Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Was There a Hate Crime in Kansas City?

This case has not gotten the publicity that the Trayvon Martin case has because it alleges that a white boy was victimized by two black teens. Like the Martin case and the murder of a Muslim woman in El Cajon, California, this one is some what confusing. but troubling none the less. The report is that a white teenager in Kansas City was followed home by two black teens who attacked him on his front porch, set him afire with gasoline and ran away. There were no witnesses, and no suspects have been arrested.

Several blogs are repeating the latest statements from the boy's mother that the suspects told him that "You get what you deserve, white boy." Of course, if this is to be considered a  hate crime, that alleged statement is of great importance. The problem is that the police report only says the boys stated, "This is what you get." The boy's mother says that her son told her of the "white boy" comment after the initial interview with the police. Here is a report from KCTV 5 that seems to be the most complete on that point.

http://www.kctv5.com/story/17260926/mother-of-teen-who-claims-set-on-fire-says-were-being-brushed-off

What we have here are three separate incidents in Kansas City, Sanford, Florida and El Cajon, California that may or may not be hate crimes. All three are still shrouded in varying degrees of mystery. If it turns out that all three are truly some form of hate crime, then it raises the question of how far our society has progressed-or digressed in terms of race, ethnic and religious relations. Are we to be a diverse society of people who live together as Americans or are we to be a collection of hostile tribes?

In all three cases, all I can hope for is the truth to prevail and see justice done where appropriate. Let's don't rush to judgement. And for God's sake, let's don't allow any of these to turn into mob justice.


1 comment:

  1. I think that the major news stations should report all the news, not just screen some out because it isnt presenting the message they want to express. In this case they may not be reporting it because there arent any other witnesses and they dont want to have to recant later if it turns out to be something else. I do think it deserves at least one major article about it. It seems Martin is getting daily coverage, so I dont see why this story wouldnt merit atleast one article from a larger news provider. But yeah, it may not happen as many people dont want to admit that racism is a problem white people face as well. I think that should change though, as I have seen it myself and know many that have faced it.

    There is I guess a guilt that many white people feel, even though most of us arent the generation that committed these crimes. I know many white people that dont want to touch topics of racism against whites because of this. I think it should be discussed so it doesnt get worse. Any form of racism should be treated seriously if we are going to one day have a world where it doesnt happen. Its like, if you allow it to keep going by saying you are justified due to history that didnt even happen to you then your the same thing as that which you hate. Just doesnt make sense and keeps the cycle and the tensions going.

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