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[googleplex]

If the OP is being sincere it's more effective to show the faulty comparisons than call him or her a racist.

You're basically shutting him or her out by resorting to name calling. There's no way to persuade someone after that.

If the OP is real then I am under no obligation to try and educate an obvious racist. Besides the fact that he would also be completely clueless at how UNIMAGINABLY the original post offends me as a black man no amount of "showing" him anything would be effective.

 

[TheWorldWillBeMine]

I hate the "hey, look what else is happening besides police brutality!" arguments. No one should be attacked at random and no one should be treated differently because of the color of their skin either. It seriously boggles my mind how we're all one race of organic beings made of "universe stuff" but we can look at groups of people with malice in our hearts. Dude forget what any of us look like let's just play video games and eat pizza...The world so simple </3

 

[M52B28]

You should be scared, I saw your name on the list at the last meeting.

#prayforShadownet

This is unreal.

Like seriously, you think some kids are going to hop out of the bushes and attack you?

 

[Shadownet]

I hope you don't own a car and use it a lot OP. You're much more likely to be killed or injured in a car accident.

I do and this is true.

So you think that there's some crowd dynamics that will lead this to be an epidemic of some sort? Even though it's been shown that it's isolated and not an epidemic?

Why do you persist in implying that this will be the thing that it's not? Do you know thousands of people die every year by slipping over on tiles? Why are you not raising more awareness about that preventable issue?

Look. You might not think you're been racist - few racist* people often think they are. But you better check your own internal thoughts and motivations and examine why you feel compelled to make *this* an issue over other things that could be 'an issue'. Are you a patsy of a society that likes to dress up its racism with tangential issues that have very little merit when examined under a critical scope?

Because racism is a difficult issue, and one that can only be reduced at this point when people have the honesty and wherewithal to examine and scrutizine their own subconscious thought biases.

*and I'd like to qualify that racism isn't an either or kinda issue. Everyone is racist along a spectrum of racism. And been 'blind' to it doesn't make one the least degree of racist possible.

I hope it won't become some sort of epidemic, though I do think there is some sort of crowd dynamic with this sort of crimes. Well the flash mob crimes anyway. I agree with the rest of the things you said.

I hate the "hey, look what else is happening besides police brutality!" arguments. No one should be attacked at random and no one should be treated differently because of the color of their skin either. It seriously boggles my mind how we're all one race of organic beings made of "universe stuff" but we can look at groups of people with malice in our hearts. Dude forget what any of us look like let's just play video games and eat pizza...The world so simple </3

I mean this is what i'm trying to get at, I hope that these attacks aren't related to race issues. I'm upset by what happened in Ferguson and Baltimore as well, especially innocent people getting hurt because of the riots. You're right, people shouldn't be getting attacked or be treated because of the color of their skin. It's a shame it's still happening..

 

[YoungHav]

SMH. "Knockout Game" is a made up media ruse to scare white people, congrats for falling for it OP lol.

All I had to do was click on a link and use my brain. The 3rd story is a hate crime against a Muslim woman. Rather than focus on that and garner sympathy for a Muslim, the media instead reports it as a savage black knockout game and doesn't call the crime what it actually is.

Doesn't surprise me that it was from last year either. When the constitutionality of the NYPD's Stop and Frisk program was being publicly questioned, the NY media went 'Knockout Game' crazy with their coverage. I even saw a NY TV news report on it that deceptively used footage from an assault in London to scare white NYers. Do you think this is a coincidence? Use your brain next time OP.

 

[Shadownet]

All I had to do was click on a link and use my brain. The 3rd story is a hate crime against a Muslim woman. Rather than focus on that and garner sympathy for a Muslim, the media instead reports it as a savage black knockout game and doesn't call the crime what it actually is.

I mean.. is it it both? it's a crime against Muslim but it's also fit with the description of people going around, blind side punch random people for the hell of it. While I do agree with you that more attention should be the sympathy of that woman and the Muslim community.

OP just hang out with that poster that can take on a group of 5 people single handedly and destroy anyone? you will be fine then.

lol, I feel like he might some ex-Navy Seal badass.

 

[Phat Michael]

OP just hang out with that poster that can take on a group of 5 people single handedly and destroy anyone? you will be fine then.

