[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by Maru

This is #2 for us. We went through it with the first time with Goforth. My husband works for the Sheriff's Office and is a detention officer doing CIRT for the Mental Health Unit at the jail. I have another close family in the same building as well and we know a bunch that are on the streets.

The gas station where the Goforth shooting occurred is a place our close friend frequented while on patrol and it very easily could've been him. The Goforth's lived down the road and we are in the same district. It affected a lot of people in the community here so there was a huge outpouring of support from the community, which helps. We are still reeling from Goforth. These conversations sadly have become daily for us. There is high turnover right now where my husband is stationed so he is working insane hours. So some days he works 16 hour shifts and he's doing 2-3 of those a week. The turnover was bad before, but it's even worse now. I worry about him pumping gas or walking into a store with his uniform on.

You can understand how so much hate and vitriol is being spread if you listen/read our national mainstream media. Most of you are in the UK, so you don't know about our insanely outrageous media coverage. For example, with our local media Houston floods like crazy and we are no stranger to natural disasters, but as soon as water starts to enter people's homes, there's a helicopter, a crew and a phone call with a local neighbor describing the flowing water situation and a photo from Twitter of the cat floating away on a couch plastered all over the net and TV. Everything is sensationalized and over-hyped. It is embarrassingly excess.

National media is basically tabloids disguised as real news on TV 24/7. It is 95% entertainment, 4.9% headlines, .1% facts. 100% of the coverage is Donald Trump, BLM, evil law enforcement, dead people, mass shootings and constant coverage of celebrity deaths (like Anna Nicole Smith, who cares ). Donald Trump gets more coverage than the superbowl. A racist self-absorbed prick's opinion is more important than delivering the facts around majorly important issues. Ok.

If you listened to national media all day you would think our society has gone insane, but it's a major distortion of life here that people eat it up because it adds color and meaning to their otherwise mundane lives. Disenfranchised people want other people to blame. Businesses want other parties to be responsible for their failures. The public hear that actual effort won't fix the issues, but getting attention and promoting violence will (by suggesting people will arm themselves or go to the streets). The internet is a little better (depends on the station) because people read for content but even lately that's become more filler... thanks to Facebook cutting off the stream of cash flow to smaller outfits and ad-blockers.

Also, there is an high likelihood that the candidates and organizations pay a ton of people to post on websites which further adds to the distortions and vulgar sensationalism. Go on the Daily Mail and see how many people are turning unrelated news into conversations about Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in comments section. If you click on some of them, you'll notice some of their posting histories are highly suspect. (also who has the money or time to care about spending all day commenting on news sites about politicians? Seriously.) Why would the media filter out those commentors if they're contributing to click rates? The same reason Facebook will have dead people follow brands, paid sponsorship.

That means for every much needed discussion about racism, you have an overly inciteful commentor writing "coded" messages towards in very particular personas in to distort the public's perception. Mix in a few actual crazies and it looks like the country is going seriously to pot and then legitimately people read these commenters thinking they are real posters and become really angry.

This kind of "sponsorship" is now common on social media. Let's not forget too the online media who have "guest bloggers" posting articles from a very biased POV.

"Are online comments full of paid lies?"
http://www.computerworld.com/article...aid-lies-.html


"Paid Commenters Hired By Fox News To Spread Right Wing Talking Points Across The Net"
http://addictinginfo.org/2013/10/27/...lood-internet/

Facebook will make your dead friend "like" stuff.

"Why are dead people liking stuff on Facebook"
http://readwrite.com/2012/12/11/why-...f-on-facebook/

"FB fans aren’t seeing your posts (and how to fix it)"
http://alwaysupward.com/blog/fb-fans...how-to-fix-it/



Let's not forget the filter bubble by way of Google through way of Personalized Search results... i.e. we generally only see views we agree with

Filter Bubble - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filter_bubble



So Americans on social media popularize the issues, even though not all social media websites are playing fair in publishing them. The media then dissects this into a persona, neglecting most of the facts and only picking it apart for entertainment/sensation value and then uses a baiting headline to incite reactions and then self-aggrandizing groups or political figuers such as the NRA, NAACP, Tea Party, Donald Trump, etc polarize the issues further to get attention and control perception because who cares about facts when they can push their platform and make $$$. Lather, rinse, repeat.

That last bit is the most important part and has gotten really out of control in the US the past several years. The media is becoming more and more nationalist and comments/retweets on my Twitter are starting to read like obituaries. We're not as dire as the media portrays, but it's the media that gives a platform to much of the vitriol that incites the violence. It started to get really bad after 9/11, we massively over-reacted to it politically and militarily and the media has been riding on a polarized public ever since.

