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Suppertime
Author: clintster
Date: 03/30/2012 12:17:45
A young man is walking along, minding his own business. He disappears and turns up dead days later. His killer or killers are defended by those who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. The perpetrators of the true crime are let off the hook, and all because the victim was "different". This is a story that has been played out hundreds of times in America, and now is being seen again in the case of Trayvon Martin.
There used to be a name for this: lynching.
From 1882 to 1968, over 4700 people were lynched in the United States; 73% of those victims were African-American, and 79% of lynchings happened in the South. Allegations against the victims ranged from rape to simply registering African Americans to vote. The list of victims is long and terrible to look at, when one considers that these people were killed by people who took it upon themselves to enforce their personal beliefs.
Throughout history, there have been efforts to combat this crime and the attitudes that cause it. In 1920, the NAACP began to hang a flag outside their New York headquarters the day after a lynching to call attention to the murders. It flew the flag until 1938, when it was pressured to stop flying it or be evicted from their headquarters.
As a teacher, I have taught many young black men like Trayvon. Some were troublesome, some were interested in learning, and some were simply trying to get through another day. Regardless of my opinions of their classroom behavior or actions, I could never imagine any of them being treated like Trayvon, Emmett Till, James Chaney, or James Byrd, Jr. The defense of George Zimmerman, and the attempts to deflect blame for the crime and the outrage to Trayvon, Al Sharpton, the President, and/or the media has been sickening.
Despite this, I have hope that we can reach a point where people can see a young African-American man walk down the street and not assume that he is a criminal, a drug dealer, or simply "suspicious". May we reach that point much sooner than later.
There used to be a name for this: lynching.
From 1882 to 1968, over 4700 people were lynched in the United States; 73% of those victims were African-American, and 79% of lynchings happened in the South. Allegations against the victims ranged from rape to simply registering African Americans to vote. The list of victims is long and terrible to look at, when one considers that these people were killed by people who took it upon themselves to enforce their personal beliefs.
Throughout history, there have been efforts to combat this crime and the attitudes that cause it. In 1920, the NAACP began to hang a flag outside their New York headquarters the day after a lynching to call attention to the murders. It flew the flag until 1938, when it was pressured to stop flying it or be evicted from their headquarters.
As a teacher, I have taught many young black men like Trayvon. Some were troublesome, some were interested in learning, and some were simply trying to get through another day. Regardless of my opinions of their classroom behavior or actions, I could never imagine any of them being treated like Trayvon, Emmett Till, James Chaney, or James Byrd, Jr. The defense of George Zimmerman, and the attempts to deflect blame for the crime and the outrage to Trayvon, Al Sharpton, the President, and/or the media has been sickening.
Despite this, I have hope that we can reach a point where people can see a young African-American man walk down the street and not assume that he is a criminal, a drug dealer, or simply "suspicious". May we reach that point much sooner than later.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 12:33:59
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 12:33:59
Morning 
Looks like somethings wrong with I
Radio, had to go to Chicago Progressive this morning
Looks like somethings wrong with I
Radio, had to go to Chicago Progressive this morning
Comment by 
Raine on 03/30/2012 13:08:13
good morning!
Raine on 03/30/2012 13:08:13
good morning!
Comment by 
clintster on 03/30/2012 13:15:52
clintster on 03/30/2012 13:15:52
Sorry, everyone, I am working on the post as we speak. Also had to go to an awards ceremony at my kidlet's school. Hang tight, there's coffee in the pot and donuts on the counter. I just ask that you save some hazelnut creamer for me.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 13:17:25
take you time, Clint. I'll put some of that creamer in the drawer for you!
Raine on 03/30/2012 13:17:25
Quote by clintster:
Sorry, everyone, I am working on the post as we speak. Also had to go to an awards ceremony at my kidlet's school. Hang tight, there's coffee in the pot and donuts on the counter. I just ask that you save some hazelnut creamer for me.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 13:19:05
Raine on 03/30/2012 13:19:05
No one should ever have tweeted anyones address wrt to the Zimmerman case.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 13:56:40
Who was that?
