Why "White Power?"

[LoisR]

By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.

[John_W]

Watch the whole video and not just the 15 seconds the media used for their sound byte, which portrayed TV in a bad light. You'll see after several minutes of the woman in black intimidating Villagers into responding and then the camera catching that moment, you'll see it was a setup. Also, you're a little late to the party. This is have brought up a dozen times on this board since that parade on June 14th and discussed at length.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLgyJBUaNVg)

[Investment Painting Contractors]

watch the whole video and not just the 15 seconds the media used for their sound byte, which portrayed tv in a bad light. You'll see after several minutes of the woman in black intimidating villagers into responding and then the camera catching that moment, you'll see it was a setup. Also, you're a little late to the party. This is have brought up a dozen times on this board since that parade on june 14th and discussed at length.

youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klgyjbuanvg)

amen amen amen ///////

[Two Bills]

Because 'Us' think 'Them' are different
'Them' think 'Us' are different.
Something different can be scary.
So 'Us' fear of them, and 'Thems' fear of us, could be a reason for our differences.
Personaly I blame all my shortcomings on 'Those' others!!

[Two Bills]

///

[Bucco]

Yet the OP AND the "gentleman" yelling were referring to skin color.

Methinks, you missed the entire point, on purpose ? Your response ignores the real issue, and as always it is "someone else's fault"

[graciegirl]

By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.

I agree with your wondering why people are afraid. Many of us who live here came from much the same level of safeness as here. As far as shootings and robberies and car thefts etc. This really does not relate to race, but I guess statistically it may relate to race. The words white power to me...all alone, those words are really no different than saying "Girl Scout Power" or "Bosox Power" or "New York Power" or even "women power" or Power to the People". It is because of the focus by the news media and Madison Avenue on the Black Lives Matter movement that many really ordinary people are beginning to feel guilty and wonder what did they do wrong??? I think that more than likely it may have meant just that. I am white. I haven't harmed anyone because of race. I have no issues that I know of with race, why does it seem that so many people don't like me because I am white?????? I think it may be that feeling. I don't know. In and by itself the words white power seem not wrong or bad. Many people associate the words white supremacy with the KKK and lynchings and terrible hatred and of course anything that the Aryans and the KKK do is hateful. People who are completely innocent are feeling unsettled and are wondering what is expected of them........That is what I think.

[GoodLife]

By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.

The cart parade was not a bunch of people yelling white power. The guy who said it in a sarcastic way was replying to several protesters who were yelling "FU, Fing Nazis, Where's your hood?" etc etc Maybe you should analyze that behavior.

[perrjojo]

It’s also likely the man was just trying to be as annoying as those yelling obscenities and Natzi Lovers. He was stiring the pot just as the guy who parks his golf cart around TV with anti Trump signs. Neither side seems to act very civil anymore. I guess he is paying dearly for his impetuous, smart mouth, as are residents of TV.

[Taltarzac725]

Appreciate your intelligent start for a hard discussion.

I interviewed at North Carolina Central University for a law librarian position in late 1994 and never saw so many different shades of African American skin colors. NCCU is a historically African-American school.

I was applying to everything in was remotely qualified for in the fall of 1994 and honestly had not known NCCU was a African American university. But was excited to be visiting and they paid for the plane trip from Chicago. And the hotel stay.

Not sure why in 2020 we would even need universities that have student bodies which have one ethnicity that is predominate.

Until you look at the histories of these schools though and the hard roads that they had to travel to survive.

Also probably schools like NCCU are good for people who share a lot of the same life experiences and who can empathize with one another.



By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.

[dewilson58]

The cart parade was not a bunch of people yelling white power. The guy who said it in a sarcastic way was replying to several protesters who were yelling "FU, Fing Nazis, Where's your hood?" etc etc .


Bingo.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I understand there are a lot of people that may be a lot more conservative then me . Look all I have to do is open my mouth and people know I’m from Boston , I’ve been here quite a few years in 5 different homes and I never had a conversation with anyone who asked me if how it was living with black people . The gym I go to is in Leesburg and I travel to Orlando and Ocala at least 4 or 5 days a month and I’ve never been asked about taking a gun , sometimes reading this site makes me think there might be people who think like this but hopefully not many. I understand the message the writer was trying to put out there but I think it gets lost in the time ay it was set up

[LoisR]

One can never be late to the party when the guest of honor is racism. Oh oh, I may be wrong. You can be late to the party when you don't like the color of the hearse you are being transported in.

[Buckeye Boy]

LoisR
One simple question to you....would you object if someone had yelled “black power”.
My objection to your post has nothing to do with the comment. My objection is that you object to the man saying “white power”. Where are his equal rights?
To paraphrase a quote...I do not support what he said but I will defend to the death his right to say it.
After all....it is the 4th of July.
Have a good one.

[Taltarzac725]

The whole thing seems to be about people acting stupidly.

[17362]

Some people have lived their lives being belittled, intimidated, harassed, etc. and the only way the know to have someone stop, they are being provoked, is to say things that are so outlandish to shut them up. (They don’t mean it, just want them to stop harassing them)
This is what comes out in situations like that was. That is what MOST people are blind to see.
I don’t agree with it but I have seen it over and over again.
Some people actually do the provoking to get “it on camera” with this day and age of everyone has a camera.
It has nothing to do with why would someone do that AND mean it.
Think about that.

[John41]

When I was in high school the black male students would hang out in the boys restroom and bully the smaller white kids that came. My friend said that was on the job training for them in their future occupations. There were a few popular black students and they were readily included in activities with my white friends. My parents were very open minded and would not tolerate any racial or religious remarks toward minorities. But we saw in school that for the most part the black students were low achievers except in sports and sometimes music. They also seemed to walk around with a chip on their shoulders. Then in college we never saw black students. When the company I worked for was forced by law to hire minorities most of them were clearly not up to job requirements and just for show. Then they got promotions over better qualified whites which was unfair.(two wrongs don’t make a right). Many of them went on welfare at taxpayers expense and the fathers left home. The athletes like OJ seemed to always get in trouble with the law . The rap music had a theme of violence and hatred of women. So there you have a few reasons while many whites have a low opinion of blacks. This is unfortunate because there are some very smart blacks who contribute to society and they should be in the news not the protesters. But the media hates our country and uses and encourages blacks to be their pawns.

[EdFNJ]

Why is no one questioning the "F**k Trump comments? Why is the woman who stood in the way of a golf cart not the center of this story. Simply because there is a difference between "offensively rude protest" and "blatant racism."

[graciegirl]

I have never ever heard anyone say "white power". I honestly didn't know it was wrong to say. Who gets to decide what is naughty and what is nice???

