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April 5th, 2012
10:34 PM ET
Swain: 'Hoodies feed into stereotype'
Boyce Watkins and Carol Swain argue the role of race in the Martin case and the movement to boycott Sanford, Florida.
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Post by: Wolf Blitzer Filed under: Trayvon Martin |
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As a white male in my mid-40's, I want to acknowledge Professor Swain's gutsy remarks about the black-American community sharing accountability for their role, in creating reactions leading to racial tension and violence. This is a conversation that we all need to continue on a national level, because so many Americans are afraid to bring to the open.
I was so disappointed to hear Carol Swain's opinion about Hoodies and Black Men. She suggested that Black Men should not wear hoodies and we should 'teach them' how to dress against stereotypes. How about teaching the people who stereotype?!!!! I think that would be much more affective. It doesn't matter what Black Men have on, they are automatically a target for some racists. Did you listen to Tyler Perry when he said that he was pulled over and harrassed?! Tyler Perry wears suits and is a prominent figure in the Black community.
The only one who appears to need some 'trainiing', is Carol Swain for her ignorant comments that exemplify racial stereotypes. You are just as bad as people who say that some women deserved to be raped because of what they had on or how they were acting.
Sad.
It was an absolute breath of fresh air to hear Carol Swain discuss the issue of stereotyping young black Americans and many would do well to listen to what she has to say. Yes, everyone has the right to wear whatever they choose whenever they choose, but the choices that are being made (and that are being drummed into their heads by leaders who prize militantism as the way to make a point – or promote their personal careers and agendas) are costing the black youth and their families enormous pain and many lives. I commend Ms Swain for the fortitude to put forth her opinion which so clearly is not appreciated by others of color.
It seems many people do not want to face the Trayvon tragedy. Carol Swain is sadly mistaken if she truly believes that any amount of education and training will stop violence. The reality is violence exist. Stereotyping objects, people, clothing etc., will not make violence disappear. People will end the violence in life when they stop using violence as an excuse. We must remember that the Rev. Dr. King always wore a suit and a tie. He was highly educated and became a preacher. The bullets that struck him down had no respect for all that he had accomplished. The bullet that struck Trayvon had no respect for the young man's future. I truly believe that all who love freedom of choice should be out shouting their displeasure at this time. We must be lulled away from the deep sleeping fear that is causing so many of us to look away instead of what is before us.