Two teens at top of CR466 Southern Trace Shopping Center tunnel?

[Taltarzac725]

I was on my way to pick up a take-out order at Crispers at 7:20 P.M. Saturday Night and two teens were flagging down golf carts on the north side of the CR466 tunnel. I zipped on by without stopping but one of the teens did ask if he could talk to me. One teen was getting the south going traffic, the other was getting the north. Not that it matters but both kids were black and maybe about 14 and male. Not very big either.

I am just wondering what they were doing? It looked like they might be asking for donations for something. That did seem to be an ill thought out place to be requesting for money for something as it would have been quite easy to cause an accident if too many golf carts came up the path at once. You had very little warning that the kids were there at the top of the tunnel path.

[redwitch]

Have been stopped there before. Not by teens, though. Previously, it was when the Urgent Care across the street was trying to drum up business. But it was very obvious who they were and what they wanted.

Who knows? These kids could have had a high school project where they had to interview strangers. (I can remember once when we were studying genetics I had to check 100 people to see if (1) they could roll their tongues; (2) they had hair on the second knuckle of their fingers; (3) their earlobes were attached (all genetic). I hit up a lot of folks at the local grocery store.)

[Taltarzac725]

Have been stopped there before. Not by teens, though. Previously, it was when the Urgent Care across the street was trying to drum up business. But it was very obvious who they were and what they wanted.

Who knows? These kids could have had a high school project where they had to interview strangers. (I can remember once when we were studying genetics I had to check 100 people to see if (1) they could roll their tongues; (2) they had hair on the second knuckle of their fingers; (3) their earlobes were attached (all genetic). I hit up a lot of folks at the local grocery store.)

No. I have never been stopped there before. I have seen panhandlers there once in a great while but they are aiming at car traffic and were set up in a position where you could see them from quite a distance. They would usually have signs like "Out of work, need food!" or something like that and this was in the middle of the day. There is often a group of these who hang out near the US 441/27 SuperWalmart and near the CVS.

I have done surveys like you mention both as taker and presenter while in college.

There were gone after I came back with the food about 7:35 P.M after being served by Jonathan. I had just told the teen "I'm busy" and proceeded to the stop sign. There was a couple who had just pulled off in their golf cart who were talking to one of the teens. There was not much traffic out for a Saturday night.

[karostay]

I was on my way to pick up a take-out order at Crispers at 7:20 P.M. Saturday Night and two teens were flagging down golf carts on the north side of the CR466 tunnel. I zipped on by without stopping but one of the teens did ask if he could talk to me. One teen was getting the south going traffic, the other was getting the north. Not that it matters but both kids were black and maybe about 14 and male. Not very big either.

I am just wondering what they were doing? It looked like they might be asking for donations for something. That did seem to be an ill thought out place to be requesting for money for something as it would have been quite easy to cause an accident if too many golf carts came up the path at once. You had very little warning that the kids were there at the top of the tunnel path.
The color of their skin didn't matter why on gods earth was it even mentioned ?
I'll probably get another deleted post by the authorities to be

[MikeV]

The color of their skin didn't matter why on gods earth was it even mentioned ?
I'll probably get another deleted post by the authorities to be

It's a description. Poster said it didn't matter. Why mention it again?:rant-rave:

[Taltarzac725]

The color of their skin didn't matter why on gods earth was it even mentioned ?
I'll probably get another deleted post by the authorities to be

It does not matter. I was describing the teens-- about 14 or so, small, and black. Maybe they have done their surveying or whatever they were doing somewhere else? If they were albino I would have written that as that would help with describing them. I did see at least one black albino when interviewing at the mainly black college North Carolina Central University around 1994 for a Law Library Reference position. http://www.nccu.edu/ Frankly, I had not known it was a black school when I applied because I was applying for every law librarianship opening back then no matter where it was.

I have a black nephew, really two of them, but never met the older son of my sister-in-law. Both are from relationships previous to my brother. I have dated at least one black woman Kathleen M., too whom I worked with at Information Access Company. She was/is (?) an opera singer with the Oakland Chorus who travelled from Richmond to Belmont every day. And, I do think their being black is important to them as the world still sees in colors like these.

[karostay]

It's a description. Poster said it didn't matter. Why mention it again?:rant-rave:

Why mention it in the first place!

[Happinow]

He mentioned it because he was being descriptive. They could be short, tall, black, white, red hair, yellow hair, one arm or two, wearing pink clothing or white clothing. Just a description. Ya never know, with all that's been happening in TV it does hurt to keep your eyes peeled and pay attention. Somewhere down the road you may have to describe someone. The OP was observant and that's what he saw. Quick trying to pick a fight with the race card. He was black and that's it.

