serious-the-same-parole-board-that-killed-troy-davis-gave-clemency-to-a-white-male-who-actually-killed-someone-spared-from-death-because-he-was-sorry/
http://sfist.com/2011/09/23/judge_mathis_speaks_out_on_the_exec.php
Posted by Oh shut up | September 24, 2011, 7:51 pmYou mention we’re willing to drop the case and let the actual killer remain free. However, one of the eyewitnesses was told by the original person who pointed the finger at Troy Davis that he actually did it. After finding out that she was going to try and save Troy, she had to go into witness protection because he was going to then kill her.
It is not that people just think that he is innocent. It is the heaping amount of evidence that occurred after the trial, including the unofficial confession, that brought about the turmoil.
Posted by cori | September 22, 2011, 4:15 pmi find it funny that people argue that the eyewitnesses that testified at his trial were just heresy, but are relying on witnesses recanting as their reason to set him free. interesting.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:08 pmThere you go again it’s like your making wise cracks instead trying to “educate” and the only time you have something positive to say cultureVi…is when someone agrees with you. I guess biased must have two definitions. The simple thing is that eyewitness testimony is what got him convicted so recantations of the said eyewitness testimony has everything to do with debating his guilt. Can’t bring up the gun because there isn’t one… Can’t bring up DNA… OH! Because there is none.. Your rhetoric and sarcasm does you no justice:)
Posted by Oh shut up | September 24, 2011, 8:13 pmThis is a great article Culture and it’s something that pisses me off too. All it takes is a few rappers and some “leaders” to start a Facebook and/or Twitter trend to get our community going in a blind bandwagoning rage. The average bangwagoner isn’t researching or wriiting letters on March 23rd or June 2nd or November 12th about their cause (in this case, capital punishment) or requesting meetings to speak on issues with lawmakers, or…you get my point.
If you are above the average, and this is a part of your life’s work, the super kudos to you, but 99% of the people tweeting #TroyDavis just read that 7 of 9 witness stuff along with the “no evidence” thing. Guess what? There was evidence, but the court didn’t allow it because it could have been tampered with (it had been washed), but that’s besides the point.
I wish that once, just once, people wouldn’t be so quick to jump on the hottest issue of the moment and take a definitive stand after reading an article on GlobalGrind that obviously bias.
You know what I do for issues I ride for (healthcare, schooling, energy, etc)? I write my local representatives almost monthly. I look at who wants to run and look at their stances, not just whether there’s a D or R next to their names. I try to find out when meetings are and attend them and they are almost always EMPTY. Know why, because you people don’t give a fuck until the GOP wants to block healthcare, or when the price of gas is too high, or when extreme creationist try to get evolution removed and inject intelligent design.
Do shit NOW, don’t wait for someone else to make it cool.
Posted by Justin Vincible (@SirCatalyst) | September 22, 2011, 5:40 pmThanks Justin. Yea I agree with you 10000% and share your exact view. If you want to change something, then DO something about it (I wrote that in my blog this afternoon, not sure if you saw it). If not, don’t complain. There are plenty of things you can do to initiate change.
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:07 pmSorry my man i dnt agree wit u on dis 1…justice is case by case not a avg based on how much gud you’ve done versus wrong. IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT execution should’nt b an option. Its not like we’re talking about property this is a persons life! Bad enough we have to put that up gor a cpurt to decide on, much less make a round about guess as to how guilty THE ODDS say one is. Sorry i fail to see the justice here. I wouldnt care if troy Davis was a career felon, there’s no chance for rehabilitation after death. And if u are going 2 carry out an execution AT LEAST…b 100%an SURE that person is GUILTY AND unable to be rehabilitated 1st!!
Oh n i LOVE your blog man. I think you have an AWESOME honest and unique perspective on the industry. Much respect
Posted by j.sims (@trillhunting) | September 22, 2011, 8:30 pmappreciate that bro!
so lemme ask you – you’d be fine if he had life in prison?
