2008 Woodie Awards
Our American nightmare: Michael Richards and the NYPD
Point/Counterpoint: Is the Queens shooting incident a clear case of racist police violence?
Bob Quellos, International Socialist Club
Issue date: 12/4/06 Section: Opinions
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A few times a year we hear a story in the news that reminds us of the high level of racism that exists within the United States. Last year, the major event was the Katrina disaster that left thousands of black residents surrounded by floodwaters for days with no assistance. Recently, a few more incidents have again reminded us how pervasive racism is within our society.
The first public incident was Michael Richards' racist rant in a Los Angeles comedy club. The following day Richards made a lame attempt at an apology on "Late Night with David Letterman," where he stated that he was not a racist and tried to identify his comedy style as the actual problem. Letterman then tried to draw attention away from Richards' racism by giving the comedian space to push some blame onto the hecklers. However they try to slice it, one thing is clear: when you state (as Richards did), "Fifty years ago, we would have had you upside down with a f****** fork up your ass," you are a racist. End of story.
Unfortunately, Richards was neither the last nor the worst of recent incidents that have occurred. On Nov. 25, the NYPD continued its long tradition of shooting to death young, innocent and unarmed black men. Sean Bell was leaving his bachelor party at a Queens nightclub with two friends when his life was quickly brought to an end by a barrage of bullets fired by the NYPD. The police, who were working undercover (and purportedly drinking at the same club), unloaded 50 bullets on the three men, with one officer firing his gun 31 times.
The officers claim they ordered the men to stop. However, those at the scene have stated otherwise. One witness told the New York Daily News, "The [police] minivan came around the corner and smashed into their car. [The Police] jumped out shooting. No 'stop.' No 'freeze.' No nothing." Bell died at the scene. His two seriously wounded friends were sent to the hospital and handcuffed to their beds, even though they had never been charged with a crime.
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The first public incident was Michael Richards' racist rant in a Los Angeles comedy club. The following day Richards made a lame attempt at an apology on "Late Night with David Letterman," where he stated that he was not a racist and tried to identify his comedy style as the actual problem. Letterman then tried to draw attention away from Richards' racism by giving the comedian space to push some blame onto the hecklers. However they try to slice it, one thing is clear: when you state (as Richards did), "Fifty years ago, we would have had you upside down with a f****** fork up your ass," you are a racist. End of story.
Unfortunately, Richards was neither the last nor the worst of recent incidents that have occurred. On Nov. 25, the NYPD continued its long tradition of shooting to death young, innocent and unarmed black men. Sean Bell was leaving his bachelor party at a Queens nightclub with two friends when his life was quickly brought to an end by a barrage of bullets fired by the NYPD. The police, who were working undercover (and purportedly drinking at the same club), unloaded 50 bullets on the three men, with one officer firing his gun 31 times.
The officers claim they ordered the men to stop. However, those at the scene have stated otherwise. One witness told the New York Daily News, "The [police] minivan came around the corner and smashed into their car. [The Police] jumped out shooting. No 'stop.' No 'freeze.' No nothing." Bell died at the scene. His two seriously wounded friends were sent to the hospital and handcuffed to their beds, even though they had never been charged with a crime.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
dave
posted 12/04/06 @ 9:02 AM CST
You should probably exercise a bit of caution before tarring everyone with the broad brush. Michael Richards may well indeed be a racist (whatever that is) or at least harbour certain broad anti-minority sentiments given the vicousness of his tirade. (Continued…)
Tim Smallwood
posted 12/05/06 @ 7:46 AM CST
Bob Quellos is an idiot! You do not make any good arguments. Maybe try going to college, non-liberal college, and get you a real education. You make no valid points in the article. (Continued…)
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