[billethkid]

as in if a teenager threw a brick through your front window and he was not white what would you tell the police?

I too am weary of the seemingly ongoing need to make the every day run of the mill discussion need to be measured by a racial yard stick by some.

[Bucco]

as in if a teenager threw a brick through your front window and he was not white what would you tell the police?

I too am weary of the seemingly ongoing need to make the every day run of the mill discussion need to be measured by a racial yard stick by some.

Everything seems to turn racial anymore. Folks will turn their heads to whatever issue and go right to race. It is getting old for sure.

This OP meant no ill will but some will make it so !!!!!

PS...for what it is worth, in my opinion, that constant harrangue about race is what is driving a wedge between races.

[charlie49]

How often do you hear 'descriptive' people say, 'It was two white kids...'

[Bucco]

How often do you hear 'descriptive' people say, 'It was two white kids...'

Can only answer for me......I usually hear that when a non white is describing something...even on some cable news channels. Of course it is heard oft times by all races.

Point is, the point of the OP is shattered to discuss race. THIS is what happens all over the country in most discussions, and is to me, very very frustrating. Open discussion has lost its place.

[kstew43]

I think everyone has got off the point. Being that the tunnel is being used as a way to stop villagers and attempt to get them to do something, be it either pan handle or whatever.

It is unsafe for the golfcart user and the panhandler.

[perrjojo]

When I was at the airport in Atlanta I needed to describe someone to a black person. She asked me if it was a white woman. Yes, it was. So was she being racist too or was she just asking for a description? Thou doth protest too much, me thinks.

[karostay]

How often do you hear 'descriptive' people say, 'It was two white kids...'

Thank You :pray:

[justjim]

i think everyone has got off the point. Being that the tunnel is being used as a way to stop villagers and attempt to get them to do something, be it either pan handle or whatever.

It is unsafe for the golfcart user and the panhandler.

i agree----no place for solicitation of any type.

[graciegirl]

i agree----no place for solicitation of any type.



And since kids don't live in The Villages, they stand out. Did they have their pants at half mast?


If we saw two teens walking around our neighborhood they would stand out.

[JP]

In descriptions of unidentified persons, all colors or identifying characteristics are important.

More importantly, what the heck were those kids doing there. It seems like a dangerous spot to be for them and golf cart drivers.

[Indy-Guy]

It appears that no one knows what they were doing there.

[CFrance]

He mentioned it because he was being descriptive. They could be short, tall, black, white, red hair, yellow hair, one arm or two, wearing pink clothing or white clothing. Just a description. Ya never know, with all that's been happening in TV it does hurt to keep your eyes peeled and pay attention. Somewhere down the road you may have to describe someone. The OP was observant and that's what he saw. Quick trying to pick a fight with the race card. He was black and that's it.

as in if a teenager threw a brick through your front window and he was not white what would you tell the police?

I too am weary of the seemingly ongoing need to make the every day run of the mill discussion need to be measured by a racial yard stick by some.

Agree with both of you. The only mistake Tal made was opening himself up to ridicule by saying "not that it matters," which I think he said preemptively to ward off people calling him prejudiced. (Which I don't think he is.) He was being descriptive, and I believe it does matter in a description. If these people went on to some criminal mischief, we now have a description... "what color, what kind, what size, which one, how many, and whose."

[Arctic Fox]

Not that it matters but both kids were black and maybe about 14 and male. Not very big either.

There is no suggestion by the original poster that "Not that it matters but" refers to anything other than the whole of what follows: "both kids were black and maybe about 14 and male. Not very big either".

He chose to describe them in detail, but acknowledges that their description is not essential to the thrust of the post, which is about carts being asked to stop.

Ascribing "Not that it matters but" to just part of what follows says more about that person than it does about the original poster.

[karostay]

i agree----no place for solicitation of any type.
They may have been soliciting help or medical aid
But were presumed to be panhandlers

[Bucco]

They may have been soliciting help or medical aid
But were presumed to be panhandlers

"PANHANDLERS" ??????

I sure never saw that word in any post, nor do I see it implied at all.

I have been reading Taltarzac725's posts for years and he does not have a prejudice bone in his body and I think those who are implying these things should apologize to him.

This kind of totally made up language is disgusting in my opinion.

