Racism? or Character Issues?
In his book "At the Hands of Persons Unknown: The Lynching of Black America," author Philip Dray wrote that "lynching became the means of killing any African-American whose status, actions or attitudes challenged white supremacy." Back in 2007, the Jena 6 were plunged into the headlines because of their response to white students who thought hanging nooses on the tree they frequented was a joke. Thankfully, the matter in Lumberton didn’t go this far, but I am certain that the students wanted some fairness to be shown in how the matter was handled. So, when you have the complexion for the connection and a mother that’s an administrator at the school; you can pretty much do and say anything (including filming a teacher’s derrière and posting it on facebook)
Right before spring break, a teacher separated her students into groups and they were supposed to tell the class about their favorite hobby that started with the letter N. Well, when it came to one particular group, Teflon Don looked at the other students in his group and said nigger lynching. The matter was reported and somehow, it was deemed a he said/she said matter despite the statements that were taken from the students and teacher of the class. Now, you know you got to have some pull when a student’s word is taken over a teachers’. I guess it’s more important that this student is placed on the Who’s Who rather than deal with the fact that he’s a budding racist. In the midst of all this, the student later admitted that he and his group member (who happens to be African-American) thought the reference to lynching would be funny and garner a laugh from his classmates. I really don’t know how to categorize this posting. I wonder if the roles were turned, would an African-American student been given such leniency or if the white student wasn’t the son of a school administrator, would he have gotten away with making that kind of statement. I talked to some students about the incident, and most of them had the same response; this student is always getting away with things and they believe that there are three sets of rules in place at their school: one for the blacks, one for the whites and one for the children of teachers/administrators. One student said the following: “All I wish for in the city of Lumberton, especially at the school, is for everyone to be treated equally. Well of course there will still be hardcore racists and prejudice people, but it's 2011. If this situation would have taken place at any other school, the student would have been suspended or expelled, administrator's son or not. This kind of behavior should not be tolerated from any student.” Unfortunately, the various forms of racism don't die out but adapt to the times--preservation-through-transformation.
Are you talking about Mrs. I mean Dr. Smith's son, Michael? That boy had been getting in and out of trouble all his life and mommie is right there to take him out of ISS or anything else. But that's how things go in this town. If it had been anybody else, they would have been splattered on the news. Dr. Smith has no respect for anyone, especially a black man. Look at the way she treats her assistant, John. How did she get that job anyway, she don't have any classroom experience? Telling teachers to hug troubled students is not teaching. If I needed help with my singing, she would be the first one I came to but she's not administrator material.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Smith lost my respect after i attended the Black History program in February. She introduced all the members of the school board, but didn't recognize the mayor (who happens to be an African-American woman0 sitting in the front row. Now that's classy.
ReplyDeleteThe views expressed in comments published on Lumberton Informer are those of the comment writers alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of Lumberton Informer, nor do they represent the views or opinions of Jonathan Griffith, or any entity of, or affiliated with, Jonathan Griffith and Lumberton Informer.
ReplyDeleteThis is my opinion.... Lucky boy cause if he said that in front of some people I know(black and white) he woulda been in some trouble don't matter who mommy and daddy is!!! They are doing this child a disservice mommies reach only goes so far he won't be in lton for ever!
ReplyDeleteI blame the principal. Mrs. Smith is not doing what any other parent will do to protect their child. If the principal and teachers are letting her intimidate them, then that's their problem. The problem is the one that thought it was a good idea to let the boys slide b/c all of then that thought this would be funny should have been suspended; including Michael.
ReplyDeleteYou may have ppl reading, but the truth of the matter is, we know what's going on at the school, at city hall, etc. In my Charlie Sheen voice, we're winning. Take a look around. It doesn't matter that you guys have the majority on the board, as long as those two "boys" keep voting they way they have in the past, everything will be just fine. We run the school, we run the library, we run city hall, the bank and we're the managers/owners of almost every business here in Lumberton, so what that you got some black ppl to vote for their own, that's what they will always do, but rest assured, they don't care what happens once they get them into office. We don't care if Stephanie is stealing, lying or whatever. Just as long as we keep control of the office we will have control over Lumberton. We are glad that your "boys" are on our side, that way we know that we will keep any of your ppl from working in the important areas. Jonathan has a way with words, and he got a lot of ppl talking, but he let a old white woman beat him out for a reporting job for Lumberton; how's that for connections. The things said here may or may not be true, but we are not afraid of the things said on here because your ppl won't do anything to change things. Willie Lynch would be so proud to know that his theory is still working. Muah.
ReplyDeleteIm glad to see that this kind of behavior from Dr. Smith and Michael is noticed by others. So...What do we do. I have one question though. How did Michael getting away with everything get turned into just a racial issue. Yes his most recent incident obviously was but there are many more that had nothing do with black/white/purple/greeen etc.....Things happen that shouldn't because his mom and dad work at the school. Ohh and I might add that he isn't the only student that gets away with things b/c his parent/parents work at the school. What can a parent do besides put up with it or homeschool your children?