[manaboutown]

When I was in high school the black male students would hang out in the boys restroom and bully the smaller white kids that came. My friend said that was on the job training for them in their future occupations. There were a few popular black students and they were readily included in activities with my white friends. My parents were very open minded and would not tolerate any racial or religious remarks toward minorities. But we saw in school that for the most part the black students were low achievers except in sports and sometimes music. They also seemed to walk around with a chip on their shoulders. Then in college we never saw black students. When the company I worked for was forced by law to hire minorities most of them were clearly not up to job requirements and just for show. Then they got promotions over better qualified whites which was unfair.(two wrongs don’t make a right). Many of them went on welfare at taxpayers expense and the fathers left home. The athletes like OJ seemed to always get in trouble with the law . The rap music had a theme of violence and hatred of women. So there you have a few reasons while many whites have a low opinion of blacks. This is unfortunate because there are some very smart blacks who contribute to society and they should be in the news not the protesters. But the media hates our country and uses and encourages blacks to be their pawns.

Well stated! Your experiences and observations parallel mine.

[alwann]

LoisR
One simple question to you....would you object if someone had yelled “black power”.
My objection to your post has nothing to do with the comment. My objection is that you object to the man saying “white power”. Where are his equal rights?
To paraphrase a quote...I do not support what he said but I will defend to the death his right to say it.
After all....it is the 4th of July.
Have a good one.

Not absolutely sure, but I don't think angry whites started saying "white power" until those American Olympic medalists in 1968 raised their fists and the media described it as a "black power salute."

[oldtimes]

When I was in high school the black male students would hang out in the boys restroom and bully the smaller white kids that came. My friend said that was on the job training for them in their future occupations. There were a few popular black students and they were readily included in activities with my white friends. My parents were very open minded and would not tolerate any racial or religious remarks toward minorities. But we saw in school that for the most part the black students were low achievers except in sports and sometimes music. They also seemed to walk around with a chip on their shoulders. Then in college we never saw black students. When the company I worked for was forced by law to hire minorities most of them were clearly not up to job requirements and just for show. Then they got promotions over better qualified whites which was unfair.(two wrongs don’t make a right). Many of them went on welfare at taxpayers expense and the fathers left home. The athletes like OJ seemed to always get in trouble with the law . The rap music had a theme of violence and hatred of women. So there you have a few reasons while many whites have a low opinion of blacks. This is unfortunate because there are some very smart blacks who contribute to society and they should be in the news not the protesters. But the media hates our country and uses and encourages blacks to be their pawns.

I agree that many people form their opinions based on what they see in the media and even worse by what they read on social media like facebook. Where I came from was a very diverse city and my son was able to swear in several different languages. In each nationality/race there were good people and bad but the only ones you heard about were the bad ones.

[retiredguy123]

When I was in high school the black male students would hang out in the boys restroom and bully the smaller white kids that came. My friend said that was on the job training for them in their future occupations. There were a few popular black students and they were readily included in activities with my white friends. My parents were very open minded and would not tolerate any racial or religious remarks toward minorities. But we saw in school that for the most part the black students were low achievers except in sports and sometimes music. They also seemed to walk around with a chip on their shoulders. Then in college we never saw black students. When the company I worked for was forced by law to hire minorities most of them were clearly not up to job requirements and just for show. Then they got promotions over better qualified whites which was unfair.(two wrongs don’t make a right). Many of them went on welfare at taxpayers expense and the fathers left home. The athletes like OJ seemed to always get in trouble with the law . The rap music had a theme of violence and hatred of women. So there you have a few reasons while many whites have a low opinion of blacks. This is unfortunate because there are some very smart blacks who contribute to society and they should be in the news not the protesters. But the media hates our country and uses and encourages blacks to be their pawns.
You are being too logical about it. I think you are supposed to ignore or forget all of these types of observations and experiences.

[davem4616]

I have never ever heard anyone say "white power". I honestly didn't know it was wrong to say. Who gets to decide what is naughty and what is nice???


My guess is that we each get to decide what is naughty and what is nice...it's all based upon our personal values, beliefs and common sense..

the conundrum is that we don't all share the same values, beliefs and common sense

I read once that all communication occurs in the mind of the listener....I believe that to be true. If we're not on the same wave length, share the same values the risk of being misunderstood is always present...

a phrase or word that we believe to mean one thing can have a totally different connotation for someone else once it goes through their 'filter'...our voice intonation can change the way that a phrase is 'heard'...and unfortunately someone ends up taking umbrage, when no offense was intended

then you can throw into the mix a subculture that assigns a new meaning to a phrase, or those who's deliberate desire is to stir the pot and foster their own personal objective or cause...and that changes everything

There is a book that came out about 20 years ago titled "The Four Agreements"

- be impeccable with your words;
- don't take anything personal;
- don't make assumptions
- always do your best

principles to live life by and truly help one determine what is naughty and what is nice

[Number 10 GI]

When I was in high school the black male students would hang out in the boys restroom and bully the smaller white kids that came. My friend said that was on the job training for them in their future occupations. There were a few popular black students and they were readily included in activities with my white friends. My parents were very open minded and would not tolerate any racial or religious remarks toward minorities. But we saw in school that for the most part the black students were low achievers except in sports and sometimes music. They also seemed to walk around with a chip on their shoulders. Then in college we never saw black students. When the company I worked for was forced by law to hire minorities most of them were clearly not up to job requirements and just for show. Then they got promotions over better qualified whites which was unfair.(two wrongs don’t make a right). Many of them went on welfare at taxpayers expense and the fathers left home. The athletes like OJ seemed to always get in trouble with the law . The rap music had a theme of violence and hatred of women. So there you have a few reasons while many whites have a low opinion of blacks. This is unfortunate because there are some very smart blacks who contribute to society and they should be in the news not the protesters. But the media hates our country and uses and encourages blacks to be their pawns.


My grandson related the same thing to me about his high school in Knoxville, TN. He said that black students would stand in a group in the middle of the hall way and if a white student tried to walk through them there would be a fight. He said a white student had to be on their toes to avoid incidents like that. This was one of the highest rated schools in Knoxville. I've never heard him express any racial animus towards minorities. I guess we know who the bigger person is.

[GoodLife]

Simply because there is a difference between "offensively rude protest" and "blatant racism."

Malarkey! Calling someone a Nazi or asking "where's your hood" are racist, it's racist to imply someone is racist when all they are doing is participating in a peaceful cart parade for someone you didn't vote for.

[jim1941]

I'll bet there was alcohol involved on both sides. Sometimes we do and say crazy things when we are under the influence. It's another black eye for The Villages. I wonder if Red Sauce will come up with a "White Power" drink like they did with the "Sex on the Square" drink.

[Fredman]

Is it racist to have Black Entertainment Television or Miss black USA or the black caucus in Washington. What if all those BLACK words were replaced by WHITE? Would that be racist?

[manaboutown]

I'll bet there was alcohol involved on both sides. Sometimes we do and say crazy things when we are under the influence. It's another black eye for The Villages. I wonder if Red Sauce will come up with a "White Power" drink like they did with the "Sex on the Square" drink.

They likely serve White Russians and Johnny Walker Black Label scotch. If so they are even steven.