I really feel sorry for those who must reduce all things this way....it is really sad

[Abster]

You folks are amazing. The teens were described as "black" because they were. Suppose these two had been spotted, were up to no good, had committed a crime and the question was being asked if anyone had seen them? Would you use the word "black" in their description? Of course you would if in fact they were. I have to laugh. I'm from Richmond, Virginia. If a black commits a crime there, his color is rarely mentioned - even when LE is asking for the public's help. Go figure.

[Taltarzac725]

They may have been soliciting help or medical aid
But were presumed to be panhandlers


I never said they were panhandlers but were probably teens looking for donations for a high school field trip or something like that. I have seen these types of requestors at various store fronts in Southern Trace. Never at the top of the hill of the tunnel. My main point for posting this thread was that this seemed to be a rather dangerous place to ask for you to stop.

I had seen panhandlers at the road across from CVS before but this was usually around 1 P.M. and these were more often than not adults. And, this has only been maybe once a year over the nine years I have been in the Villages now, if that.

[Lovey2]

I'm kinda weary of people seemingly getting on here just to dissent with the OP, especially when it's off topic. Give it a break...if you don't like the info being imparted, go to the next thread. Not long ago many people were being harangued for not giving enough details before posting, and now this poor persons thread totally went off track because he gave a detail. It was helpful info, given so we can be aware. Thank you, OP!

[Bucco]

I'm kinda weary of people seemingly getting on here just to dissent with the OP, especially when it's off topic. Give it a break...if you don't like the info being imparted, go to the next thread. Not long ago many people were being harangued for not giving enough details before posting, and now this poor persons thread totally went off track because he gave a detail. It was helpful info, given so we can be aware. Thank you, OP!

Worse is when you distort and lie about what the OP says or even implies.

[rubicon]

He mentioned it because he was being descriptive. They could be short, tall, black, white, red hair, yellow hair, one arm or two, wearing pink clothing or white clothing. Just a description. Ya never know, with all that's been happening in TV it does hurt to keep your eyes peeled and pay attention. Somewhere down the road you may have to describe someone. The OP was observant and that's what he saw. Quick trying to pick a fight with the race card. He was black and that's it.

Happinow: I like the way you roll:wave:

[Shortie]

We were in the area last night and stopped to see what the 3 kids were doing at the end of the tunnel. They were selling magazine subscriptions. I hope this is the end of this tread.

[graciegirl]

We were in the area last night and stopped to see what the 3 kids were doing at the end of the tunnel. They were selling magazine subscriptions. I hope this is the end of this tread.




Welcome to the forum. Sorry your first post was in this thread.

[raynitsche]

We were in the area last night and stopped to see what the 3 kids were doing at the end of the tunnel. They were selling magazine subscriptions. I hope this is the end of this tread.

I'm sorry your post wasn't the second post. Thanks for a proper ending.

[rubicon]

This thread is a prime example of what I said on another post (People Kill People) and how you can't have a civil dialogue because people are so reactive, so easily offended and so emotional Happinow BTK had it right

Look at how the conversation changed quickly from what were these kids doing to race.

Sad

[Nana18]

The color of their skin didn't matter why on gods earth was it even mentioned ?
I'll probably get another deleted post by the authorities to be

Thank you for mentioning the above - why on earth does the color of their skin have to be mentioned? It sound racist to me.

[DougB]

Apparently some do not read all the posts on a thread. All questions have been answered.

[wendyquat]

Thank you for mentioning the above - why on earth does the color of their skin have to be mentioned? It sound racist to me.

I think the op used "black" kids to peg down if anyone else had seen them as he was curious asto what they were doing! By the way, if he had said two "white" kids not a word would have been said! I'm so tired of all this PC crap! It's very one sided!

[Bucco]

Thank you for mentioning the above - why on earth does the color of their skin have to be mentioned? It sound racist to me.

This is a waste obviously if you have not been paying attention, BUT

As I am someone who cares a lot, your post and this others crying race in a situation where it obviously doe not belong

ABSOLUTELY cheapens any credible reference to the use of that charge, and that is so very sad

[Carl in Tampa]

The color of their skin didn't matter why on gods earth was it even mentioned ?
I'll probably get another deleted post by the authorities to be

Why do YOU think it was mentioned?

Your question implies that you think the OP is racist.

It was mentioned because it is part of the description:

1. There were two people.
2. They were both male.
3. They were both black.
4. They were both teen-agers.
5. They were both of small build.
6. They were in an unsafe, inappropriate location.
7. They were engaged in an unexplained activity.

If either the police or the community watch had been contacted about this unsafe situation, all of these descriptors would have been appropriately provided to them. It is no less appropriate to provide the information to us in discussing what transpired.