Raine on 03/30/2012 13:56:40
Who was that?
Comment by 
Scoopster on 03/30/2012 13:57:00
Scoopster on 03/30/2012 13:57:00
Goooood mornin' and happy Fridee! 
Soo.. does everyone have their Mega Millions tickets for tonite?
Soo.. does everyone have their Mega Millions tickets for tonite?
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:05:22
who was what?
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:05:22
Quote by Raine:
who was what?
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:05:46
Think I might pick one up on the way home
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:05:46
Quote by Scoopster:
Goooood mornin' and happy Fridee!
Soo.. does everyone have their Mega Millions tickets for tonite?
Think I might pick one up on the way home
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 14:06:51
the drunken queen impersonator?
Raine on 03/30/2012 14:06:51
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
who was what?
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:12:35
I must have tuned it out, I completely missed it! XD
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:12:35
Quote by Raine:the drunken queen impersonator?Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
who was what?
I must have tuned it out, I completely missed it! XD
Comment by 
BobR on 03/30/2012 14:12:46
They were playing audio from this: Man sings ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in police car after being arrested for public intoxication
BobR on 03/30/2012 14:12:46
Quote by Raine:the drunken queen impersonator?Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
who was what?
They were playing audio from this: Man sings ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in police car after being arrested for public intoxication
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:14:08
oh That! I wasn't paying attention, that explains why they played that then
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:14:08
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:the drunken queen impersonator?Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
who was what?
They were playing audio from this: Man sings ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in police car after being arrested for public intoxication
oh That! I wasn't paying attention, that explains why they played that then
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 14:17:48
HEre is a shorter version:
Raine on 03/30/2012 14:17:48
HEre is a shorter version:
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:26:28
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 14:26:28
oh dear
Comment by clintster on 03/30/2012 14:48:17
clintster on 03/30/2012 14:48:17
Just posted. Sorry, I had to write this three times because I hit the wrong buttons. On the bright side, I did manage to boil it down to essentials by the third try. :)
Comment by clintster on 03/30/2012 14:59:46
clintster on 03/30/2012 14:59:46
Did I kill the blog? Awww, everything I touch gets ruined!
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 15:01:25
IT was worth the wait.
The other day I mentioned a book I was reading. There was a good portion of the book dedicated to the authors works in Mississippi and how the deaths of James Chaney (along with Goodman and Schwerner) in 1964's played a large part in the in his decision to go south from Germantown NY.
What happened to him there as a white northerner was harrowing.
This is a lynching. It is.
Raine on 03/30/2012 15:01:25
Quote by clintster:
Just posted. Sorry, I had to write this three times because I hit the wrong buttons. On the bright side, I did manage to boil it down to essentials by the third try. :)
IT was worth the wait.
The other day I mentioned a book I was reading. There was a good portion of the book dedicated to the authors works in Mississippi and how the deaths of James Chaney (along with Goodman and Schwerner) in 1964's played a large part in the in his decision to go south from Germantown NY.
What happened to him there as a white northerner was harrowing.
This is a lynching. It is.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 15:02:23
No -- I stepped away for a minute, and was listening to the video you posted.
Raine on 03/30/2012 15:02:23
Quote by clintster:
Did I kill the blog? Awww, everything I touch gets ruined!
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 15:09:32
Raine on 03/30/2012 15:09:32
I have been leaving the TV on even if I am not watching the show.
Comment by clintster on 03/30/2012 15:10:12
In the original post, I mentioned Schwerner, Goodman, Viola Liuzzo, and Leo Frank. I really want to write a much longer and more detailed account of this crime and its impact on Southern society, black and white. Maybe someday.
clintster on 03/30/2012 15:10:12
Quote by Raine:Quote by clintster:
Just posted. Sorry, I had to write this three times because I hit the wrong buttons. On the bright side, I did manage to boil it down to essentials by the third try. :)
IT was worth the wait.
The other day I mentioned a book I was reading. There was a good portion of the book dedicated to the authors works in Mississippi and how the deaths of James Chaney (along with Goodman and Schwerner) in 1964's played a large part in the in his decision to go south from Germantown NY.