[John41]

My grandson related the same thing to me about his high school in Knoxville, TN. He said that black students would stand in a group in the middle of the hall way and if a white student tried to walk through them there would be a fight. He said a white student had to be on their toes to avoid incidents like that. This was one of the highest rated schools in Knoxville. I've never heard him express any racial animus towards minorities. I guess we know who the bigger person is.

Maybe, he simply doesn’t learn from experience. Nothing to do with being a bigger person. Or he may have feelings toward minorities he doesn’t express to you knowing how you obviously feel.

[speedo8357]

I grew up in NY, and went to elementary school In the 6os in a segregated school in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. I’ve lived in three different states, and no onE has ever asked me what it’s like to “live with them so close.” Thankfully, the people I seem to associate with are color blind —both professionally & socially. My only experience with segregation is from politicians who rely on identity politics — I think because they have nothing else to offer.

[Michael Charles]

My grandson related the same thing to me about his high school in Knoxville, TN. He said that black students would stand in a group in the middle of the hall way and if a white student tried to walk through them there would be a fight. He said a white student had to be on their toes to avoid incidents like that. This was one of the highest rated schools in Knoxville. I've never heard him express any racial animus towards minorities. I guess we know who the bigger person is.

In my high school (I graduated in '77 with 178 others kids) it was 95% white kids. There were bullies always blocking the hallway going towards the cafeteria, these guys were all white. They would pick out a weaker kid walking down that hallway and scare the kid simply by intimidation, mob mentality. Knocking his books out of his hand and making not so nice verbal comments. My point is that bullies come in ALL races. Bullies are simply looking for attention, looking for others to prey on to make themselves feel superior and trying to either fit in to an existing group or start their own "club"

[mamamia54]

In my moms later years I had an aide for her. Only a few hours a week so I could get out of the house. She was a black woman. We treated her like family. Including , but not limited to, leaving when her grandson missed his school bus, daughters car didn’t start, etc. I would tell her it’s fine just go. That meant I showered mom and got her ready for the day. I didn’t mind, I had a wonderful mother (and father). When she came back she would say I tell my friends I work for good “white” people. Then she would go on to say that say impossible there are no good “white” people. I have always found black people to be much more racist than white people. Personally, I would like to get to know a person to decide if I like them or not. There are white people I dislike, black people I like. Cut our skin and only one color will come out, red. It would really be such a beautiful world if everyone can just like and dislike people for who they are, not the color of their skin.

[Number 10 GI]

Maybe, he simply doesn’t learn from experience. Nothing to do with being a bigger person. Or he may have feelings toward minorities he doesn’t express to you knowing how you obviously feel.

Please tell me how I obviously feel.

[Number 10 GI]

In my high school (I graduated in '77 with 178 others kids) it was 95% white kids. There were bullies always blocking the hallway going towards the cafeteria, these guys were all white. They would pick out a weaker kid walking down that hallway and scare the kid simply by intimidation, mob mentality. Knocking his books out of his hand and making not so nice verbal comments. My point is that bullies come in ALL races. Bullies are simply looking for attention, looking for others to prey on to make themselves feel superior and trying to either fit in to an existing group or start their own "club"

My grandson's graduating class was over 500 students, the school had nearly 2,000 kids in it. It was blatant intimidation towards whites as they didn't have a problem with another black student passing through their blockade. You are way behind on what goes on in schools if you graduated in 77.

[Bucco]

The cart parade was not a bunch of people yelling white power. The guy who said it in a sarcastic way was replying to several protesters who were yelling "FU, Fing Nazis, Where's your hood?" etc etc Maybe you should analyze that behavior.

SO, your premise is that any judgement on your actions should go back at least one step and see what action caused it ?

That does not seem to work for those with a different skin color.

[retiredguy123]

In my moms later years I had an aide for her. Only a few hours a week so I could get out of the house. She was a black woman. We treated her like family. Including , but not limited to, leaving when her grandson missed his school bus, daughters car didn’t start, etc. I would tell her it’s fine just go. That meant I showered mom and got her ready for the day. I didn’t mind, I had a wonderful mother (and father). When she came back she would say I tell my friends I work for good “white” people. Then she would go on to say that say impossible there are no good “white” people. I have always found black people to be much more racist than white people. Personally, I would like to get to know a person to decide if I like them or not. There are white people I dislike, black people I like. Cut our skin and only one color will come out, red. It would really be such a beautiful world if everyone can just like and dislike people for who they are, not the color of their skin.
There is no question that black people are more racist than white people. When I worked for the Federal Government and travelled with my inspection team, we often encountered black hotel clerks, especially in the South. Whenever we had a problem, issue, or special request for the hotel, all I had to do was to ask my black team member to handle it. The hotel clerks would bend over backwards to get us anything we needed. Their racism against white people was blatant.

[GoodLife]

SO, your premise is that any judgement on your actions should go back at least one step and see what action caused it ?

That does not seem to work for those with a different skin color.

Walk up to a black male and say FU to his face. You'll get a reaction and you will be certain what caused it.

[Bucco]

Walk up to a black male and say FU to his face. You'll get a reaction and you will be certain what caused it.

I suppose there is some relationship between your comments, my response, etc.

Please don't bother explaining

[manaboutown]

///

[seoulbrooks]

Me thinks the OP is trying to stir the pot a little bit. I was born and raised in Florida and I have never heard those statements come out of any ones mouth. However, while a member of the military I heard the likes from both sides of the room but they were not Floridians. You seem to imply the racist are here in Florida because you never heard that kind of conversation living in New York. Yea, I bet. Give us all a break and stop trying to cause problems. If indeed you did hear those type of statements from individuals living in the area, did you shut them down and tell them to stop being stupid? Why don't we comment on something to bring folks together and stop with the degrading of others. Wish all of you a great Independence Day!

[LoisR]

That's what s rascist sounds like.

[LoisR]

Rascism has no excuse.

[LoisR]

Only if you can really look yourself in the mirror. Figure that one out.

[LoisR]

Gee. Since when is there a timeline to confront racism?

[graciegirl]

Gee. Since when is there a timeline to confront racism?

REPLY WITH QUOTE, Please.

[Northwoods]

Both comments were wrong. The "white power" comment was wrong, even if he was caught up in the moment. But the "Nazi" comment was equally wrong.
The OP is shocked by the "white power" statement, yet in another thread, she said "You can't deny the truth. Leadership has responsibilities. One is honesty. Another is freedom of speech. Restrain or manipulate either and one begins to mimic Nazi leadership philosophy." So... I guess you DON'T really have an issue with that woman calling people in The Villages "Nazi," because you're able to justify that label. Look in the mirror. I think you have a lot in common with the people you were describing in your original post.

[Number 10 GI]

I get so weary of people who have no logical counter argument so they call every one they disagree with a racist. Juvenile.