Posted by culturevi | September 22, 2011, 9:05 pmI don’t agree w/ if a drug dealer or criminal gets arrested for some shit he didn’t do that’s right.Everything isn’t all black and white and sometimes ppl are forced to do things.America is built on gangsters who got away w/ doing shit.Why when black ppl/minorities do it so different?The Bushes,The Kennedys,the Rockafellers.the mafa.Half the music industry.IDK the actual facts on Troy Davis except the shit I read but,the problem is the density of black executions.We got 200,000 more blacks in jail than whites but,are 12% of the population.I think nobody should be executed w/ out solid proof.Not just eyewitness.w/ out scientific proof jail may be fair but,not death
Posted by Loch AKA. Arty J (@Loch121) | September 22, 2011, 8:42 pmwomen make up 50% of the population but only 10% of the jail population. same logic?
Posted by culturevi | September 27, 2011, 12:10 amThe period comes before the end quote. For example, “On to the Next One.” Just saying.
Posted by Dookie The Jedi | September 22, 2011, 9:56 pmthanks, but that’s not actually true. i think it’s done your way in the US, but in the rest of the world, europe, etc, it’s done my way. if the punctuation mark is part of the quote, it goes inside. if the quote is part of the sentence, then it goes on the outside.
Posted by culturevi | September 27, 2011, 12:09 amWow…serve my thoughts to the Beast (Wil)
First and foremost, I respect your position Wil. Very nicely written. I just want to state my position.
I am for the death penalty when it’s beyond a doubt, 100% certain the accused is actually guilty.
For every movement, there seems to be a counter-movement, but in this case, what are you moving against?? This is death, people! You’re choosing to use your “Oh, I’m not a bandwagoner” logic on A PERSON’S LIFE! I don’t care that you don’t know the man personally, or know all the facts. Death is real. Many of you probably offered sympathies and condolences for people you didn’t know a damn thing about! We don’t say “Well, what did they do in their life to deserve that?” because we’ve all lost people, and would want the same courtesy. A person dies from a car crash, I don’t write the city about traffic lights or drunk driving. And I assure you, I will not attempt to become a defense lawyer after writing this.
This justice system has done so much to so many people, and a lot of it doesn’t get in the spotlight. To personally speak, several of my family members have been or are in prison. So when I heard the outcry from the people, I definitely was in support of more facts being found for this man. If you’re going to kill, kill with certainty. To Hell with all that “Well, do some research,” if I wanted to be an activist, I’d do that. I’m no activist, and his cause didn’t ask me to be. It asked that we spread awareness for him, in hopes the message gets to as many capable minds as possible. I know Wil spent time with his positioning, but the same way people are crying “bandwagon” for Troy Davis’ cause, it’s also an alarming amount of piggybacking against it. Now we have a contingent of people wanting to be the “anti,” “Oh, look at me, I’m not sheep!”. I wish I could run a comb through your loose ass standards on everything you believe in and scrutinize the hell of everything. A man died. Then another man died. I’m not an activist. I’m just a man working his 40 a week, who felt it would be wrong to turn a deaf ear to people just basically wanting a chance at a hail mary play. Who are you to mock and criticize people for that?
Condolences & Thanks to all for sharing
Posted by Whizzle | September 22, 2011, 10:56 pmAnd I agree with you Whizzle — death is death and there is nothing that can be done to undo it. I am sure that is exactly what the MacPhail’s were saying 22 years ago and are still saying today – death is death and there is NOTHING that will bring my husband, son, father, brother back. One man was killed in cold blood and one man died because of his behavior and actions. The only ones that truly know what took place that night 22-years ago is Mr. MacPhail, Troy Davis and G-d. Unfortunately, Mr. MacPhail is not and has not been here for the last 22-years to be able to dispute what Troy Davis was claiming – innocence.
I just can’t understand how people can forget, put aside or do not care that a man…a father of two…a husband…a brother and son….a police office died 22 years ago. Where is the outrage for this man/police officer?? Where is the empathy and sympathy for the victim’s family? It appears to me that the victim no longer matters, hell it’s been 22-years and his family should have moved on by now, heavy sarcasm attached, and the murderer has now become the victim and appearing, IMO, to be elevating to a hero status.
