After this I’m going to try to stop beating this particular dead horse…

But regarding Charlie Kirk…
I’m not celebrating his death. I am amazed at the irony by which it occurred because one rarely sees such karma in real time. I hadn’t thought about him before the shooting, and he likely won’t remain in my thoughts once he’s out of the news.

But to folks like the fellow yesterday who called me "evil and cruel" and wished me harm because I can’t quite love my enemies (and who demonstrated he’s no different):

Suppose this had happened to Louis Farrakhan or Al Sharpton ? Would you be urging all this compassion and empathy for their loved ones ? Call me skeptical; I know my countrymen.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

I'll admit when the news first broke, I had to Google his name. I'd heard it, but not what he said--indeed, I have no use for statements like his.

When Sharpton got stabbed on the street in (I recall) the 90s, some commentator said. "I don't like the man or his statements, but I am NOT in favor of this. Get well soon, Mr. Sharpton". Hell, I walked right past him in Manhattan. Just another man in the street. I didn't say hi. But in no way would I be pleased if someone violently took him out.

Sure, there are plenty of us who draw a line between divisive figures and their families. I think it's barbaric to think otherwise.

bijouxbroussard · F

@uncalled4 I’d forgotten about that incident. I don’t think it got that much press. Rev. Sharpton is a very nice man. I’ve met him; seen and spoken to him when he’s come to the Bay Area.

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

@bijouxbroussard It's funny, I do think about talking to people with whom I disagree. I think there are things to be learned. Would I go to lunch with Sharpton or say a Klan member? Probably. Not to endorse their philosophies but get a perspective. I'm probably alone in that.

bijouxbroussard · F

@uncalled4 And one major difference is that Al Sharpton would happily have lunch with you. A Klansman is unlikely to agree to lunch with me.

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

@bijouxbroussard Well he would be missing out.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@bijouxbroussard he made some serious mistakes earlier in his career, but seems to have moderated a bit and become a good guy,nalthough in today's trumpist world, that isn't difficult.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/decades-later-al-sharpton-still-insists-no-justice-no-peace

bijouxbroussard · F

@samueltyler2 He was always an activist, like MLK. The late Julian Bond, whom he mentions as a mentor, was my uncle’s college roommate.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@bijouxbroussard i was living in NYC during the Teanna Brawley fiasco

This comment is hidden. Show Comment

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@bijouxbroussard believe me i am not defending the over 300 years of slavery/prejudice and bigotry, but he was persona non gratta for many years in the NY area. He became reinvented to some extent as a good guy, by Trump.

bijouxbroussard · F

@samueltyler2 I also know that he was persona non grata, but I would never credit Trump unless he wanted something from him. In our community, Sharpton was always still respected as someone who could get the authorities to at least listen when they ignored the rest of us.

I’m sorry, did I mention "slavery" at any point ? Emmett Till’s torture and murder for supposedly whistling at Carolyn Bryant happened during your lifetime. And the revelation that she had lied came out before her death in 2023.

The late Ed Bradley, who was usually so cool and calm, once asked her during an interview, practically spitting out the words,
"How does it feel, having gotten a child tortured and murdered ?" She didn’t answer. 😞

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@bijouxbroussard i used the term, on purpose, to bait and far right crazy reading this post.

I mentioned Trump because it was Sharpton's sharp rebuttals and counter attacks against so.msnybof Trump's crazy comments and actions which helped refine Sharpton and get him front and center in the media.

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

@bijouxbroussard I was standing under the Mid Hudson Bridge as he marched. Amazing to see.

I didn't know Ed Bradley, but seemed like a good guy, used to see him near the 60 Minutes set.

sarabee1995 · 26-30, F

@uncalled4 Sorry for jumping in so late to this chat, but you are not alone in seeking contact and conversations with those you have disagreement. I do as well and my purpose is as yours: to seek understanding and perspective regarding their opinions.

bijouxbroussard · F

@sarabee1995 Maybe it’s part of white privilege to not fear white people who hate, because it’s probably not directed at you? Could you see meeting with a member of Al Qaeda, for example, to have a conversation ? If not, why ?
Because I would feel just as unsafe around a Charlie Kirk.

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

@bijouxbroussard was she talking specifically about white people?

bijouxbroussard · F

@uncalled4 Knowing sarabee, unlikely, but I’m asking. I have recently been told that I’m being inhumane by not being able to separate the fact that Charlie Kirk didn’t view people like me as human from an ability to empathize. I have gone from not caring to really disliking the man. And it’s not like we embrace our enemies under any other circumstances.

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

@bijouxbroussard As I said, I had to Google him. I haven't reached back to see what he said or did, and in any case, no one has to listen to him anymore. I'm very thankful that many on both sides are rejecting what happened. When we do that, we have a opportunity to have a real dialogue.

I certainly don't blame you for rejecting anyone not accepting of people of color, because I reject them as well as people who would reject people who look like me.