 

[Dreams-Visions]

You're probably not next, OP.

 

[Zaptruder]

I do and this is true.

I hope it won't become some sort of epidemic, though I do think there is some sort of crowd dynamic with this sort of crimes. Well the flash mob crimes anyway. I agree with the rest of the things you said.

If you agree with it, rather than just paying lip service and saying you agree... the correct course of action would be to consider why you believe this to be an issue, and consider the greater context in which these things occur (what are the motivations? What kind of societal circumstances set this sort of behaviour up, etc).

A naieve knee jerk response to an issue that creates a bit of FUD in your mind is basically serving yourself up as a tool to perpetuate the ignorance and stereotypes that continue to affect us in far more real and applicable ways than the issue you're spreading FUD over.

 

[Cyan]

I'm just hoping more parents will talk to their children, I suppose. It reminded me of that mother during the Ferguson riots, she saw her kid rioting like that and proceeded to teach him a lesson.

Ok. Parental involvement when kids act up is always nice. But is that what would happen if we went around publicizing this as something people should be worried about? My sense, from having seen similar stuff in the past ("gang initiation" warnings, all the "knockout game" news coverage a few years ago, etc) is that the main result would be people getting fearful over something they don't actually need to worry about, maybe a bit of race hysteria, some damage to discourse as racists are emboldened by what they consider evidence that they're right about everything. And I don't think it would have any commensurate benefit against those harms.

 

[la flama blanca]

Isn't this shit really old?

 

[ProudClod]

Fact: Every single news organization's goal is a sexy headline. Fear is the sexiest of all.

Fact: The "context" you are viewing these crimes is designed to prey on your emotions, fears, insecurities, and biases. All to keep you watching/reading/consuming advertisements.

Fact: You're a putz if you're basing your worldview on the content of a for-profit media outlet.

Fact: There are 42 million black people living in the United States. You are being convinced to fear every single one of them based on the actions of a very small minority.

Fact: If you are white, you are statistically much more likely to be killed by a white person than a black person.

Fact: You are a racist and you need to accept it.

 

[soundscream]

You're probably not next, OP.

Oh no we coming

 

[Shadownet]

If you agree with it, rather than just paying lip service and saying you agree... the correct course of action would be to consider why you believe this to be an issue, and consider the greater context in which these things occur (what are the motivations? What kind of societal circumstances set this sort of behaviour up, etc).

A naieve knee jerk response to an issue that creates a bit of FUD in your mind is basically serving yourself up as a tool to perpetuate the ignorance and stereotypes that continue to affect us in far more real and applicable ways than the issue you're spreading FUD over.

As a poster said before, he think that better job opportunities, education, etc could help reduce crimes like this. The whole flash mobs thing are mostly teenagers going around looking for trouble. If parents pay more attention to their kids, give them more positive things to do with their life, be productive. Like helping the community or finding a job, keep them off the streets. Things like that might help.

I'm not sure what the motivation for these senseless crimes might be, as I said. I hope it's not race..

Ok. Parental involvement when kids act up is always nice. But is that what would happen if we went around publicizing this as something people should be worried about? My sense, from having seen similar stuff in the past ("gang initiation" warnings, all the "knockout game" news coverage a few years ago, etc) is that the main result would be people getting fearful over something they don't actually need to worry about, maybe a bit of race hysteria, some damage to discourse as racists are emboldened by what they consider evidence that they're right about everything. And I don't think it would have any commensurate benefit against those harms.

I know you don't see this as a big problem. But I just want to know, what do you think are some things that can help with this problem?

 

[entremet]

If the OP is real then I am under no obligation to try and educate an obvious racist. Besides the fact that he would also be completely clueless at how UNIMAGINABLY the original post offends me as a black man no amount of "showing" him anything would be effective.

Sure, you're not obligated, but reform is possible. I know since it took me a bit to convince me mother to shed her racist views, but it took careful discussion.

But agree it's not your obligation, but we do have influence.

 

[Obliterator]

OP just hang out with that poster that can take on a group of 5 people single handedly and destroy anyone? you will be fine then.

Knockout King only accepts legit top contenders. I'm not a paper champion or bodyguard.