Posted by Buffy | September 23, 2011, 12:18 amBuffy–your extremely confusing and I tried not to reply to any of you posts; but it’s become an excruciating task. You keep going on and on on.. In your earlier posts you mentioned that Troy Davis was convicted by a court of law. Duh that’s what’s the problem– people are protesting and demonstrating against the cruel intentions of ‘that court of law’. He was killed because he was proven guilty “BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT” which is the standard of law if someone was merely “CONVICTED” of a crime. This entails interpreting certain circumstances as a reason for doubt.
In your most recent post there was a short rant about the police officer loosing his life.. NO ONE ever said they don’t feel empathy for the police officer and his family;he as well did not deserve to die in such a cruel fashion. Since he is not here to fight, it is only right to identify the ‘RIGHT’ person.. You know.. “In a court of law” but you forgot the part that says “BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT” which is the standard for “THE DEATH PENALTY”; this means that there must be no doubt identified in the case whatsoever.
So Buffy no one is fighting for a criminal, a convict, a drug dealer, a thug, a black man, a white man, or a ‘murderer’. The fight is for justice for ALL… not just for the MacPhail’s!
Posted by Oh shut up | September 24, 2011, 11:12 pmI agree, it’s very important to learn about things before you say you support them largely b/c you’ll feel sorry later if it turns out you supported something you don’t actually believe in.
But c’monson. Life is happening and everybody can’t and won’t be a “revolutionary” 24/7. People who are day to day organizers know that, and we also know it’s up to us, the people who have the most capacity and deepest commitment to figure out how to build a movement that feels inclusive, dynamic, empowering, and has multiple levels of engagement so that people can participate in ways that feel real and enabling to them because that’s how you develop leaders. It is my experience that people “really care” everyday, it’s my role to create more space for people to believe they can take action and it will matter. Personally, I don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, I try to figure out how it can best improve my stable. As far as the work I’m involved in, the gift of your 5 mins of letter sending, making a phone call, or whatever would be damn appreciated ANY time. Organizing happens in eb and flow cycles. If you are building there come points when you need a critical mass of support to execute a particular action like a phone call or solidarity action. Organizers ask us to join them on the ground in a particular fight. We know that some people will go back to their regular lives. We know that some will be empowered to do more. We know that everyone will be transformed by the moment.
This article seems to support an in-justice system. It’s cool if cops don’t follow protocol b/c criminals break the rules. Bad logic problem. The article also assumes all laws are just and in breaking them you deserve whatever comes your way and if due process skips you then so what. I say that’s bullshit. And this article also assumes that anyone in commission or alleged commission of a crime deserves to be denied fair and equal treatment. I understand where you’re coming from, things get blurry when you defend “bad” people. Sometime “bad” people get off. But be it Diallo or Davis, these moments remind colored people that things just aren’t the same for us. And while the Davis and Diallo murders are not the same, both cases make it painfully clear that it doesn’t matter how innocent you might be, if you are Black the state can and will take you out no questions asked. These moments make it painfully clear that the lives of those who serve and protect the rules of the state are more valuable than your Black ass and we can fuck you up on site (or however long it takes) if we THINK you threatened/took one of those lives. Do white people not go speeding drunk driving, pistol whipping people, and all other manner of heinous crime? You better believe it, are they brutally beaten or denied due process a result? Not so much.
Then there’s the whole matter of what precipitates crime, who is more likely to become a “criminal” and why. Colored people seem to stay in trouble but I don’t think “increased levels of melanin” creates criminal disposition. So I’m inclined to believe that all other things weren’t equal to begin with. Which makes me ask can colored folks in America ever have a fair trial? But I digress.