I have lost patience with intolerant people who are self-appointed arbitrators of what others may say, particularly with regard to race.

In this case I think the police or community watch should have been called. It was a suspicious activity, as well as unsafe. Interfering with the flow of traffic, even golf cart traffic, can be quite dangerous.

:police: :police: :police:

[PJOHNS2654]

I think the op used "black" kids to peg down if anyone else had seen them as he was curious asto what they were doing! By the way, if he had said two "white" kids not a word would have been said! I'm so tired of all this PC crap! It's very one sided!

:agree::agree:

[redwitch]

Okay, I'm liberal. I really and truly believe that using PC speech has made a difference in America and will continue to do so. At the same time, if I see two people doing something I think is unsafe and want to warn others, I'm going to describe those individuals in as much detail as I can.

If they happen to be two white teen-age girls in cheerleader outfits, one blonde-haired and one a redhead, that's what you're going to get in a description from me. If one of those girls happens to of Asian descent, you'll hear about that, too (if I can guess the country of origin, you'll probably hear something like "one white redheaded girl and one Japanese girl were ....").

If they were two older teens that had a football players' build, I'd describe that and, yes, I'd include the race. Not because I'm racist but because that description is salient to the information I'm providing.

From knowing Tal over the years, I'd say he is probably the least racist person I know. He described what he saw. Literally and honestly. What more could we ask in anyone reporting a potentially dangerous situation?

[Bucco]

Okay, I'm liberal. I really and truly believe that using PC speech has made a difference in America and will continue to do so. At the same time, if I see two people doing something I think is unsafe and want to warn others, I'm going to describe those individuals in as much detail as I can.

If they happen to be two white teen-age girls in cheerleader outfits, one blonde-haired and one a redhead, that's what you're going to get in a description from me. If one of those girls happens to of Asian descent, you'll hear about that, too (if I can guess the country of origin, you'll probably hear something like "one white redheaded girl and one Japanese girl were ....").

If they were two older teens that had a football players' build, I'd describe that and, yes, I'd include the race. Not because I'm racist but because that description is salient to the information I'm providing.

From knowing Tal over the years, I'd say he is probably the least racist person I know. He described what he saw. Literally and honestly. What more could we ask in anyone reporting a potentially dangerous situation?

Ok...honest post, of which I can see some points but I have an important question (important to me)....

If you did not know Tal, would you have assumed racist ?

[redwitch]

Ok...honest post, of which I can see some points but I have an important question (important to me)....

If you did not know Tal, would you have assumed racist ?

Worded the way it was, probably not. As I said, it was an honest description of two young teens, with enough detail so they could be identified if there again.

Now, if Tal had simply said two young teens (not even giving the sex, let alone size, race), would you have been asking for more of a description of these two kids?

[CFrance]

Ok...honest post, of which I can see some points but I have an important question (important to me)....

If you did not know Tal, would you have assumed racist ?

Is this question open to anyone, Bucco? If so... If I did not know Tal (and I don't except from his posts on TOTV) I would assume he was trying to be totally descriptive but didn't want people to think he was racist in describing the kids as black. Thus "not that it matters" to me means, "I am not making a racial statement, but these kids were young, black, and (whatever else he said).

So no, I wouldn't have assumed racist. I would have assumed trying to be as PC as possible, or trying not to offend.

I could be wrong...?:shrug:

I think we should be allowed to say black, African American, Asian, Hispanic, etc., without having to defend ourselves when just making a descriptive statement. The racists will usually stand out loud and clear in print, IMO.

Sorry to butt in on your question to Redwitch.

[redwitch]

Sorry to butt in on your question to Redwitch.

Feel free to butt in any time. Great response.

[Lovey2]

Is this question open to anyone, Bucco? If so... If I did not know Tal (and I don't except from his posts on TOTV) I would assume he was trying to be totally descriptive but didn't want people to think he was racist in describing the kids as black. Thus "not that it matters" to me means, "I am not making a racial statement, but these kids were young, black, and (whatever else he said).

So no, I wouldn't have assumed racist. I would have assumed trying to be as PC as possible, or trying not to offend.

I could be wrong...?:shrug:

I think we should be allowed to say black, African American, Asian, Hispanic, etc., without having to defend ourselves when just making a descriptive statement. The racists will usually stand out loud and clear in print, IMO.


Sorry to butt in on your question to Redwitch.

I DID NOT assume racism. Simply took the observation for what it was, and didn't read into the wording.

[Moderator]

The question posed by the O.P. has been answered - see post #29.

This thread has gotten off topic from the original question that was posted and is now closed.

Moderator