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A Further Perspective
Are Race Riots News?
Ignoring racial violence only guarantees that it will get worse.
When I first saw a book with the title, White Girl Bleed A Lot by Colin Flaherty, I instantly knew what it was about, even though I had not seen the book reviewed anywhere, and knew nothing about the author.
That is because I had encountered that phrase before, while doing research for the four new chapters on intellectuals and race that I added to the revised edition of my own book, Intellectuals and Society, published this year.
That phrase was spoken by a member of a mob of young blacks who attacked whites at random at a Fourth of July celebration in Milwaukee last year. What I was appalled to learn, in the course of my research, was that such race riots have occurred in other cities across the United States in recent years — and that the national mainstream media usually ignore these riots.
Where the violence is too widespread and too widely known locally to be ignored, both the local media and public officials often describe what happened as unspecified “young people” attacking unspecified victims for unspecified reasons. But videos of the attacks often reveal both the racial nature of these attacks and the racial hostility expressed by the attackers.
Are race riots not news?
Ignoring racial violence only guarantees that it will get worse. The Chicago Tribune has publicly rationalized its filtering out of any racial identification of attackers and their victims, even though the media do not hesitate to mention race when decrying statistical disparities in arrest or imprisonment rates.
Such mob attacks have become so frequent in Chicago that officials promoting conventions there have recently complained to the mayor that the city is going to lose business if such widespread violence is not brought under control.
But neither these officials nor the mayor nor most of the media use that four-letter word, “race.” It would not be politically correct or politically convenient in an election year.
Reading Colin Flaherty’s book made painfully clear to me that the magnitude of this problem is even greater than I had discovered from my own research. He documents both the race riots and the media and political evasions in dozens of cities across America.
Flaherty’s previous writings have won him praise and awards, but this book has been met largely with silence or abuse. However much ignoring the ugly realities that his book reveals may serve the interests of the media or politicians, a cover-up is a huge disservice to everyone else — whether black, white or whatever.
Even the young hoodlums who launch these mass attacks on strangers would be better off to be stopped now, rather than continue on a path of escalating violence that can lead to a lifetime behind bars or to the execution chamber.
The dangers to the nation as a whole are an even bigger problem. The truth has a way of eventually coming out, in spite of media silence and politicians’ spin. If the truth becomes widely known, and a white backlash follows, turning one-way race riots into two-way race riots, then a cycle of revenge and counter-revenge can spiral out of control, as has already happened in too many other countries around the world.
Most blacks and most whites in the United States today get along with each other. But what is chilling is how often in history racial or ethnic groups that co-existed peacefully for generations — often as neighbors — have suddenly turned on each other with lethal violence.
In the middle of the 20th century, Sri Lanka had a level of mutual respect and even friendship between its majority and minority communities that was rightly held up to the world as a model. Yet this situation degenerated over the years into polarization and violence that escalated into a civil war that lasted for decades, with unspeakable atrocities on both sides.
All it took were clever demagogues and gullible followers. We already have both. What it will take to nip in the bud the small but widely spreading race riots will be some serious leadership in many quarters and that rarest of all things in politics, honesty.
Race hustlers and mob inciters like Al Sharpton represent such polarizing forces in America today. Yet Sharpton has become a White House adviser, and Attorney General Eric Holder has been photographed literally embracing him.
COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM
About the Author
Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305. His website is www.tsowell.com. To find out more about Thomas Sowell and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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Von Mises Jr| 7.17.12 @ 6:20AM
Conservatives and libertarians see individuals as individuals first. But as Dr. Sowell and Dr. Walter E. Williams wrote over time, we all make decisions based on bias and prejudice every day.
We choose the same seat in a classroom since it is much easier than deciding anew every day. We avoid certain places such as the South Side of Chicago since there are rampant shootings and crime. Once blacks give whites no choice but to look at them as a danger, they will bring more bias, prejudice and discrimination onto themselves despite conservatives and libertarians basic worldview.
TLP| 7.17.12 @ 7:40AM
Just remember what that Pimped out Whore's (Tamara Holder) John (Jesse Jackson) said! when addressing a Black Audience, about "Their dirty little secret".
He said that he was RELIEVED, when he heard footsteps behind him, at night, in the City, and turned around and saw WHITE PEOPLE.
And, why have we heard NOTHING about Tamara Holder's Whore Trysts with a MARRIED Democrat Political Activist BLACK PREACHER?
If this had been any Right Leaning Woman Political ANALyst, she would have been Run Outta Town, by now, by the Non-Biased MSM.
How was it, Tamara?
How was it, being brought up to a Married Man's Hotel Room, by his PIMP, so you could be his WHORE for the night?
I'm talkin to YOU - Hannity.
Why is this Whore, still on your shows?
WRTolkas| 7.17.12 @ 8:21AM
Dear TLP:
Who is Hannity and who is this woman? I work too hard and must not get out enough.
TLP| 7.17.12 @ 10:08AM
Really? Who is Hannity?