I have been a victim of violent crime. What I wanted in my emotional, angry, and distressed state is not what I want now. Which is why it shouldn’t matter what I wanted the police to do at the time or ever really. The family of that slain officer has every right to find closure and heal, but not at the expense of justice especially when it comes at the price of another life. And anyone who is facing that moment deserves someone in their corner. In this case, it’s very possible they killed the wrong dude. How is that closure and healing? I suppose it must be mentioned I have “progressive” ideas about how to protect communities and reconcile conflict that generally speaking that in NO way involve police, but I digress again.
I’d be VERY interested to know what kind of organizing work the writer of this article is doing or is he/she sitting on their tookus lamenting about the people who are trying to figure out hows to move together. Because the “I’m not informed about and have no opinion on these issues other than my opinion on people’s opinions” tone of this feels kinda lame. The revolution is on going, been on going, and will keep going on. There is no “movement of the moment”, saying so discounts the work it takes to build to a point when the whole world is watching. But it seems counter productive to admonish people who did SOMETHING when you opt to do nothing.
Posted by Chantelle Bateman (@ChantigaloBEroc) | September 23, 2011, 4:04 pmdamn, really well thought out response. i’m on a flight and am gonna lose wi-fi soon, so i might have to answer this in parts.
first – i don’t expect everybody to be revolutionaries. if that ain’t you? that’s cool. but don’t gear up for two days screaming about a topic you really don’t care about. at least be consistent. either care and actually do something about it or don’t and leave it alone. middle of the road doesn’t get anything accomplished.
about the cops – I’ve just always found it funny that we’re SO critical of authority figures and holding them up to such high standards, but we give criminals all the power to do what they want. we’re so happy when a friend beats the system. let’s do an example.
suppose someone in your family was murdered (god forbid). you know who it is. the cops know who it is. but the killer is lying about something and it’ll be hard to prove. are you gonna tell me you wouldn’t want a cop doing ANYTHING in his power to get a conviction for someone you KNEW was guilty???
ill reply more when i land…
Posted by culturevi | September 26, 2011, 6:47 pmok i’m back.
see, here’s the other problem. people tend to only look at things from ONE side. I’m not a cop lover by any means, but man – these men and women risk their lives day after day, usually for shitty pay, to protect us. every day, they’re put in exceptionally difficult and desperate situations. a VERY small percentage of the time, they make a mistake. i say a small percentage because what SEEMS like a lot to us really isn’t much statistically at all. every day, tens of thousands of police are patrolling dangerous neighborhoods and confronting violent criminals. that doesn’t get talked about. but the one time they mistakenly shoot someone, it’s front page news and we automatically assume that all cops are racists.
and yep, there ARE some racist cops. but there’s also racists bakers, racist bank tellers and racist athletes. that’s just human nature. just like some people are sexist, biased against gays, etc. it isn’t fair to lump all police or police as a singular entity as racist.
and i don’t do ANYTHING when it comes to race relations or the death penalty. is it because I’m a hypocrite? no. it’s because race relations and the death penalty aren’t overly important to me. the things i do care about, i take action on. every single day. not everybody cares about the same causes. I’m only speaking on this one because of all the people who suddenly appeared on my timeline talking about issues that they didn’t care about a week before and haven’t cared about in the week since.
Posted by culturevi | September 27, 2011, 12:04 am(response to your comment above and not necessarily your article; i agree to some extent that people should find a cause for more than 2 or 3 days, but Ms. Bateman above said it best) i realize sir that you live a very comfy life and are thusly afforded the opportunity to ignore issues such as inequality and injustice in our “justice system,” but that is something that you must realize as well. the justice system should be about rehabilitation and not about “putting people away.” God forbid you ever make a human mistake and want a chance to do better in life… it’s too easy to justify what someone else has to go through by labeling them a “criminal.” crimes are an evil part of the society that we live in and people who committ crimes should do the time – regardless of their relationship to me – but i would rather give them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and try and become positive members of society. and the fact is that since you don’t work in the justice system you can overlook the irregularities in arrest, sentencing, and other facets of corrections; but you don’t have the statistics to “say a small percentage because what seems like a lot to us isn’t much statistically at all.” please do not cite statistics that you do not have because it is what makes sense in your mind.