What happened to him there as a white northerner was harrowing.
This is a lynching. It is.
In the original post, I mentioned Schwerner, Goodman, Viola Liuzzo, and Leo Frank. I really want to write a much longer and more detailed account of this crime and its impact on Southern society, black and white. Maybe someday.
Comment by clintster on 03/30/2012 15:19:40
That song is so incredibly moving, and Ethel Waters is channeling an entire people's pain and suffering in that performance. I was flipping between posting it or "Strange Fruit" at the end.
clintster on 03/30/2012 15:19:40
Quote by Raine:No -- I stepped away for a minute, and was listening to the video you posted.Quote by clintster:
Did I kill the blog? Awww, everything I touch gets ruined!
That song is so incredibly moving, and Ethel Waters is channeling an entire people's pain and suffering in that performance. I was flipping between posting it or "Strange Fruit" at the end.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 15:19:42
Raine on 03/30/2012 15:19:42
Strange that you mention Viola Liuzzo, and Leo Frank -- the author (gregory Orr) was thrown in Jail in Haynesville Alabama. It was the same town where she was killed. Like her -- he was pulled over on Route 80. The boys who threatened his life were the same people who were acquitted of her murder.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 15:48:59
I should clarify that I menetioned the book
Raine on 03/30/2012 15:48:59
Quote by Raine:
Strange that you mention Viola Liuzzo, and Leo Frank -- the author (gregory Orr) was thrown in Jail in Haynesville Alabama. It was the same town where she was killed. Like her -- he was pulled over on Route 80. The boys who threatened his life were the same people who were acquitted of her murder.
I should clarify that I menetioned the book
The other day I mentioned a book I was reading. There was a good portion of the book dedicated to the authors works in Mississippi and how the deaths of James Chaney (along with Goodman and Schwerner) in 1964's played a large part in the in his decision to go south from Germantown NY.
What happened to him there as a white northerner was harrowing.
Comment by BobR on 03/30/2012 15:53:29
BobR on 03/30/2012 15:53:29
btw, Clint, that video was amazing. Thanks for making that part of the blog.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 16:04:11
Raine on 03/30/2012 16:04:11
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 16:11:53
crap
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 16:11:53
Quote by Raine:
If you have a mastercard, take note. There has been what appears to be a massive security breach.
crap
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 16:18:09
it was just bumped to $640 million...
That is a lot of money.
Raine on 03/30/2012 16:18:09
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:
Goooood mornin' and happy Fridee!
Soo.. does everyone have their Mega Millions tickets for tonite?
Think I might pick one up on the way home
That is a lot of money.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 03/30/2012 16:20:02
Yeah you could put an elevator in your garage for sure.
Mondobubba on 03/30/2012 16:20:02
Quote by Raine:it was just bumped to $640 million...Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:
Goooood mornin' and happy Fridee!
Soo.. does everyone have their Mega Millions tickets for tonite?
Think I might pick one up on the way home
That is a lot of money.
Yeah you could put an elevator in your garage for sure.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 16:35:44
HELL -- I could put a garage in my elevator!
I'm off to lunch -- It's nice to see you Mondo! tips cap
Raine on 03/30/2012 16:35:44
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:it was just bumped to $640 million...Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:
Goooood mornin' and happy Fridee!
Soo.. does everyone have their Mega Millions tickets for tonite?
Think I might pick one up on the way home
That is a lot of money.
Yeah you could put an elevator in your garage for sure.
HELL -- I could put a garage in my elevator!
I'm off to lunch -- It's nice to see you Mondo! tips cap
Comment by 
livingonli on 03/30/2012 19:04:24
livingonli on 03/30/2012 19:04:24
I must have been really tired. I slept passed 2 PM. Bad enough I went to bed past 5 AM. No wonder why I can't seem to get anything accomplished.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 19:08:33
Randi's song is hysterical!
Raine on 03/30/2012 19:08:33
Randi's song is hysterical!
