By: Jessie

Jessie — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:11:49 +0000

Thanks for that addendum, Joe. Very good point about the class dynamics, which of course, are consistent with the ways that lynchings have typically played out in this country – the white working class does the actual violence, while the white middle and upper classes remain indifferent. And, Seattle, on your point about the “N” – word, you might listen to the NPR interview I linked to as one of the ministers tells an interesting story about the use of that word in Jasper.

By: Seattle in Texas

Seattle in Texas — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:01:42 +0000

Somewhat related–at least to how this incident has impacted that town also, is the use of the “N” word. I was talking with a person who is of color and in his early adult years, and who was born and raised in Jasper through high school years, then moved with his family to a different part of Texas. We were discussing issues of racism and how it is different (as well alike) between down here and up in the Pacific Northwest in various ways. I explained that I was suprised with how the “N” word is used in so many ways down here, how it seems so perfectly acceptable or normal, etc. He explained that after that incident, the town quit using it–folks of both communities. And when he hears people use that term he directly asks them why they have to say that. He explained before that incident, the word was used much like it is used around where we are at–but after that event, it is a very bad word in that area and for most of the folks who come from there. I think we both wished it were considered a bad word everywhere…but I am not sure if this is something that has been noted in the work and discussions on this town. Very sad, sad event, as are so many others and those that will never be told. :`( “““““`

Comments on: Jasper, Texas: 10 Years After a Racist Murder

By: Jessie

By: Seattle in Texas