[Tom2172]

FakeNewsMedia propaganda brainwashing before you can destroy a group you must 1st demonize them. Propaganda is never true buts it’s Very effective.
FakeNewsMedia went crazy promoting a 15 sec clip!
Because Brainwashing propaganda works.
Nazi propaganda demonized Jews result was it was then okay to mistreat them.
FakeNewsMedia propaganda demonizing whites the result is the same

[Windguy]

Also, you're a little late to the party. This is have brought up a dozen times on this board since that parade on June 14th and discussed at length.
I believe you missed the OP’s point.

Mention of the White Power video only set up the question. The issue raised is that there IS a lot of racism in America and the OP was asking what turns a person into a racist. Why do people cross the street when they see a minority coming towards them? Why do they say “I’ll wait for the next one” when waiting for an elevator? What instills this irrational fear in people?

[DrBrutyle109]

Idiots!

[noslices1]

By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.

I have never been asked any of those questions about “them” or carrying a gun to go somewhere. Maybe you just need to get new friends

[super5089]

Watch the whole video and not just the 15 seconds the media used for their sound byte, which portrayed TV in a bad light. You'll see after several minutes of the woman in black intimidating Villagers into responding and then the camera catching that moment, you'll see it was a setup. Also, you're a little late to the party. This is have brought up a dozen times on this board since that parade on June 14th and discussed at length.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLgyJBUaNVg)

I agree she was wrong but I don't think my initial response would be to yell White Power I would have yelled shut up

[jebartle]

Shocking that politics dominate our paradise. We should all take a chill pill!!! Where does all this hate originate? Hmmmmm!

[coffeebean]

REPLY WITH QUOTE, Please.

Oh, I get it. I have requested, many times, that posters REPLY WITH QUOTE. We are not mind readers on this forum and it is impossible most times to figure out who a poster is directing their comment to. I see I'm not the only one who would like to see this forum used properly.

[Windguy]

My grandson's graduating class was over 500 students, the school had nearly 2,000 kids in it. It was blatant intimidation towards whites as they didn't have a problem with another black student passing through their blockade. You are way behind on what goes on in schools if you graduated in 77.

Maybe because you were white you only noticed when YOU were intimidated by blacks. I suspect that there were groups of white kids who did the same to the blacks.

[Windguy]

There is no question that black people are more racist than white people.
Wow!

[coffeebean]

I believe you missed the OP’s point.

Mention of the White Power video only set up the question. The issue raised is that there IS a lot of racism in America and the OP was asking what turns a person into a racist. Why do people cross the street when the see a minority coming towards them? Why do they say “I’ll wait for the next one” when waiting for an elevator? What instills this irrational fear in people?

One more question.........why do prisons have higher ratios of blacks to whites when there is a much lower percentage of blacks in our population?

[Bandb875]

Totally agree, his statement was defensive, an instant response to those verbal attacks. I would like to know exactly how diverse that ladies home address really is. I'm thinking not anymore diverse than TV. Of course TV is not lacking in diversity by design, anyone can come here if they want.

[deebrock]

Wow John I thought everything said was very interesting.

[Ponygirl]

Every day I read TOTV and am truly disturbed. Today there is talk of “they” and “them” and what is wrong with the words White Power”, that’s the same as Girl Scout Power. REALLY? I read the daily never ending threads filled with nasty language and negative stereotypes either due to implicit bias or overt racism.

And for what reason? Is it to satisfy the need to bully or the false need to protect your white life style or just to gossip in half-truths like mean 13 year old girls. It is appalling behavior and the most appalling was a recent post using the n-word disguised by using two number sixes instead of two letter g s. And the Moderator did not remove.

It is an embarrassment to be part of this community. See the recent article abt the golf cart rally (can't post link) and the article yesterday in the Washington Post, that the white power video was a glimpse into the politics in the Villages (can't post link).

Not sure what everyone is afraid of. I see people protecting their singular white lifestyle and it is sickening. The better option is to enjoy the beautiful town and make it welcoming and inclusive.

My husband and I bought a house in the Villages 4 years ago and planned to move here soon. We are fearful to see if there is a drop in housing prices after the negative golf cart parade videos were viewed nationwide. From the above articles, take a look at the negative comments abt the villages to see how the rest of the country feels abt the village lifestyle and whether they would want to be part of it.

[Don5154]

Every day I read TOTV and am truly disturbed. Today there is talk of “they” and “them” and what is wrong with the words White Power”, that’s the same as Girl Scout Power. REALLY? I read the daily never ending threads filled with nasty language and negative stereotypes either due to implicit bias or overt racism.

And for what reason? Is it to satisfy the need to bully or the false need to protect your white life style or just to gossip in half-truths like mean 13 year old girls. It is appalling behavior and the most appalling was a recent post using the n-word disguised by using two number sixes instead of two letter g s. And the Moderator did not remove.

It is an embarrassment to be part of this community. See the recent article abt the golf cart rally (can't post link) and the article yesterday in the Washington Post, that the white power video was a glimpse into the politics in the Villages (can't post link).

Not sure what everyone is afraid of. I see people protecting their singular white lifestyle and it is sickening. The better option is to enjoy the beautiful town and make it welcoming and inclusive.

My husband and I bought a house in the Villages 4 years ago and planned to move here soon. We are fearful to see if there is a drop in housing prices after the negative golf cart parade videos were viewed nationwide. From the above articles, take a look at the negative comments abt the villages to see how the rest of the country feels abt the village lifestyle and whether they would want to be part of it.

As always, the news will always show the 1% bad side of everything. But if you don’t feel TV is the place for you.....sell your hose now, I’m sure you can many money on it.

[oldtimes]

As always, the news will always show the 1% bad side of everything. But if you don’t feel TV is the place for you.....sell your house now, I’m sure you can make money on it.

I agree. The Villages isn't nearly as racist as all of this makes it sound. The news (and TOTV) have simply focused on a few knuckleheads. Most people here are friendly and inclusive.

[Swoop]

Is there a double standard? If you yell Black Power, it’s fine, but if you yell White Power, you’re a racist bigot?!?? I don’t condone any form of bigotry or racism, but is this double standard just hypocrisy, or is it media driven?

[Henryfrakl]

By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.

Do not believe the conversations ever happened

[Guitarman1951]

By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.
Who the hell are you associating with? I doubt anyone has lived in that kind of isolation all their lives and in all my 14 years here, never have I heard those sort of comments. Are you sure you aren't exaggerating just a bit!?!?

[JulieER]

Oh come on! I watched the whole thing. No one badgers another into saying something like that unless they believed It. I wouldn’t even think of those words to blurt out if someone were beating me with a stick. Sorry, totally off base on this one, John.

[cheweycat]

Heated and contentious political interactions come from a different place than someone shouting “white power”. To me it is obvious. It seems to you it is not. Sorry.

[kendi]

Why give it more attention. Just let the story die.

[Andyb]

Knee jerk reaction in the natural human characteristic of a response is the opposite of what was being said, so as the protesters were yelling Black lives matter, his “natural” response was the word “white”. Not defending anyone, just pointing out what probably instigated that response.