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 19:14:43
Raine on 03/30/2012 19:14:43
This is in honor of the Supreme Court.
Comment by livingonli on 03/30/2012 20:56:46
livingonli on 03/30/2012 20:56:46
Apparently, Olbermann is now out at Current TV and is being replaced by Elliot Spitzer
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 21:00:24
Raine on 03/30/2012 21:00:24
This is my kinda recipe. Children and knives...
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 21:00:44
I'm thinking its an April Fool's Joke
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 21:00:44
Quote by livingonli:
Apparently, Olbermann is now out at Current TV and is being replaced by Elliot Spitzer
I'm thinking its an April Fool's Joke
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 21:04:46
WHAT?
Raine on 03/30/2012 21:04:46
Quote by livingonli:
Apparently, Olbermann is now out at Current TV and is being replaced by Elliot Spitzer
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 21:05:52
its a newsflash on think progress
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 21:05:52
Quote by Raine:WHAT?Quote by livingonli:
Apparently, Olbermann is now out at Current TV and is being replaced by Elliot Spitzer
its a newsflash on think progress
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/30/2012 21:08:09
And this, too, also.
Mondobubba on 03/30/2012 21:08:09
Quote by Raine:WHAT?Quote by livingonli:
Apparently, Olbermann is now out at Current TV and is being replaced by Elliot Spitzer
And this, too, also.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 21:14:42
Raine on 03/30/2012 21:14:42
maybe Santorum meant Negro?
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 21:18:29
Raine on 03/30/2012 21:18:29
I'm really not sure what to make of Current right now -- They are picking up spitzer?
Is Current TV the Oakland Raiders of Cable News TV these days...
Is Current TV the Oakland Raiders of Cable News TV these days...
Comment by wickedpam on 03/30/2012 21:23:37
wickedpam on 03/30/2012 21:23:37
Its still too close to April Fools for me to take it seriously.
Comment by livingonli on 03/30/2012 21:28:20
It looks like in the war with MSNBC, they could be losing. At least they have the mornings since no one wants to watch Scarborough. Although it does seem to add to the image that Keith is difficult to work with since that seems to show up in the way a lot of his relationships ended (MSNBC twice, Fox Sports, CNN, etc.)
livingonli on 03/30/2012 21:28:20
Quote by Raine:
I'm really not sure what to make of Current right now -- They are picking up spitzer?
Is Current TV the Oakland Raiders of Cable News TV these days...
It looks like in the war with MSNBC, they could be losing. At least they have the mornings since no one wants to watch Scarborough. Although it does seem to add to the image that Keith is difficult to work with since that seems to show up in the way a lot of his relationships ended (MSNBC twice, Fox Sports, CNN, etc.)
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 21:29:34
NYT seems to confirm it..
This is a lot of weirdness. aside from Granholm, Do they have any other prime time pees that didn't come over from MSNBC? I know spitzer was at CNN, so maybe they are branching out.
Why not try someone who hasn't been vetted and subsequently sacked from another network?
Raine on 03/30/2012 21:29:34
Quote by wickedpam:
Its still too close to April Fools for me to take it seriously.
NYT seems to confirm it..
This is a lot of weirdness. aside from Granholm, Do they have any other prime time pees that didn't come over from MSNBC? I know spitzer was at CNN, so maybe they are branching out.
Why not try someone who hasn't been vetted and subsequently sacked from another network?
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 21:36:08
Ed could perhaps become insufferable.
This is a real cluster flux. It does not bode well at all for Olberman. He's no where else to go.
I don;t dislike Spitzer, honestly. I think he has a far better grasp on how things work than Keith and Cyenk do, to be really honest. His show was cancelled after the conservative co-host - Kathleen Parker -- quit.
I would rather watch Rachel over Granholm -- so that is not going to change.
Raine on 03/30/2012 21:36:08
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:
I'm really not sure what to make of Current right now -- They are picking up spitzer?
Is Current TV the Oakland Raiders of Cable News TV these days...