Oh and voter apathy among minorities and moderates does not help. I was shocked to read Brexit voting population percentage was 70%+.... that would be a miracle here. We are lucky to get more than 50% of the population to vote in a general election. Far far less in a primary.

I am not usually a lover of long, comprehensive posts Maru - But this is SO superbly written and your points so relevant, that I just have to applaud you.

[arista]

That last Evil Sniper Was so Tooled Up,
that Police Chief had to use the bomb detection Robot
with a "Bomb on it" - Fair play as he would have taken more Cops with him.

[Livia]

There's already a thread about the unlawful shootings of black men. This is about the murder of police officers. Funny how the thread has been turned into some kind of place to gather to "understand" why the shooter was angry. These arguments are always so skewed on this forum.

The shooting of the black men was appalling. Shooting innocent officers in retaliation is not understandable.... it's JUST as appalling.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Livia

There's already a thread about the unlawful shootings of black men. This is about the murder of police officers. Funny how the thread has been turned into some kind of place to gather to "understand" why the shooter was angry. These arguments are always so skewed on this forum.

The shooting of the black men was appalling. Shooting innocent officers in retaliation is not understandable.... it's JUST as appalling.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Livia

There's already a thread about the unlawful shootings of black men. This is about the murder of police officers. Funny how the thread has been turned into some kind of place to gather to "understand" why the shooter was angry. These arguments are always so skewed on this forum.

The shooting of the black men was appalling. Shooting innocent officers in retaliation is not understandable.... it's JUST as appalling.

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Originally Posted by Livia

There's already a thread about the unlawful shootings of black men. This is about the murder of police officers. Funny how the thread has been turned into some kind of place to gather to "understand" why the shooter was angry. These arguments are always so skewed on this forum.

The shooting of the black men was appalling. Shooting innocent officers in retaliation is not understandable.... it's JUST as appalling.

Also funny how you didn't say anything in that thread but say something here.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Ithinkiloveyoutoo

Also funny how you didn't say anything in that thread but say something here.

I hope you're not calling me a racist. You. Who told me I couldn't be racially abused because Jews own Hollywood.

[arista]

Originally Posted by Livia

I hope you're not calling me a racist. You. Who told me I couldn't be racially abused because Jews own Hollywood.

Yes Good Job they manage things


I have worked with many in LA.


You pay the Fee
GET THE DEAL

Sign Of The Times

[Ninastar]

Think that was my fault, sorry!

[arista]

Dallas Police say they have had a New Credible Threat
of more White Officers to be killed

http://news.sky.com/story/dallas-pol...hreat-10497346

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Originally Posted by arista

Dallas Police say they have had a New Credible Threat
of more White Officers to be killed

http://news.sky.com/story/dallas-pol...hreat-10497346

Well it's been brewing up since the sixties if not earlier than that and the problem is still not acknowledged. It's come to this unfortunately. They're lucky they haven't done anything worst over the decades against cops.

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

This poor sista was just talking why the swat team? :rollseyes: https://twitter.com/thereaibanksy/st...89375706099713

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Ithinkiloveyoutoo

This poor sista was just talking why the swat team? :rollseyes: https://twitter.com/thereaibanksy/st...89375706099713

what is a sista?

[arista]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

what is a sista?

black female



Possible perp




Beep Beep

Frisk Her.


OK let her Go

[Tom4784]

I don't see the problem with discussing both issues as they are related.

It's better to discuss something meaningful then just have a thread full of 'RIP xx' posts.

[Northern Monkey]

A very interesting take on the media spin on all this from two black American ladies.
60 shootings over a weekend in Chicago and it hardly gets a mention because it won't attract viewers like a white 'oppressor' and a black 'victim'

Youtube video

[Northern Monkey]

Great ladies
"This is the United States not the Divided States and we are One race and ALL LIVES MATTER"

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Originally Posted by Northern Monkey

Great ladies
"This is the United States not the Divided States and we are One race and ALL LIVES MATTER"

United like the forever active KKK members, those that don't want to let Syrian refugees in and those that target Muslims? Ok great ladies when they agree with some white views

[Maru]

Originally Posted by Ithinkiloveyoutoo

United like the forever active KKK members, those that don't want to let Syrian refugees in and those that target Muslims? Ok great ladies when they agree with some white views

Girl, that's your own people. Have a little bit more respect. At least they have the cajones to reach out across the aisle and try to have a conversation. That is much braver than sitting on a message board posting vitriol for reactions

You sound pretty young. You're all over the board posting the same stuff on a bunch of topics. I've read what you've had to say and I wish I could say something constructive and try to add positively, but what I'm more worried about that you will get lost in another of your rants and that I will have wasted my time...