[billethkid]

Dead horse and still reloading?
:ohdear:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Simply because there is a difference between "offensively rude protest" and "blatant racism."

So is the term "Black Power" also blatant racism?

I think that anytime to place a race, color or creed before the word "power" or the words "lives matter", there is a problem. That is exactly what is dividing the people of this country.

Our constitution vests the power in "the people". Not any particular group based on race, gender, color, creed, heritage or anything else. We the people should be united in sharing the power that the constitution states is rightfully our.

It's sad that so many are determined to divide us.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Oh come on! I watched the whole thing. No one badgers another into saying something like that unless they believed It. I wouldn’t even think of those words to blurt out if someone were beating me with a stick. Sorry, totally off base on this one, John.

After watching several times, I get the impression that the guy was being sarcastic. Someone called him a racist and he said, "Yea, white power" as a sarcastic response.

[Kerry Azz]

Watch the whole video and not just the 15 seconds the media used for their sound byte, which portrayed TV in a bad light. You'll see after several minutes of the woman in black intimidating Villagers into responding and then the camera catching that moment, you'll see it was a setup. Also, you're a little late to the party. This is have brought up a dozen times on this board since that parade on June 14th and discussed at length.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLgyJBUaNVg)

Intimidation Doesn’t get a low life to yell racist remarks, the women yelling was expressing her anger. You need a reality check!

[CFrance]

The whole thing seems to be about people acting stupidly.
Bingo.

[The Caretaker]

Well let’s see you have 1 CRAZY lady with A Black Lives Matter shirt on screaming F...You just a few feet from peoples face. Got so bad another lady had to try to pull her back. THETE Is Excuse for saying that but when you are harassed to the point of no return then things are said You can’t take back. This out of control lady is just as guilty as the man who retaliated to verbal abuse also. At our age we all should be ashamed to act this way SHAME SHAME SHAME. NEITHER REPRESENT THE VILLAGE PEOPLE WELL. SUCH AN EMBARRASSMENT!!!!

[Scorpyo]

I have never ever heard anyone say "white power". I honestly didn't know it was wrong to say. Who gets to decide what is naughty and what is nice???
Stupid, stupid question. Santa Claus of course.

[graciegirl]

Every day I read TOTV and am truly disturbed. Today there is talk of “they” and “them” and what is wrong with the words White Power”, that’s the same as Girl Scout Power. REALLY? I read the daily never ending threads filled with nasty language and negative stereotypes either due to implicit bias or overt racism.

And for what reason? Is it to satisfy the need to bully or the false need to protect your white life style or just to gossip in half-truths like mean 13 year old girls. It is appalling behavior and the most appalling was a recent post using the n-word disguised by using two number sixes instead of two letter g s. And the Moderator did not remove.

It is an embarrassment to be part of this community. See the recent article abt the golf cart rally (can't post link) and the article yesterday in the Washington Post, that the white power video was a glimpse into the politics in the Villages (can't post link).

Not sure what everyone is afraid of. I see people protecting their singular white lifestyle and it is sickening. The better option is to enjoy the beautiful town and make it welcoming and inclusive.

My husband and I bought a house in the Villages 4 years ago and planned to move here soon. We are fearful to see if there is a drop in housing prices after the negative golf cart parade videos were viewed nationwide. From the above articles, take a look at the negative comments abt the villages to see how the rest of the country feels abt the village lifestyle and whether they would want to be part of it.

If someone wants to be mad, they will find something to be mad about. Nothing wrong with Twinkie Power, Or Power to the kitty-cat lovers. Or Girl Scout Power. A lot of really mad people seem to find things to get even more upset about. I think it unfair to visit their anger on a bunch of people who are just probably the nicest folks you could find anywhere. Very few of us Villagers have ever owed anyone a debt and not paid it. Most of us have never, ever, ever been in jail. An awful lot of us, especially those past the seventies mark, made a financial success of their lives and started out damn close to poor if not poor, by anyone's standards. Most people don't care what color you are but do care if you break the law. They won't like you at all if you shop lift or steal cars, or use someone else's credit card. Simply because they don't do stuff like that. They would go without and probably go hungry before they took something that wasn't theirs.

I am really tired of being attacked when I don't think I have done much of anything except be born white. I think that all this stink is being maneuvered into the forefront of news because of what year this is and what is happening soon.

I say Uncle.

I don't like the aspersions cast. I may not be a wonderful soul, but I am like most people here, I am doing the best I can and I wouldn't deliberately hurt anyone no matter what color they are. EVER.

[Scorpyo]

If someone wants to be mad, they will find something to be mad about. Nothing wrong with Twinkie Power, Or Power to the kitty-cat lovers. Or Girl Scout Power. A lot of really mad people seem to find things to get even more upset about. I think it unfair to visit their anger on a bunch of people who are just probably the nicest folks you could find anywhere. Very few of us Villagers have ever owed anyone a debt and not paid it. Most of us have never, ever, ever been in jail. An awful lot of us, especially those past the seventies mark, made a financial success of their lives and started out damn close to poor if not poor, by anyone's standards. Most people don't care what color you are but do care if you break the law. They won't like you at all if you shop lift or steal cars, or use someone else's credit card. Simply because they don't do stuff like that. They would go without and probably go hungry before they took something that wasn't theirs.

I am really tired of being attacked when I don't think I have done much of anything except be born white. I think that all this stink is being maneuvered into the forefront of news because of what year this is and what is happening soon.

I say Uncle.

I don't like the aspersions cast. I may not be a wonderful soul, but I am like most people here, I am doing the best I can and I wouldn't deliberately hurt anyone no matter what color they are. EVER.
Everything you said is spot on and most applies to me - born South Bronx on welfare. The fact is most of the current situation is born out of a crisis and you know what that means - Never let a good crisis go to waste. So, you haven't seen the last of this.

[lwmilo]

LoisR
One simple question to you....would you object if someone had yelled “black power”.
My objection to your post has nothing to do with the comment. My objection is that you object to the man saying “white power”. Where are his equal rights?
To paraphrase a quote...I do not support what he said but I will defend to the death his right to say it.
After all....it is the 4th of July.
Have a good one.
Atta girl....Stand up and speak your mind..In totally agreement..
Born and raisd in the Bronx N.Y. , went an all boys High School in the South Bronx, where I was a minority,no special treatment, nor privledged. Our feelings are moulded, shaped by our experiences in life , some good some not so good..
Namvet 1969

[The Caretaker]

������ ment to say There is no excuse!!

[The Caretaker]

Well let’s see you have 1 CRAZY lady with A Black Lives Matter shirt on screaming F...You just a few feet from peoples face. Got so bad another lady had to try to pull her back. THETE Is Excuse for saying that but when you are harassed to the point of no return then things are said You can’t take back. This out of control lady is just as guilty as the man who retaliated to verbal abuse also. At our age we all should be ashamed to act this way SHAME SHAME SHAME. NEITHER REPRESENT THE VILLAGE PEOPLE WELL. SUCH AN EMBARRASSMENT!!!!

