Racism is Alive and Well in L.A. (Los Angeles, Compton: crime, neighborhoods)

[CESpeed]

The PR machine is at it again! The teen who was shot near the Beverly Center (predominately white touristy part of town) has now been shot "near his home" (Crenshaw District - predominately Black). It's amazing. They can't say anything negative about his kid or his family (damned decent, hard working Black people) so they are trying to hint that it's the area he comes from is the problem.

I guess we should be grateful for small favors. The media is actually talking about it, 2) they admit it's a good family and 3) they admitted that he had no gang ties, even though they believe the people who killed him are gang members.

[nickdahammer]

Another trick local media uses (and it isn't just the local media here) is associating transit with crime. God help me, I was watching Fox (faux...?) News and a guy started his South L.A. crime story with: 'The Blue Line train (video of the train going by). Gangs. Violence." Then he starts reporting on a shooting in Compton, menacing music in the background.

And what exactly does the freaking train have to do with a shooting? Is there any connection whatsoever? Of course not. The gig is FEAR because it appeals to the lowest common denominator, gets the networks higher ratings. I bet half the news 'team' doesn't even live in town which is so ironic as they are supposedly to be reporting what goes on locally.

[DontH8Me]

I am more concerned with the plebes who gobble up these news stories as if they are the gospel truth. Many peole know the media for what it is - but many don't. The latter group is what has me worried.

[marilyn220]

Originally Posted by DontH8Me

I am more concerned with the plebes who gobble up these news stories as if they are the gospel truth. Many peole know the media for what it is - but many don't. The latter group is what has me worried.

Was the boy shot by blacks, latinos or whites?

Was it ever established? If they were latinos, then more than likely it was racism.

[SAT3LokS]

Originally Posted by marilyn220

Was the boy shot by blacks, latinos or whites?

Was it ever established? If they were latinos, then more than likely it was racism.

Why do you say if it was Latinos then its racism?

[DontH8Me]

Originally Posted by marilyn220

Was the boy shot by blacks, latinos or whites?

Was it ever established? If they were latinos, then more than likely it was racism.

What's even scarier is if we are talking about the murder of Jamiel Shaw Jr., his father actually came on the news to point out that it was not a race thing, but a gang thing. From the LA Times Homicide report, it appears others are not buying this argument either - I have not seen as many comments posted to one case as this has. To answer your question, he was shot (allegedly) by Latino youths.

The Homicide Report : Los Angeles Times : Jamiel Shaw Jr., 17

[CESpeed]

Yes that's the case we are talking about. It's amazing how the reports have changed from the time he was shot to today, his funeral.

Btw, the racism I'm referring to is the way the media covers these events. Why are they all of a sudden no longer identifyingthe area where he got shot as near the Beverly Center? Because the powers that be want the tourists and people (predominatly white) who are able to pay the high taxes for that area to feel like they are safe and these shootings only happen in ethnic neighborhoods.

[mommabear2]

Originally Posted by DontH8Me

I am more concerned with the plebes who gobble up these news stories as if they are the gospel truth. Many peole know the media for what it is - but many don't. The latter group is what has me worried.

I agree. I recently wrote the editor of the L.A. Times complaining about the way an area that has been receiving really bad news coverage for a straight week. This area is primarily hardworking immigrants w/ families... but if you read the Times they make it seem like there's nothing but drug dealing thugs living there. To me, this only promotes ignorance and is more damaging than informative.

[wclac]

Originally Posted by CESpeed

Yes that's the case we are talking about. It's amazing how the reports have changed from the time he was shot to today, his funeral.

Btw, the racism I'm referring to is the way the media covers these events. Why are they all of a sudden no longer identifyingthe area where he got shot as near the Beverly Center? Because the powers that be want the tourists and people (predominatly white) who are able to pay the high taxes for that area to feel like they are safe and these shootings only happen in ethnic neighborhoods.

Why don't these gangs just go away!?

[CESpeed]

I've said this in another thread but I think it bears repeating. I work with some of these kids and for most of them, having someone who is doing something positive with their life taking one or two hours a week to spend with them, as well as giving them positive guidance and support will go a long way to curbing gang violence.