Is black on black crime a myth, as asserted by Edward Wyckoff Williams of MSNBC? Or it a crisis, as asserted by Annette John-Hall of the Philadelphia Inquirer?
The Crisis Argument
Annette John-Hall begins her article with a description of the "collective sigh of relief" when George Zimmerman was arrested. She believes that this case should lead us to an honest discussion about the "epidemic of young black males dying in cities all over the country by gun violence." Ms. John-Hall brings up the point that if the KKK (she called them the "other guys in hoodies") killed 230 black men, the number of black men killed in Philadelphia alone last year, the "city would be on lockdown."
Why is this epidemic ignored? Ms. John-Hall believes that white people really do not care, because it is not affecting them and black people try to avoid just becoming victims themselves. Additionally, The author asserts that nobody cares enough to hold rallies, sign petitions, etc., to bring this issue into the forefront.
Ultimately, although some are focused on the issue, such as Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu who are actively working reducing the violence, and groups like Philadelphia CeaseFire, "a community program that enlists ex-offenders to reach out to youth" with dedicated staffers, such as Marla Davis Bellamy, who "canvasses neighborhoods and talks to troubled young people in an attempt to unlayer the reasons their dreams died."
The Myth Argument
In the arrogantly titled Highbrow Magazine, Edward Wyckoff Williams attempts to portray black-on-black crime as a myth. He believes that conservatives are using the "myth" of black-on-black crime to "deflect from the racism and racial profiling that precipitated his [Trayvon Martin] untimely death by referencing the broader social malaise of supposed "black-on-black violence." Williams supports his claims by referencing a recent comment made by George Will of the Washington Post, which was despite the Trayvon Martin tragedy, "150 black men are killed every week in this country," and "about 94 percent of them by other black men." Williams targeted Bill O'Reilly, who defended Wall Street Journal contributor Shelby Steele, who wrote in "The Exploitation of Trayvon Martin" that "black teenagers are afraid of other black teenagers, not whites."
Williams further asserts that white people are actually the ones committing most of the crimes, yet there is no call to end "white on white" violence. Williams states "The term 'black on black' crime is a destructive, racialized colloquialism that perpetuates an idea that blacks are somehow more prone to violence."
Williams sums up his argument with the following statement, "The myth of black-on-black violence has become a stain on the sociopolitical consciousness and indelibly imbues mindsets as well as public policy. At the heart of an increasingly violent society is not a subculture among blacks but the violence and criminality of many Americans, and whites in particular."
Which Argument Prevails?
Ms. John-Hall's article is compelling. Just reading the number 230 as a number of dead black men in one city over the course of one year is jarring. When the author states the reaction would be different if the perpetrator was the KKK, she makes a fair point. Ms. John-Hall should be commended by shining a light to it, 230 black men have died in Philadelphia, but it is not something touted in the media as a crisis, it is barely reported, if at all! Ms. John-Hall does not believe white people care. Perhaps some don't care, but many others don't know how to help and would not want to be perceived as a racist for bringing up the topic at all. It is fascinating how political correctness has frozen Americans in fear of anything related to the black/white issue. People need to care about one another and race should have nothing to do with it. Fortunately, as the author points out, some in prominent positions are starting to recognize that the epidemic, such as Mayor Nutter, and they will hopefully inspire others to help.
Mr. Williams's article basically just blames conservatives and gives statistics that are not proportionate to the population. Yes, there are more violent crimes committed by whites, but there are many more whites! So the question should be about percentages of the population. The argument that white people are deflecting the REAL issue of the Trayvon Martin case is ridiculous.
FBI Data from 2009 shows that cross-racial crime is rare not representative of the typical crime.
Perhaps most Americans DO seek justice for all victims, despite color, it is just not how they are portrayed in the polarizing mainstream media.
*FBI Photo credit: Legal Insurrection
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Comments: 47
I think an interesting way to look at the murder rates would be to see how many are not commited by someone in the victims family or in a relationship with. Maybe this could be call non-domestic. I haven't seen any data but it would be an interesting statistic.
The one statement in Annette John-Hall's piece that I disputed: "Why is this epidemic ignored? Ms. John-Hall believes that white people really do not care, because it is not affecting them".
In the article, I responded with "Ms. John-Hall does not believe white people care. Perhaps some don't care, but many others don't know how to help and would not want to be perceived as a racist for bringing up the topic at all. It is fascinating how political correctness has frozen Americans in fear of anything related to the black/white issue."
Cookie proves my point.
My good God...don't care.. "Not affecting them." Black-on-White Crime is double that of the reverse...."not affecting them," my ASS.
Oh, YES!...by all means, Ms. John-Hall. Nobody cares. That is why Conservatives promote healthy Families; Equality; self-sufficiency; Freedom; and for everyone. And we do all that we can to defeat the insidious reverse-discrimination of pitying Blacks. Yes; pitying them. Telling them that they've essentially no chance; promoting them above others for the sake of "affirmative action," thus inferring that they are incapable and inferior. This disgusts me. If Blacks should shoulder a blame for anything, it is for the foolishness of falling for the soft bigotry that is being used by Leftists, and by so many who claim to be their "saviours." Sharpton, Farrakan, Wright, et al., the Dem, the Leftist...they should be deeply-ashamed of themselves. Deeply ashamed. 40+ years of Leftist "activism" on behalf of Blacks...and we've nothing but Poverty, Inner-City Misery, Slums, Welfare Mothers barely out of Puberty and Fatherless Children to show for...and a deep-seated anger toward Life and the World for their "trouble."
The Leftist Dem has been in charge of the most failed Cities in this Great Country...and have been, for decades. And what do we see? Tell me, People. Tell me about the beauty of Detroit; Chicago; Indianpolis; Los Angeles; New York; New Orleans....
...tell me about the Killing and Death; the abortions, the broken Families...the Misery.
They should be ashamed of themselves for one reason, and one reason only...that they continue to fall for this RUSE...
Care to elabourate?
try this link: WhiteGirlBleedaLot.com
it is a book that talks about more than 100 race riots in 50 cities throughout the country. and the media does not want to talk about it,
Thanks for your interest
Your articles are good ones... They only believe in Freedom of Speech for themselves... Funny, how All men were creatred equal, but now if you are a conservative, Republican, white, Christian or Tea Party, or ANYONE who doesnt think like this administration does, then we are just plain evil... Oh beware, of the blue eyed devils....
Here in Memphis, we have a very bad gang problem. It seems to have gotten worse over the past ten plus years. Whether the white communities are having the same problem, I don't know. But, I know that it's pretty bad in many black communities, to the point that the police have had to create special squads to deter gang activity. I wouldn't label it 'black on black' crime, but, 'gang related.' I know of three teenagers who have lost their lives due to gang activities. And like it's been stated, this doesn't have anything to do with the Trayvon Martin incident, but, it does open up wounds, at the thought of one more teenager's blood in the streets. We are simple tired of the violence against our children, and it doesn't matter the color of the perpetrator.
And I agree about the term 'African-American.' I, personally, only use the term because it's the 'legal' term given to black Americans, it's not that we insist upon it. When I fill out forms, this is term that is there. I don't have a choice but to check that box. Since, I have a nice little mix in my family, I wonder what would happen if I checked the 'white' box. I would then be accused of lying, or, I could check 'Native American,' but, still the same result. Until American dissolves the distinctions, I have no choice, but, to go along for the ride. :)