If OP wants protection from roaming bands of people that just randomly jump folks for shits and giggles he's gonna have to recruit someone else. I don't want my undefeated record tainted with nobody's.

 

[OceanBlue]

As a poster said before, he think that better job opportunities, education, etc could help reduce crimes like this. The whole flash mobs thing are mostly teenagers going around looking for trouble. If parents pay more attention to their kids, give them more positive things to do with their life, be productive. Like helping the community or finding a job, keep them off the streets. Things like that might help.

I'm not sure what the motivation for these senseless crimes might be, as I said. I hope it's not race..

Instead of saying, "Parents should be paying more attention to their kids and giving them more productive things to do," haven't you ever wondered, "Are there possibly reasons that make it difficult for parents to pay attention to their kids and for kids to be able to find productive activities in their communities"? Does it make more sense for you that negligent people congregate in the same place, or would it make more sense if there were something about the places these people are in that might make things more challenging for them?

 

[devonodev]

If a group of anyone walks up and tries a "knockout game" on me they are getting utterly destroyed

A group of 5 or so average human beings? Yes.

20 to 30 though and things would likely go downhill unless I could scare them after hurting a few first.

Obliterator

 

[Obliterator]

I thought about going with 10 people but then I thought some on GAF might think I have an ego. 5 seemed a lot more appropriate tbh

 

[Shadownet]

Instead of saying, "Parents should be paying more attention to their kids and giving them more productive things to do," haven't you ever wondered, "Are there possibly reasons that make it difficult for parents to pay attention to their kids and for kids to be able to find productive activities in their communities"?

Yes, because more often than not. There aren't many if any productive activities to do within the communities. There should be more though.

I mean I wasn't a great kid by any mean. But I stayed out of trouble, I went to bible study sessions, I joined the lacrosse team and theatre in school. It kept me busy and out of trouble. I hope those kids who think its fun to hurt people should be given an opportunity or take the opportunity to do something more positive.

Fact: There are 42 million black people living in the United States. You are being convinced to fear every single one of them based on the actions of a very small minority.

This is false, I don't fear every black person I meet. The friend that sent me the article is black, it doesn't mean I mistrust him now. I've seen pieces of news about senseless, random acts of crimes by caucasian/asian/hispanic too but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of everyone. Once against, you're assuming something about me which you know very little of.

 

[werks]

I agree with you completely op, but I don't think your caution goes far enough. While it is likely that you will get beaten up by a bunch of black dudes, there is also a great risk of getting serially killed and eaten by a white dude, or getting blown up by a brown dude, or getting getting your shit pushed in by a Mexican (different kind of brown) dude.

You are in grave danger and cannot underestimate these risks. The only safe thing to do is to lock yourself in a room and cease all further human contact.

 

[TheWorldWillBeMine]

I do and this is true.

I hope it won't become some sort of epidemic, though I do think there is some sort of crowd dynamic with this sort of crimes. Well the flash mob crimes anyway. I agree with the rest of the things you said.


I mean this is what i'm trying to get at, I hope that these attacks aren't related to race issues. I'm upset by what happened in Ferguson and Baltimore as well, especially innocent people getting hurt because of the riots. You're right, people shouldn't be getting attacked or be treated because of the color of their skin. It's a shame it's still happening..

Because of the police! Cause and effect. Rioters would not exist if more police did their job correctly. American police kill a LOT of people. It's becoming the norm and it shouldn't be.

 

[Cyan]

I know you don't see this as a big problem. But I just want to know, what do you think are some things that can help with this problem?

Hmm, well. The standard sorts of things you'd want to do to lower crime rates, I guess--improve standards of living, reduce income inequality, improved education, increased options and opportunity in general. Criminal justice reform aimed at reducing recidivism rather than theatrics.

The kids in one of the articles in the OP cite their motivation as feeling rebellious because of (presumably racially based) police harassment:

“To be honest the police make you want to do s***. I’m sorry for cussing, but the police make you want to do things, especially when you’re walking by and they bother you for no reason,” the men said. “Then when they’re not around, you feel like you should be rebellious.”