[The Caretaker]

������should say there is no excuse

[MandoMan]

Actually, if you watch the earliest video and listen carefully, you will notice that the man who yells “white power” does so in response to someone shouting that he is a racist. For all I know, he meant his response as a joke, even though it wasn’t funny. I wasn’t there, but I wonder if the person yelling “racist” wasn’t also yelling it at a number of those in the gold-cart parade, perhaps in hope of eliciting just such a response. Unfortunately, the news media has chosen to emphasize only the guy who yells “white power” because it fits their agenda and is meant to harm one candidate. I wonder how the man who yelled “white power” feels now. He has seriously harmed the reputation of The Villages. He may have cost his candidate hundreds or even thousands of votes. For all I know, his words may have accidentally cost his candidate the election! His words turned a fun parade ugly, but as I’ve said, perhaps he was goaded, and it was the protestors who turned it ugly before that.

There are people who watch a lot of one-sided television and get the idea that areas with a lot of minority people are a lot more dangerous than they really are. You wouldn’t go to Ocala without a gun? Really? That’s an unnecessary amount of paranoia (some paranoia may be called for). It reminds me of those many people around the world who imagine that in America, everyone carries guns and shoots people. We know it’s not that way. Television news tends to be highly alarmist because that keeps people watching. Don’t imagine that it is always accurate or true. It’s not, no matter what station you prefer.


By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.

[OhioBuckeye]

By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.

Must of been a KKK member!

[croughwell]

Some people are realists and others aren't live the bubble!

[rrb48310]

The whole thing seems to be about people acting stupidly.

Stupid is as stupid does

[dewilson58]

Some people are realists and others aren't live the bubble!






:what:

[newgirl]

If you find answers please share with me. I have never understood racism , judging someone on how much melatonin is in their skin or what language they speak, like you believe you were born the best even though you were created exactly the same way, have the same internal organs including brains that are identical, the same blood ? Everyone of us will be dead someday too.. So how does anyone really believe they have the right to judge another? Or how anyone else loves? I just don’t get it.

[ficoguy]

I slowed it down and I heard "white powDer" - you know, the talcum powder we need to avoid the chafing and itching while playing golf or pickleball in these humid conditions....

[ficoguy]

Have you seen any of the videos of the protests? Have you ever seen a calm, rational discussion? Its all shouting, in your face, slogan spouting....no chance of a dialogue....we tried to have a rational discussion with protestors at the Donald Trump book signing at Barnes and Noble, but all they did was stick up their middle fingers at us.....so much for civility

[kaniess]

It is more outrageous for the foul-mouthed woman from Connecticut to call the Jewish people participating in the parade 'Nazi racist pigs' than for a guy yelling white power in response to a white guy yelling 'where is your white hood?'

[BlackhawksFan]

The cart parade was not a bunch of people yelling white power. The guy who said it in a sarcastic way was replying to several protesters who were yelling "FU, Fing Nazis, Where's your hood?" etc etc Maybe you should analyze that behavior.

Can we just say, that what ever side of the aisle we stand on, that both sides acted disgracefully and with a lack of the maturity of their years that day?

Our nation was built of disagreement and discourse but it needs a return to the civil side of those.

We need to get back to helping each other, respecting each other and lifting up those who have been held down. That's the America I wish to live in.

[BlackhawksFan]

Deleted dual post

[vermonster]

LoisR
One simple question to you....would you object if someone had yelled “black power”.
My objection to your post has nothing to do with the comment. My objection is that you object to the man saying “white power”. Where are his equal rights?
To paraphrase a quote...I do not support what he said but I will defend to the death his right to say it.
After all....it is the 4th of July.
Have a good one.
Your response is logical, but misses one point. The phrase "white power" is the rallying cry of Neo-Nazi and skinhead extremist groups. It is not inoffensive, especially to African Americans, Jewish Americans, Hispanic Americans, and others. Although I can only surmise the man who shouted it out does not belong to one of these extremist groups and was merely reacting in anger to a provocation, it is best to avoid giving these groups legitimacy by using their rallying cry. These groups are present in every state , their agenda is hateful and anti-American, and their presence is growing.

[Bucco]

Your response is logical, but misses one point. The phrase "white power" is the rallying cry of Neo-Nazi and skinhead extremist groups. It is not inoffensive, especially to African Americans, Jewish Americans, Hispanic Americans, and others. Although I can only surmise the man who shouted it out does not belong to one of these extremist groups and was merely reacting in anger to a provocation, it is best to avoid giving these groups legitimacy by using their rallying cry. These groups are present in every state , their agenda is hateful and anti-American, and their presence is growing.

I agree and will add.....i do not think that most of the folks on this forum denigrating a complete race of people understand, or care to, that the biggest thing is the POWER they are giving to the hate groups. When comments are made from our government or folks like this, they enable and empower the hate groups, whether intended or not.

They seem to think....what is the big deal...just words, but since they ring out to millions of people throughout the world as this did......it IS a big deal.

You are giving the power and will never get it back, and those taking it are not the ones you denigrate.

You folks fear the wrong groups.

[jimjamuser]

By now, probably most, if not all The Villages has heard of or seen the video of the man yelling “White Power” at the recent golf cart ride. As inappropriate as that statement was, I started to think about why anyone would even use it. I then thought of several conversations I have had in the recent past with Villagers when we shared original homesteads and I mentioned I was from NY. On three separate times, I was asked, “What was it like living with “them?” “Where you ever attacked by “them?” “Weren’t you afraid to live with “them” so close? On two other times I mentioned we had to go into either Leesburg or Wildwood for an errand and we were asked what type of gun do we carry? The people asking the questions stated that they never go into “those areas” without a pistol.
That got me to wonder where, or how and why does one develop thoughts and fears like this? As humans, we are not born with a genetic predisposition to be a racist, bigot, or hater. As humans, like all other animals, our intelligence (the ability to incorporate and use information) is developed from combinations of our experiences with our environment, including family, our living experiences, including schools and religious associations, and interactions with other people and processes.
So, why would a person who has never met one of “them” be so fearful that they must carry a weapon because they assume they will be in danger? Why would a person who has never met with one of “them” believe they are different than we are? What was so devoid in a person’s development and life experiences that they must yell “White Power?” The questions are easy to formulate, the answers are not. I invite your thoughts.
Kudos for that intelligent and well-written thread, very thought provoking.

[jimjamuser]

Watch the whole video and not just the 15 seconds the media used for their sound byte, which portrayed TV in a bad light. You'll see after several minutes of the woman in black intimidating Villagers into responding and then the camera catching that moment, you'll see it was a setup. Also, you're a little late to the party. This is have brought up a dozen times on this board since that parade on June 14th and discussed at length.