ReplyDeleteYou know her daughter working for pres Obama in DC.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some ridiculous comments on here before, but that one about whites running things absolutely takes the cake. Wake up people, it is 2011. None of that old race crap flies anymore for anyone. Whites aren't in control. Actually, the way things are going proves that NO ONE is in control. Anyone who thinks whites are in charge better look up, whites are the minority now and if you don't see the writing on the wall your genius is certainly not showing. What about the black people who have succeeded and been successful? Pulling the race card everytime something happens is an insult to them and to the older generation of the folks who actually lived through Jim Crow and who worked so hard during Dr. King's years. Both whites and blacks struggled together and died for what they believed then. The younger generations may see prejudice, but they know nothing of living through desegregation. Come on. It doesn't matter what color you are, if you are smart and motivated, you can get to where you want to be. The only one who can hold you back is you, and sadly that is what is really going on here. Don't be jealous because someone had the motivation to succeed when you didn't. Don't blame it on prejudice, or reverse-discrimination, or for being black or white trash. To many people of all races and ethnicities have managed to rise up out of horrible situations, and those people absolutely did not sit around blaming others and feeling sorry for themselves. This country is going to Hell and things are getting hard for everyone of every color. Spewing this kind of crap doesn't help anything, and when the axe falls and you need help, guess who will probably be the one to help? The one you least expect. Everyone is equal here, and if you don't understand that then you are living on another planet. Keep on with the woe is me, it only makes you look stupid. Keep acting like because you are white you are better, you look just as stupid. Both the whites and blacks showing their ignorance about all of this need to open their eyes to reality and stop using racism or reverse-discrimination as a crutch. Stand up on your own two feet and stop blaming every little thing on something else instead of putting the blame where it belongs--on yourself.
ReplyDeleteBeing a student at Lumberton High School, I was appalled by the statement. I would never in my life would have made racial slurs towards a white person. And if I did, I would have been crucified by the Smiths as well as suspended. No one will ever understand how I felt after he said that comment. And to not be punished for his actions disgusts me. It's not about race sure. It's about taking responsibility for your actions and not hiding behind your mother. I will say that if it had been a white student, a black student, anyone that wasn't a Smith, they would have been punished. Furthermore I have no respect for the Smith's
ReplyDeleteMichael Smith is a High School student. Dennis Holder is the High School Principal. If all of these accusations are true, is Dennis Holder hiding under a rock? Or, could it be that a politically incorrect joke was blown out of proportion? Too many blacks have a chip on their shoulder and just wait for an opportunity to spout off. Their mouth is a few seconds faster than their brain.
ReplyDeleteOne should never joke about hanging another person from a tree. I think Dennis should take more responsibility in the matter and I also think that this would have been a great opportunity to teach students about the ugly truth behind lynchings. A time when murder was entertainment, when racism was a creed and when the America we want to love was a country we just want to forget.
ReplyDeleteI find a degree of humor in the irony of blogging against half-truths, only to follow up with a blog predicated on a half-truth, especially without the qualifier "allegedly". Please, Jonathan, be certain of all the facts before blogging on such a matter. Otherwise, you will eventually come across as a misinformed tool, being used and led by whatever biases that engender you. While I appreciate your disclaimer regarding reader comments, as a blogger you do set the stage for those comments. If your aim is for the betterment of Lumberton, do so with discretion and prudence, using "da knowledge" with wisdom.
ReplyDeleteThe persons that are sharing this "misinformation" may enjoy the strife this has created..The student in question did NOT say the word that's so offensive..this was said by an African American student who was grouped with Michael..How sad that some people "embellish" and twist what was actually said for the sake of excitement and controversy. The family in question is an awesome example of quality in humanity..They seek to re-present Jesus in their daily life and as I observe them closely, my admiration and respect increase the longer I know them. Our community is extremely blessed to have this family and they feel God has placed them here to be a blessing to the whole city.. Stop the harmful words, knowing that the One Who judges all things is not pleased by such as this..If you feel offended, do what Jesus clearly tells us in the Word: Go to this family,with a humble heart that desires truth and peace.
ReplyDeleteYou have heard the old saying, "above our raising". I know Linda Smith has overcome many obsticals in her life to reach the success she has obtained and it has been through sacrifice and hard work. She would never put herself in a position that would jeopardize her years of work to "cover up" for her children. She and her husband are strong disciplinarians and see that their children are accountable. There have been half-truths and character assinations that need to be corrected regarding the Smiths.
ReplyDeleteI do not know what happened but I do have the utmost confidence in Dr. Holder. He had always been fair and just in matters pertaining to my children. I do know that as administrator can only do what one is allowed remember Dr. Holder he has a boss who is the superintendent. If you do not like what is happening contact your school board member and then put your name on the adgend 5 days prior to the day when they meet and attend the monthly board meeting.
ReplyDeleteokay...1. michael smith did make that comment speaking that i am also a high school student at lumberton i know this to be a fact. 2. no the comment should not have been said and he should have been punished. 3. yes his mother does get him out of alot of trouble, but i agree Mr. Holder is in charge there. The comment Michael made was a poor joke and should never have been said. but that was all it was...a joke. He did get ISI though maybe not the punishment some may thing suitable, to Michael that was more then enough because it also had negative responses on other things important to him. This is not some major racist ordeal. Michael is not racist. He treats everyone exactly the same whether they are white black brown blue or pink.
ReplyDelete