It would be silly of me to extrapolate too far from that after all the discussion in this thread of why not to make vast extrapolations from a single news story, but it does suggest that fixing racial biases in the system would also help. This seems in line with common sense: a person who feels abandoned or attacked by the system has little motivation to keep in line and follow the rules.

 

[OceanBlue]

Yes, because more often than not. There aren't many if any productive activities to do within the communities. There should be more though.

I mean I wasn't a great kid by any mean. But I stayed out of trouble, I went to bible study sessions, I joined the lacrosse team and theatre in school. It kept me busy and out of trouble. I hope those kids who think its fun to hurt people should be given an opportunity or take the opportunity to do something more positive.

I mean, that's great that you could do those things, and I agree that people should have opportunities to do constructive things. Why do you think more constructive opportunities don't exist?

Speaking of school activities reminds me of the This American Life segment that aired last week. You can find it in the thread here. When you hear about a day in the life of a Normandy high school student, it really puts things into perspective. Not that I have any first-hand (or even second-hand experience) at an impoverished school, but it sounds really tough to deal with. Can you really expect well-structured extracurricular activities when a motivated honors student will go through a day where only one teacher out of seven teaches?

 

[HP_Wuvcraft]

I'm just hoping more parents will talk to their children, I suppose. It reminded me of that mother during the Ferguson riots, she saw her kid rioting like that and proceeded to teach him a lesson.

You just lost any credibility you had of this not being a race-based thread.

 

[la flama blanca]

You just lost any credibility you had of this not being a race-based thread.

Pretty much this. OP trying his best to be real subtle, lmao. Shadownet, do you only get your news and information from shared Facebook posts? I mean, I'd be seriously embarrassed right now if I were you.

 

[Shadownet]

Because of the police! Cause and effect. Rioters would not exist if more police did their job correctly. American police kill a LOT of people. It's becoming the norm and it shouldn't be.

I mean, couldn't this be look at from both point of views? I've seen video of police officers doing their job correctly and some can mistaken that for a racial attack. People act out upon it.

I do agree with you that American police kill a lot of people, but I don't think the fault rest entirely with them. There are many sides to be blame.

Hmm, well. The standard sorts of things you'd want to do to lower crime rates, I guess--improve standards of living, reduce income inequality, improved education, increased options and opportunity in general. Criminal justice reform aimed at reducing recidivism rather than theatrics.

The kids in one of the articles in the OP cite their motivation as feeling rebellious because of (presumably racially based) police harassment:
It would be silly of me to extrapolate too far from that after all the discussion in this thread of why not to make vast extrapolations from a single news story, but it does suggest that fixing racial biases in the system would also help. This seems in line with common sense: a person who feels abandoned or attacked by the system has little motivation to keep in line and follow the rules.

Thank you for your input and I agree common sense is often lacking in crimes like this. It doesn't help anyone.

I mean, that's great that you could do those things, and I agree that people should have opportunities to do constructive things. Why do you think more constructive opportunities don't exist?

Speaking of school activities reminds me of the This American Life segment that aired last week. You can find it in the thread here. When you hear about a day in the life of a Normandy high school student, it really puts things into perspective. Not that I have any first-hand (or even second-hand experience) at an impoverished school, but it sounds really tough to deal with. Can you really expect well-structured extracurricular activities when a motivated honors student will go through a day where only one teacher out of seven teaches?

I'm guessing money has a lot to do with it. I came from an elementary school that lost several extracurricular activities due to funding. I can't imagine what it's like to live your life in an area like that. Thanks for the link, btw. I'll be sure to read that.

You just lost any credibility you had of this not being a race-based thread.

I apologize if my wordings make you think my intention is based on race. My original intention were just to hope people notice more about crimes like this and hope that everyone can stay safe from stuff like this. Cyan and other posters taught me a lot with what they know.

Pretty much this. OP trying his best to be real subtle, lmao. Shadownet, do you only get your news and information from shared Facebook posts? I mean, I'd be seriously embarrassed right now if I were you.

You can think of me what you will, at the end of the day, I know what I believe in and I'm not really embarrassed about it. If you think I'm a racist than so be it.

 

[HP_Wuvcraft]

OP, it sounds like you just don't research topics over a landscape of multiple sources. Also, it seems like you read headlines and let that frame your information.