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLgyJBUaNVg)
Not a "setup". There was no ventriloquist there saying the words of the man in the lead golf care. And the thread had many new worthwhile details in it.

[jimjamuser]

Because 'Us' think 'Them' are different
'Them' think 'Us' are different.
Something different can be scary.
So 'Us' fear of them, and 'Thems' fear of us, could be a reason for our differences.
Personaly I blame all my shortcomings on 'Those' others!!
Cultural tribalism!

[jimjamuser]

I agree with your wondering why people are afraid. Many of us who live here came from much the same level of safeness as here. As far as shootings and robberies and car thefts etc. This really does not relate to race, but I guess statistically it may relate to race. The words white power to me...all alone, those words are really no different than saying "Girl Scout Power" or "Bosox Power" or "New York Power" or even "women power" or Power to the People". It is because of the focus by the news media and Madison Avenue on the Black Lives Matter movement that many really ordinary people are beginning to feel guilty and wonder what did they do wrong??? I think that more than likely it may have meant just that. I am white. I haven't harmed anyone because of race. I have no issues that I know of with race, why does it seem that so many people don't like me because I am white?????? I think it may be that feeling. I don't know. In and by itself the words white power seem not wrong or bad. Many people associate the words white supremacy with the KKK and lynchings and terrible hatred and of course anything that the Aryans and the KKK do is hateful. People who are completely innocent are feeling unsettled and are wondering what is expected of them........That is what I think.
What they expect is equality as promised by the Constitution.

[Number 10 GI]

Not a "setup". There was no ventriloquist there saying the words of the man in the lead golf care. And the thread had many new worthwhile details in it.
The man was provoked and stupidly said something stupid but that doesn't fit the narrative that he is a racist and that everyone in the parade was racist and that all police are racist and that everyone in TV is a racist and that everyone in the U.S. is a racist. :ohdear:

[jimjamuser]

The cart parade was not a bunch of people yelling white power. The guy who said it in a sarcastic way was replying to several protesters who were yelling "FU, Fing Nazis, Where's your hood?" etc etc Maybe you should analyze that behavior.
2 wrongs DONOT = A RIGHT

[Bucco]

Kudos for that intelligent and well-written thread, very thought provoking.

They are being "told to think like that". The mantra is given, and then repeated.

So many are simply being manipulated.

One example.....there were people complaining about being censored on Facebook or other media site. Not sure I understand what they mean by censored. Does nobody see the influences at work to manipulate what you believe on Facebook, Twitter, etc, while our professional free press is maligned. Conspiracy theories abound...
----------------------------

"CHICAGO (AP) — A loose network of Facebook groups that took root across the country in April to organize protests over coronavirus stay-at-home orders has become a hub of misinformation and conspiracy theories that have pivoted to a variety of new targets. Their latest: Black Lives Matter and the nationwide
protests of racial injustice.

These groups, which now boast a collective audience of more than 1 million members, are still thriving after most states started lifting virus

----------------------

The above from Associated Press and this...
------
"Facebook has removed nearly 200 social media accounts linked to white supremacy groups that planned to encourage members to attend protests over police killings of black people — in some cases with weapons, company officials said Friday.

The accounts on Facebook and Instagram were tied to the Proud Boys and the American Guard, two hate groups already banned on the platforms. Officials were already monitoring the accounts in preparation for removing them when they saw posts attempting to exploit the ongoing protests prompted by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis."
----------------
Facebook removes nearly 200 accounts tied to hate groups (https://apnews.com/91c1868557ba6e88e32b2607b26724d6)

Those who tell you that "they" are being censored are part of the problem. They have been poisoned and intend to poison you. This comes many times from outside our borders but man times within.


The fear that posters have is way off the mark.

Do not fear those black skinned folks but the white skinned folks who provide the chaos impetus and keep it alive, the goal of so many.

The video which you discuss was forgotten, but it was then sent around the entire world. Those "little" slips....those just being whatever mean something.

[jimjamuser]

My grandson related the same thing to me about his high school in Knoxville, TN. He said that black students would stand in a group in the middle of the hall way and if a white student tried to walk through them there would be a fight. He said a white student had to be on their toes to avoid incidents like that. This was one of the highest rated schools in Knoxville. I've never heard him express any racial animus towards minorities. I guess we know who the bigger person is.
Cultural tribalism that most people age out of (but NOT all) after high school.

[jimjamuser]

I agree that many people form their opinions based on what they see in the media and even worse by what they read on social media like facebook. Where I came from was a very diverse city and my son was able to swear in several different languages. In each nationality/race there were good people and bad but the only ones you heard about were the bad ones.
The squeaky wheel concept.

[Number 10 GI]

Ah yes the righteous and truthful national media that had Richard Jewell tried, convicted and sentenced. Or the story on Chevrolet trucks with the exploding gas tanks. After destroying numerous trucks in rear end collisions that didn't explode they had to put an explosive device in the tank of the last truck they had to get the explosion they wanted. A little searching on the internet will turn up so many errors in judgement, integrity and honesty of our media. I have had some dealings with members of the media and I can say that I felt the need for a long hot shower afterwards.

[bobnyce]

I think people can no longer differentiate between speaking and acting. Speaking about race and personal differences is completely different from acting on those differences. How can anyone get around their differences if we do not discuss them. Yet, today discussing differences is equated to racism and racist activity. There is and always will be a big difference between speaking and acting. When I see protesters acting violently - that is racist! Civil debate is not! By the way, most people I know associate with those who have similar interests not different interests - could that be why we tend to stay within our associations which has noting to do with race or color. My two cents.

[Linda in St. James]

Not just viewed "nationwide." My friend who lives in New Zealand saw it on their news last week.

[jimjamuser]

In my moms later years I had an aide for her. Only a few hours a week so I could get out of the house. She was a black woman. We treated her like family. Including , but not limited to, leaving when her grandson missed his school bus, daughters car didn’t start, etc. I would tell her it’s fine just go. That meant I showered mom and got her ready for the day. I didn’t mind, I had a wonderful mother (and father). When she came back she would say I tell my friends I work for good “white” people. Then she would go on to say that say impossible there are no good “white” people. I have always found black people to be much more racist than white people. Personally, I would like to get to know a person to decide if I like them or not. There are white people I dislike, black people I like. Cut our skin and only one color will come out, red. It would really be such a beautiful world if everyone can just like and dislike people for who they are, not the color of their skin.
The solution to "beautiful people" would be like "herd immunity". Mix the DNA in a bottle and give a tax break to couples who use that to artificial inseminate fo children.

[jimjamuser]

There is no question that black people are more racist than white people. When I worked for the Federal Government and travelled with my inspection team, we often encountered black hotel clerks, especially in the South. Whenever we had a problem, issue, or special request for the hotel, all I had to do was to ask my black team member to handle it. The hotel clerks would bend over backwards to get us anything we needed. Their racism against white people was blatant.
To prove, or even opinionate, that one ethnic group is more racist than another, you would need a controlled psychological study involving at least 3,000 subjects. The cost would be high but the value would be great,

[jimjamuser]

Can we just say, that what ever side of the aisle we stand on, that both sides acted disgracefully and with a lack of the maturity of their years that day?