Do you work on the Moon? And, if so. Are they Hiring?
SHE is a Democrat Party Analyst, during the Day, and, apparently, from the recent NEWS, she's a Pimped Out WHORE for a MARRIED Black Preacher, who has No Church, just Millions of Dollars that he Extorted over the years, through his Racial Boycott Racket.
There.
Now, you're up to speed.
Don't you people have Television, in Middle Earth?
loulou| 7.17.12 @ 11:18AM
Tell us more about Tamara. Name names, please. And give us details.
TLP| 7.17.12 @ 4:21PM
I just did.
WRTolkas| 7.17.12 @ 12:08PM
Dear TLP:
Yes we have a television here in "Middle Earth;" however I am taking too many German Language and continuing education engineering classes to have the time to watch TV. And, TV is so depressing. Unfortunately, we are not hiring. I am taking the advanced studies, not watching TV, so I will not be found on the wrong side of the door.
TLP| 7.17.12 @ 4:22PM
DRUDGE REPORT.
JmsA| 7.18.12 @ 1:16AM
You've outdone yourself this time, TLP. I've long wondered why she always bit so hard on the bit. Now I know. Thanks.
Brookschwarzenegro | 7.17.12 @ 10:09AM
Sowell is saying that he has made it,
so let's pull up the ladder.
Skippy| 7.17.12 @ 2:22PM
You are saying you are a racist scumbag, so let's throw you to the violent roving mob.
JD| 7.17.12 @ 11:34PM
Ok, seriously, WTF? How did you derive anything resembling that supposed summary from the article, or anything else Sowell has written?
Appleby| 7.17.12 @ 7:21AM
Blacks are Victims; they can NEVER commit crimes and even if 3,000,000 people see them committing a crime, they didn't do it -- Whitey was behind the curtain pulling their strings. Blacks are Not Guilty. Of anything. Ever.
In Toronto this also extends to Muslims; in fact, the police congratulate themselves in their press conferences, and point out proudly that they have not mentioned "The M Word" or "The I Word" (that excruciating childish work-around!) despite the way it hangs clearly in the air.
Last night in a Black neighbourhood in Toronto 19 people were shot as a gunfight broke out in the middle of a barbecue. Meanwhile in City Council, Adam Vaughn (who lives in Whitebread World) is trying to ban bullets within the city limits.
TLP| 7.17.12 @ 7:27AM
"All it took was Clever Demagogues and Gullible Followers."
1930's Germany - SIEG HEIL!
2012 America - FOUR MORE YEARS!
Is the Economy a Story, anymore? Are 12 Million Outta Work Americans a Story, anymore? Cause I recall that during Republican Administrations, any downturn in the Economy is STORY#1 for the Non-Biased MSM. Any increase in Gas Prices is #2. Homelessness is #3.
Apparently, there are NO HOMELESS in Obama's Amerika.
How are all of the people in The Gulf doing since this Clever Demagogue put in place his Illegal Drilling Moratorium after an Oil Rig - Owned by a Company that gave him MORE MONEY than they did anyone else - Blew Up? An Oil Rig that HE gave a Safety Award to, and an Environmental Impact Waiver to.
Where's that $20 Billion?
The Media has a Constitutional DUTY to Report the News. To keep an Eye on Public Officials. To be the Watchdogs of our Liberty. Instead they have CHOSEN to be a Propaganda Arm of one Political Party, and to Propagate the BIG LIES of its Power Mad Leader.
RACE RIOTS?
#1 All day and All night, for a Month, at least.
Running Guns to Mexican Drug Lords without the Mexican Government's knowledge, for the purpose of Killing as many Mexicans and Americans as possible, on the Border, so as to advance a piece of Legislation?
Every News Outlet would be Screaming for IMPEACHMENT every Morning, Noon, and Night. The Drumbeat would be Never Ending.
Shakespeare was wrong.
First, Kill all the Reporters.
Then, the Lawyers.
MelvinNC| 7.17.12 @ 7:31AM
And what does our law enforcement authorities call these type of reprisals against Whites. "Isolated incidents, that have nothing to do with race." But, let a George Zimmerman come across and all of a sudden there is a catalyst for further bloodshed.
Many whites who have been on the receiving end of public lynchings by inner city blacks, have described a common thread. While being beaten they heard blacks taunting them, "Now you know what it feels like." In other words the filth that Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson are spreading is being listened to by illiterate inner city blacks. When I say, "illiterate," I don't use that term to be derogatory I use that term as fact because most inner city black youth have quit government run education, and usually join gangs.
Blacks, have been told all through their formative years, that it is perfectly acceptable public behavior to lash out with anger because they have been oppressed by the white man. It is now 2012 and the message has not changed since the sixties, and a large percentage of blacks within our communities still believe that racial oppression is still happening. Cont,
MelvinNC| 7.17.12 @ 7:32AM
Cont. Look at George Zimmerman from Florida, the man isn't eve white but the media, and race pimps have portrayed him as white and numerous accounts all across this Country have noted racial lynchings, with a common thread of, "This is for Treyvon." Now George Zimmerman is being lynched by his own government despite irrefutable evidence that says otherwise. The Liberal female prosecutor, and it even appears the judge have fallen under the attitude of, "We have to find George Zimmerman guilty because if we don't, there will be LA style race riots across this Country."