Some of the people here are not even willing to give you the time of the day. It may come off as intolerant in retrospect and make you feel angry, but consider too that you may be part of the problem and getting in the way of your own arguments...

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Originally Posted by Maru

Girl, that's your own people. Have a little bit more respect. At least they have the cajones to reach out across the aisle and try to have a conversation. That is much braver than sitting on a message board posting vitriol for reactions

You sound pretty young. You're all over the board posting the same stuff on a bunch of topics. I've read what you've had to say and I wish I could say something constructive and try to add positively, but what I'm more worried about that you will get lost in another of your rants and that I will have wasted my time...

Some of the people here are not even willing to give you the time of the day. It may come off as intolerant in retrospect and make you feel angry, but consider too that you may be part of the problem and getting in the way of your own arguments...

That is my own people so that means I have to agree? This must mean you agree with the racist side of your own people, because they're your people? For whatever reason my post on response to that video was deleted I responded that she stereotyped black men to justify white cops fears, and she suggested that we sit down at a table and discuss it first of all which table? On many formats black people have spoken about this for years even on news channel but their concerns are mostly rebuffed . People are more concerned with proving their claims wrong rather than actually listening to their concerns. And I ended with even if all all lives matter can we still discuss the Mark Furhmans and Eric garners!

Well I'm glad you've read my posts. First time I see your name actually. I see you're quite new you must have come when I was on hiatus maybe. When you have to discuss the same thing over and over again with the same people you kind have a fair idea where everyone stands and it's highly unlikely you'll change their perspective, especially on a message board so yes at some point you just rant as you call and because you only see my latest posts, as per your new arrival to the board, you think that's all I'm about. I can only shrug.

Thanks on the I'm young comment but what relevance does it have to anything?
Some don't have the time for me you concluded, cool. Since I've been here I've only been close to 4 people. 2 have disappeared and one remains which I've told her that I have concerns about her still interacting with me because ever since I've talked more about racism, whether rants or not, things have become different and o don't want her viewed the same way.

How do you know I'm not active on this? Not hat it's any of your business but my dad owns a charity with this is one of things discussed. Telling me to stop discussing it/ranting it on a board while it's alright for you to write your lengthy analysis here? I suppose you think you're better than I am then?
How do you know my "rants" aren't a result of personal experience also?
Just this morning I had a chat with an elderly man seemed friendly kept a gentle tone to his voice. The convo went from discussing his friend dying of cancer to "so where do you come from then?" I thought he was talking about parts of London but he meant Country. After he commented on how the country is now racist and how lovely Australia is but not before he mentioned that they had a "white policy" before where people "like you [me] " couldn't enter the country. I added sort of like what Trump wants to do to the Muslims. The whole conversation ended with him telling I should probably go back to where I came from due to growing racism. He was acting like he was talking for my best interest. My friend was called a blackie and her boyfriend harassed because he's with her and family have experienced it. If you don't like this latest stage of me "ranting" girl, you can utilise block button.

[Maru]

Originally Posted by Ithinkiloveyoutoo

That is my own people so that means I have to agree? This must mean you agree with the racist side of your own people, because they're your people? For whatever reason my post on response to that video was deleted!

Enthusiastically, you should in the very least welcome the difference in opinion because their experience can be merged with your own and give your voice and arguments more credit (which is generally how debates work). Just because they may have experienced life differently than your own doesn't make their opinion any less valid.

I didn't catch the deleted response so I can't comment on it.

[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by Maru

Girl, that's your own people. Have a little bit more respect. At least they have the cajones to reach out across the aisle and try to have a conversation. That is much braver than sitting on a message board posting vitriol for reactions

You sound pretty young. You're all over the board posting the same stuff on a bunch of topics. I've read what you've had to say and I wish I could say something constructive and try to add positively, but what I'm more worried about that you will get lost in another of your rants and that I will have wasted my time...

Some of the people here are not even willing to give you the time of the day. It may come off as intolerant in retrospect and make you feel angry, but consider too that you may be part of the problem and getting in the way of your own arguments...

Your own people? Do we all have to be representative of whichever hue matches our own tone now? She is entitled to her opinion if you don't like it you are entitled to not read or respond Maru.

Personally I enjoy reading ITILYTs posts, if she is angry then she is angry I respect her right to voice that anger and frustration, I am more than willing to give her the time of day... I object to those who wish to subdue others however whether in person or on a message board, and I have the cajones to express that.

I hope you appreciate this.

[Maru]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

Your own people? Do we all have to be representative of whichever hue matches our own tone now? She is entitled to her opinion if you don't like it you are entitled to not read or respond Maru.