Our nation was built of disagreement and discourse but it needs a return to the civil side of those.

We need to get back to helping each other, respecting each other and lifting up those who have been held down. That's the America I wish to live in.
I am afraid that we are on the cusp of US history. We have 3 separate viruses to deal with. All 3 have been politicized. Even after this "cusp", it will be years before things smooth out in whichever direction history is pulling us. Take care.

[jimjamuser]

Your response is logical, but misses one point. The phrase "white power" is the rallying cry of Neo-Nazi and skinhead extremist groups. It is not inoffensive, especially to African Americans, Jewish Americans, Hispanic Americans, and others. Although I can only surmise the man who shouted it out does not belong to one of these extremist groups and was merely reacting in anger to a provocation, it is best to avoid giving these groups legitimacy by using their rallying cry. These groups are present in every state , their agenda is hateful and anti-American, and their presence is growing.
Yes, appears to be growing.

[jimjamuser]

I agree and will add.....i do not think that most of the folks on this forum denigrating a complete race of people understand, or care to, that the biggest thing is the POWER they are giving to the hate groups. When comments are made from our government or folks like this, they enable and empower the hate groups, whether intended or not.

They seem to think....what is the big deal...just words, but since they ring out to millions of people throughout the world as this did......it IS a big deal.

You are giving the power and will never get it back, and those taking it are not the ones you denigrate.

You folks fear the wrong groups.
Possibly true. Cultural polarization, similar to the 40's in Germany, can be used as a smoke and mirror screen to hide the real problem- Elitest power takeover and class warfare ; that could(?) lead to ethnic cleansing in the extreme.

[jimjamuser]

They are being "told to think like that". The mantra is given, and then repeated.

So many are simply being manipulated.

One example.....there were people complaining about being censored on Facebook or other media site. Not sure I understand what they mean by censored. Does nobody see the influences at work to manipulate what you believe on Facebook, Twitter, etc, while our professional free press is maligned. Conspiracy theories abound...
----------------------------

"CHICAGO (AP) — A loose network of Facebook groups that took root across the country in April to organize protests over coronavirus stay-at-home orders has become a hub of misinformation and conspiracy theories that have pivoted to a variety of new targets. Their latest: Black Lives Matter and the nationwide
protests of racial injustice.

These groups, which now boast a collective audience of more than 1 million members, are still thriving after most states started lifting virus

----------------------

The above from Associated Press and this...
------
"Facebook has removed nearly 200 social media accounts linked to white supremacy groups that planned to encourage members to attend protests over police killings of black people — in some cases with weapons, company officials said Friday.

The accounts on Facebook and Instagram were tied to the Proud Boys and the American Guard, two hate groups already banned on the platforms. Officials were already monitoring the accounts in preparation for removing them when they saw posts attempting to exploit the ongoing protests prompted by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis."
----------------
Facebook removes nearly 200 accounts tied to hate groups (https://apnews.com/91c1868557ba6e88e32b2607b26724d6)

Those who tell you that "they" are being censored are part of the problem. They have been poisoned and intend to poison you. This comes many times from outside our borders but man times within.


The fear that posters have is way off the mark.

Do not fear those black skinned folks but the white skinned folks who provide the chaos impetus and keep it alive, the goal of so many.

The video which you discuss was forgotten, but it was then sent around the entire world. Those "little" slips....those just being whatever mean something.
Those opinions are knocking on some "truth doors".

[coffeebean]

Who?

Agree with Gracie.............I wish people would learn to use this forum properly and REPLY WITH QUOTE when addressing someone's comment. Otherwise, it is a guessing game who the poster is replying to.

[CFrance]

Oh, I get it. I have requested, many times, that posters REPLY WITH QUOTE. We are not mind readers on this forum and it is impossible most times to figure out who a poster is directing their comment to. I see I'm not the only one who would like to see this forum used properly.
I have asked that several times, to reply with quote. Some posts come in simultaneously, and you never know where your reply is going to end up in the queue. It's mostly new people. I wish Admin would add something to the guidelines about replying with quote. Maybe Gracie's all caps will get through.

[Bucco]

I think people can no longer differentiate between speaking and acting. Speaking about race and personal differences is completely different from acting on those differences. How can anyone get around their differences if we do not discuss them. Yet, today discussing differences is equated to racism and racist activity. There is and always will be a big difference between speaking and acting. When I see protesters acting violently - that is racist! Civil debate is not! By the way, most people I know associate with those who have similar interests not different interests - could that be why we tend to stay within our associations which has noting to do with race or color. My two cents.

When was the last civil debate on race ?

I believe any riot or protest is the result of NO DEBATE.

A debate is give and take on both sides. Read this forum, and tell me if you foresee anyone here engaging in civil debate. This is a one way street and those here on that street show no sign, to me, of even trying to listen or understand.

[sunglow]

Every day I read TOTV and am truly disturbed. Today there is talk of “they” and “them” and what is wrong with the words White Power”, that’s the same as Girl Scout Power. REALLY? I read the daily never ending threads filled with nasty language and negative stereotypes either due to implicit bias or overt racism.

And for what reason? Is it to satisfy the need to bully or the false need to protect your white life style or just to gossip in half-truths like mean 13 year old girls. It is appalling behavior and the most appalling was a recent post using the n-word disguised by using two number sixes instead of two letter g s. And the Moderator did not remove.

It is an embarrassment to be part of this community. See the recent article abt the golf cart rally (can't post link) and the article yesterday in the Washington Post, that the white power video was a glimpse into the politics in the Villages (can't post link).

Not sure what everyone is afraid of. I see people protecting their singular white lifestyle and it is sickening. The better option is to enjoy the beautiful town and make it welcoming and inclusive.

My husband and I bought a house in the Villages 4 years ago and planned to move here soon. We are fearful to see if there is a drop in housing prices after the negative golf cart parade videos were viewed nationwide. From the above articles, take a look at the negative comments abt the villages to see how the rest of the country feels abt the village lifestyle and whether they would want to be part of it.

I have that concern too. I'm afraid all this negative press will attract more racists to TV. We need more people who have compassion and empathy and understand what Black Lives Matter means and not those that blindly follow a narcissistic deranged con man who spews vitriolic hatred.

[Two Bills]

How to destroy a country without bombs and missiles.
Plant enough contentious posts on social media, and the population will turn on each other, and do the job for you.
Simple!

[Bucco]

How to destroy a country without bombs and missiles.
Plant enough contentious posts on social media, and the population will turn on each other, and do the job for you.
Simple!

Which is exactly the game plan of those enabling this behavior.

Not new......was predicted and it's not being done without a specific plan. "We" are the pawns in that plan.