So George Zimmerman is not going to trial under the rule of law, he will be the sacrificial lamb to appease black America from not inciting riots.
Even, where I live in Jacksonville, NC I have heard comments of, "He dumb azz white boy, what you looking at, as I passed through low income and section 8 housing developments. I will not be intimidated by such racial ignorance. I suppose I could alter my route home from work but it would cost more gasoline, and take more time. Besides why should I? I have done nothing to those people, or has my father, or my grandfather, or his father before him. I have noting to apologize for, and I will not be cowed into submission for something that happened over hundred years ago.
TLP| 7.17.12 @ 7:43AM
You know what you gotta do.
Arm yourself.
You have a God Given Right to protect yourself.
Tried by 12?
Carried by 6?
It's not that difficult, when you come right down to it.
fmm| 7.17.12 @ 10:11AM
The race hustlers like Sharpton, Jackson, Obama, the NAACP, etc. are doing people of all colors a huge injustice. They have made the racial environment much worse and are slowly turning non-blacks against blacks. The over saturation of blacks on TV advertising way out of proportion to their population, the supposed advantages to blacks from affirmative action, the taking of wealth from others to support the welfare community, etc. foster dislike and distrust of blacks. With blacks now being allowed to get away with unlawful violence against other races, it is only a short time to the boiling point.
loulou| 7.17.12 @ 11:21AM
"The over saturation of blacks on TV advertising ..." Exactly! I'm sick of everyone on TV being black. News readers, commercials, weathermen, etc. Which is why I don't watch TV.
As far as I'm concerned we should be seeing 15% instead of 85% black.
Bob Grant| 7.17.12 @ 4:31PM
Along these lines,
If one were to form an opinion of this country based on watching only commercials, pop culture, and the news, you'd come to these conclusions:
*Only decidedly white males commit crimes in this country - see Brinks(ADT) or bail bond commercials
*All mid level managers, regardless of industry, are black. In addition, in every office setting, white people are clownish buffoons, stupid, and morally suspect... and but for a few "with it" black people holding the company together, the company would cease to exist - see any business-related commercial, current sitcom or television series, or movie.
* All CEO's and defense department heads are decidedly white, the epitome of evil, and raging racists who can barely contain themselves - see any cop/law television series, movie, or commercial
* White males, mostly younger white males, have no sense of themselves find the strong black male as the ultimate role model. They go as far as being a punching bag and whipping boy for opportunity to be in their presence and be in their good graces - see any commercial aired during a sporting event
JD| 7.17.12 @ 11:35PM
And all cool people have exactly one friend of every race.
Crassus| 7.17.12 @ 10:42AM
Just wait untill October if Obummer is trailing in the polls. Gonna be some serious Ubangi stomping going down if that's the case. Last year's flash mobs were just the rehearsal. This fall will be the main event.
TrueBlue | 7.17.12 @ 3:53PM
I keep saying it, if Obama loses in November prepare for mass rioting and martial law.
Butch| 7.17.12 @ 3:57PM
Last year? It happened yesterday, twice. Check out Drudge. There is video.
Crassus| 7.17.12 @ 10:07PM
Those two yesterday were still preliminary matches. The main events will be in October. Hunker down.
Joe D.| 7.17.12 @ 11:17AM
It would be great to attached this to the president. One way is to state that he has hurt the blacks more then help due to his destroying the economy. This has hurt the blacks more than anyone.
TrueBlue | 7.17.12 @ 3:53PM
Romney did that, he was called a racist.
Petronius| 7.17.12 @ 12:19PM
It isn't just that race riots make news. A Race riot is the news the media wants and loves. They take delight in burning homes and businesses because "whitey" always has to pay the bill.
JimH| 7.17.12 @ 12:43PM
Whether a race riot is news or not may depend on who is rioting. Just like the old adage: dog bites man – not news, man bites dog - news. In this country, a black riot is nothing new. A Polish riot would be a novelty. What Dr. Sowell is discussing here though is not the failure to report the riot. It is the misrepresentation as to its nature and the refusal by the msm to recognize that racism goes in all directions because it would mess up the pc narrative that they keep trying to foist on us.
RS72| 7.18.12 @ 6:07PM
"Most blacks and most whites in the United States today get along with each other. But what is chilling is how often in history racial or ethnic groups that co-existed peacefully for generations -- often as neighbors -- have suddenly turned on each other with lethal violence."
OUTSTANDING and important point. Do the media really think they're doing anyone a favor by covering up and outright lying about these attacks? It's insanity. Many of us can see the train rumbling down the tracks at us and it's maddening that the media pretend nothing is wrong.