Without launching into a large explanation, my response was not meant for the purpose of saying "get in line", but except maybe remember that all who walked before you and beside you are working towards a common goal and that one should borrow their brothers and sister's experiences. I'm of a very strong opinion that people should work together, particularly those within the same communities, for a common goal and purpose because no one will have your back like those who have walked in your shoes before.

Her responses are very divisive and for me, quite disconcerting because this is a time that we should all be relying one each other. I was just pointing this out in my own little way because it is my take, but at the same time dipping my toe in to see if we both could have a conversation that can go beyond certain rhetoric. Are they open to constructive thoughts or is it all just reactionary? If she took my response as too personal and too blunt, then that is half the problem... this is a controversial topic, it's going to be personal. Am I supposed to ignore my own observations of discussion and feelings being expressed here and not voice my opinion? It just seems like so few are listening to each other, more would rather do all the talking...

That said, my own words, "your own people". A person's culture is more than just skin color, it's shared experiences and common ancestors and obstacles that need to be overcome or that they are working to overcome. I can't possibly have a conversation from those shoes, because I am not in the. If I started to act as if I completely understand, that wouldn't be right. However, to reach a common goal, there eventually will need to trying other people's shoes on to see each other's points... however I take offense to someone who can be so disrespectful to others fighting the same fight and yet have no respect for their experience in it.

I would argue to some degree that it is self-hate. The disconnect is clear which is why I wrote my response and was so blunt about it. Sorry if it doesn't sound 'sensitive', but I'm the type that does not beat around the bush. She and I are very similar in that manner.

Anyway, her other post was deleted as well and so the only thing left was the lone extreme response and that was the one I had the emotional reaction to.

She is not a representative, but the last thing we need is more hate. You've made a valid point, that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if I may be so bold

You're absolutely right. The last thing we need is more hate which is why I wrote my post. I think the other part that got taken out of context was when I mentioned people turning a blind eye. There are a few posters here who have made that clear and after a while you have to ask yourself if you'd just be fueling a pattern. She was very much allowed to write her own response, why would I tell someone what they can and cannot post? My post may have been very blunt and to the point in terms of trying to figure out if a conversation could happen, but I feel like the lines will get crossed anyway because these topics are so controversial and highly personalized.

Personally I enjoy reading ITILYTs posts, if she is angry then she is angry I respect her right to voice that anger and frustration, I am more than willing to give her the time of day... I object to those who wish to subdue others however whether in person or on a message board, and I have the cajones to express that.

I hope you appreciate this.

How am I stopping anyone from expressing an opinion? I was expressing my own? That doesn't mean someone can't reply? Wow, you really can't say anything these days Respectfully, I think my post was taken a little bit out of context because honestly I don't think that much about what I posted? I wrote my concern about getting involved because of the observation. Sometimes people just write and write, they're not really there to be discussed with and that was my concern there.

If you look at my reply, it's fairly neutral. Some of her response was offensive, but she had her go at me and that was it. I sent her a friend request to reach out but I'm not going to go out of my way to be verbally abused when I legitimately do care about someone's POV's and wanted to strike a conversation. Her posts at times do not come off as welcoming discussion. I was afraid to take a chance? Many of her posts are outright name calling. I would love to discuss, but I'm only human and even I have a limit to what I can tolerate. I imagine some feel the same, which is why I wrote my post, to see if we could break the cycle?

Anyway, these are controversial discussions and I really feel to get anywhere, there needs to be trust and common respect. There seems to be little in this case, so I had already let it go. She had her rant at me and I wish her the best. I have no issues putting anyone on ignore so I already have her on there out of respect tbf. I did not want to be "tempted" by an intense discussion and find out it turns into verbal abuse and she didn't seem too keen on me with her reply but you can never be too sure. There is a lot of that going on in this particular section and I'd just like to avoid getting into some of the more ill language posts on here. I feel ill when I end up in passive aggressive conversations as they don't do me any world of good and they're predictable to be in anyway.

I do appreciate your words and I don't mind your "calling me out".

Edit: Opps, it turned into a large explanation. Sorry about that

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

Your own people? Do we all have to be representative of whichever hue matches our own tone now? She is entitled to her opinion if you don't like it you are entitled to not read or respond Maru.

Personally I enjoy reading ITILYTs posts, if she is angry then she is angry I respect her right to voice that anger and frustration, I am more than willing to give her the time of day... I object to those who wish to subdue others however whether in person or on a message board, and I have the cajones to express that.

I hope you appreciate this.

Thank you.

[Northern Monkey]

Originally Posted by Ithinkiloveyoutoo

United like the forever active KKK members, those that don't want to let Syrian refugees in and those that target Muslims? Ok great ladies when they agree with some white views

White views?What even are white views?
Surely Everybody has their own views no matter what race they are?These two ladies for instance want to try and end the divisions,They are not just white views they are many peoples views.