the fact of the matter is that the Georgia Board of Paroles did not have the evidence to murder Troy Davis. Most of the people in the know of that particular case were not asking for a pardon, they were asking for a new trial. the state of Georgia murdered Troy Davis because “he could not prove his innocence,” which is antithetical to the system that you are defending. There is a book that I would like you to read before you ever use this space to comment on the justice system in any way: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. until you do so, you od yourself and your readership a disservice by providing false unbased claims. that being said, it was interesting to read your article as it was from a perspective i had not considered before. although i have done a considerable amount of research on the Troy Davis case, and was not swayed by any of your claims.
Posted by Sam | November 9, 2011, 11:05 amSoulja Boy was recently quoted as saying “fuck the army troops,” which was the first quote that came to mind while reading your post. I began to think of all of the celebrities that are known for protesting and political stances, i.e. Martin Sheen, as well. How can you be known for protesting and you political stance? Sooner or later you are standing up for opposition and not your actual believes. Say you protest once for something that you feel strongly for, perhaps you feel so strongly that you can’t sit back and watch nothing happen you need to be a part of it. At which point I respect you walking the talk rather than bitching about something that you will never do anything to change.
How many people drive to work screaming to themselves about how much they hate their boss or how they can’t stand the system? You don’t like your boss, then get rid of him/her. Expose their weakness and capitalize on the opportunity. You don’t like the company? Screw it start your own company, run it the way you want to and then take the old company out business. But no, this doesn’t happen because at one point or another we all become a bitch to the system, you say “fuck you” behind their back and smile to their face.
Back to Soulja Boy, whom I personally can’t stand, does he really hate the troops or want to stand out against our armed forces? Presumably not. Does he dare to be different and attempt to benefit from going against the grain? Absolutely.
Much like Troy Davis, Jerry Sandusky, Bernie Madoff or Bill Clinton everyone wants to comment about something they know little to nothing about all in hopes to be “controversial.” Personally I don’t know enough to comment on Troy Davis which is the exact reason why I choose not to comment. I choose not to be the next Martin Sheen looking to stand out from the crowd and “fight the power.”
I am a huge proponent for the saying “if you don’t like the country then move out.” We live in a free society but free doesn’t mean without consequence or reason. Imagine a world where you could walk up to a cop and say “fuck you,” imagine a world where enough revolt overturns a jury. Trust me it wouldn’t be a place where any of us want to live. So I say it again Martin Sheen if you don’t like the system find another country whom values the same rights that you do, and at the end of that journey when you realize that that place doesn’t exist than come back to the good ole’ USA.
Troy Davis was walking around with an un-identifiable gun. Being a gun owner I can tell you I own several guns none of which are missing serial numbers, this is because of one reason – its illegal. I have a family, a career and am in college to better the already amazing life that I have created for myself all of which are things I cherish. So much so that I don’t want to ever place myself in a position than can be misconstrued and jeopardize my freedom. Walking around with a gun, let alone a gun without the serial number, would seriously jeopardize those freedoms.
What I can say is that I am white, not from an average neighborhood white but trips to Europe growing up white. My entire life I have found a connection to hip-hop that was greatly misunderstood by my friends and family. I say this because I know what it is like to stand for what I believe in, whether its music, friendships, career decisions, or social settings i have always done what I wanted to do because I live my own life. I don’t need any rapper, celebrity or sports star to sway my vote, if I care enough I will research till I am blue in the face (by reading both sides of the story) and then make my own decision.
Culture VI I enjoy your blog and your view points because they come from the truth and not what is going to get you another 2,000 followers. I respect the hustle, I respect the family life and I respect the individuality. Thanks for the read.
Posted by Phil from Baltimore | November 16, 2011, 9:06 pmSorry for the typos lol
Posted by Phil from baltimore | November 16, 2011, 10:24 pmA couple months late…but I enjoyed your article, and how you presented all your points, which I thought were valid, and something that most people didn’t consider when this was going down.
Posted by Julie | January 20, 2012, 10:30 pm