It looks like in the war with MSNBC, they could be losing. At least they have the mornings since no one wants to watch Scarborough. Although it does seem to add to the image that Keith is difficult to work with since that seems to show up in the way a lot of his relationships ended (MSNBC twice, Fox Sports, CNN, etc.)
This is a real cluster flux. It does not bode well at all for Olberman. He's no where else to go.
I don;t dislike Spitzer, honestly. I think he has a far better grasp on how things work than Keith and Cyenk do, to be really honest. His show was cancelled after the conservative co-host - Kathleen Parker -- quit.
I would rather watch Rachel over Granholm -- so that is not going to change.
Comment by Raine on 03/30/2012 23:03:21
Raine on 03/30/2012 23:03:21
I gotta say that KO lost me in his statement.
HE comes across as petulant and mean. Joel Hyatt may not have been an innocent in the Cain situation, but dammit -- people are allowed to change. This was nasty. If KO thinks that he is gonna take down an entire burgeoning network because he was fired, then I have to say -- he is a narcissistic ass.
We have far bigger issues to deal with in America than worrying about him at this point. Sorry everyone, but I really believe this. I want NEWS over personality. IT is a REALLY big reason why I don;t watch Ed.
I liked KO. I did. I stopped liking him as much after Obama was elected, I felt like he lost his way -- he didn't have the boogey man anymore.
HE comes across as petulant and mean. Joel Hyatt may not have been an innocent in the Cain situation, but dammit -- people are allowed to change. This was nasty. If KO thinks that he is gonna take down an entire burgeoning network because he was fired, then I have to say -- he is a narcissistic ass.
We have far bigger issues to deal with in America than worrying about him at this point. Sorry everyone, but I really believe this. I want NEWS over personality. IT is a REALLY big reason why I don;t watch Ed.
I liked KO. I did. I stopped liking him as much after Obama was elected, I felt like he lost his way -- he didn't have the boogey man anymore.
Comment by Mondobubba on 03/30/2012 23:08:51
I agree, it always ends up being about him. He's got a great on air persona, but Jesus, dude grow the hell up.
Mondobubba on 03/30/2012 23:08:51
Quote by Raine:
I gotta say that KO lost me in his statement.
HE comes across as petulant and mean. Joel Hyatt may not have been an innocent in the Cain situation, but dammit -- people are allowed to change. This was nasty. If KO thinks that he is gonna take down an entire burgeoning network because he was fired, then I have to say -- he is a narcissistic ass.
We have far bigger issues to deal with in America than worrying about him at this point. Sorry everyone, but I really believe this. I want NEWS over personality. IT is a REALLY big reason why I don;t watch Ed.
I liked KO. I did. I stopped liking him as much after Obama was elected, I felt like he lost his way -- he didn't have the boogey man anymore.
I agree, it always ends up being about him. He's got a great on air persona, but Jesus, dude grow the hell up.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 03/30/2012 23:19:23
Will in Chicago on 03/30/2012 23:19:23
Hello, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well.
Clinster, thanks for a great blog. I also have taught numerous African American young men and found all personality types. I never thought any deserved to be shot by a stalker.
Sadly, there is a lot of disparity in this nation. We have justice for the rich and another sort for the poor. There is also a division on racial lines as well as economic lines.
We have not yet lived up to our highest aspirations for justice and equality. Yet I think that we have public outrage that is greater than what we saw in previous decades. May the day come when all will be judged solely on the contents of their character, their quality of their ideas, and by their actions. Let us work to achieve such a world, even if it does not come in our lifetimes.
Clinster, thanks for a great blog. I also have taught numerous African American young men and found all personality types. I never thought any deserved to be shot by a stalker.
Sadly, there is a lot of disparity in this nation. We have justice for the rich and another sort for the poor. There is also a division on racial lines as well as economic lines.
We have not yet lived up to our highest aspirations for justice and equality. Yet I think that we have public outrage that is greater than what we saw in previous decades. May the day come when all will be judged solely on the contents of their character, their quality of their ideas, and by their actions. Let us work to achieve such a world, even if it does not come in our lifetimes.