 

[minx]

SMH. "Knockout Game" is a made up media ruse to scare white people, congrats for falling for it OP lol.

All I had to do was click on a link and use my brain. The 3rd story is a hate crime against a Muslim woman. Rather than focus on that and garner sympathy for a Muslim, the media instead reports it as a savage black knockout game and doesn't call the crime what it actually is.

Doesn't surprise me that it was from last year either. When the constitutionality of the NYPD's Stop and Frisk program was being publicly questioned, the NY media went 'Knockout Game' crazy with their coverage. I even saw a NY TV news report on it that deceptively used footage from an assault in London to scare white NYers. Do you think this is a coincidence? Use your brain next time OP.

Made up by media? What kind of tin foil hat bullshit is this? I didn't think it was that big anymore but this game did indeed exist and to claim it didn't is pure ignorance.

 

[YoungHav]

I mean.. is it it both? it's a crime against Muslim but it's also fit with the description of people going around, blind side punch random people for the hell of it. While I do agree with you that more attention should be the sympathy of that woman and the Muslim community.

lol my bad for the ad hominems earlier but think about it. People have been punching each other since the dawn of time. When an assault happens, people aren't jump kicking or head butting their victim 9/10 times... punches come naturally. So why all of a sudden does this "Knockout Game" narrative appear? Who does it serve and why? This is the media engaging (again) in the black savage/let's scare white people tactic.

There was an attack on a Muslim woman in my neighborhood recently also. So no this isn't some silly coordinated recreational game by the savage blacks... people have been doing shitty things since forever. That it's some "Knockout Game" is a racist media tactic, look at the fear it elicits.

To add, not that all "knockout game" victims have been Muslim but your posting also sheds light on media tactics. You posted an assault on a Muslim woman, something similar just happened in my hood. There has been plenty of hate crimes on Muslims in the U.S. and they're being underreported. What purpose does the media ignoring this serve? We have had a "War on Terror" since 9/11 so having empathy for any Muslim in general is not pushed by the media. They're supposed to be bomb-making, Christian and Jew killing savages remember?? So of course the media will shy away (in general) from humanizing them, even if they are victims of hate crimes. Don't give 100% of your trust to the media and know that they sometimes have an agenda. The black man will always be the scary violent boogeyman, it's a very old and profitable narrative.

 

[Shadownet]

Made up by media? What kind of tin foil hat bullshit is this? I didn't think it was that big anymore but this game did indeed exist and to claim it didn't is pure ignorance.

To my understanding, I thought it was incredibly disturbing that people were randomly going up to people. With no care for age, sex or race and just punch them as hard as they can and leave them like that.

Even worst, some cases even escalated to a full beat down. If people doesn't accept 'Knockout Game' or whatever they like to call it as a real thing. Then I don't know what it is. The similarity of how these assault is being carried out are too similar to just be random crimes without a name.

lol my bad for the ad hominems earlier but think about it. People have been punching each other since the dawn of time. When an assault happens, people aren't jump kicking or head butting their victim 9/10 times... punches come naturally. So why all of a sudden does this "Knockout Game" narrative appear? Who does it serve and why? This is the media engaging (again) in the black savage/let's scare white people tactic.

There was an attack on a Muslim woman in my neighborhood recently also. So no this isn't some silly coordinated recreational game by the savage blacks... people have been doing shitty things since forever. That it's some "Knockout Game" is a racist media tactic, look at the fear it elicits.

To add, not that all "knockout game" victims have been Muslim but your posting also sheds light on media tactics. You posted an assault on a Muslim woman, something similar just happened in my hood. There has been plenty of hate crimes on Muslims in the U.S. and they're being underreported. What purpose does the media ignoring this serve? We have had a "War on Terror" since 9/11 so having empathy for any Muslim in general is not pushed by the media. They're supposed to be bomb-making, Christian and Jew killing savages remember?? So of course the media will shy away (in general) from humanizing them, even if they are victims of hate crimes. Don't give 100% of your trust to the media and know that they sometimes have an agenda. The black man will always be the scary violent boogeyman, it's a very old and profitable narrative.

You're right not all these victims are Muslims. But think about it like this though, if people start randomly pouring gasoline on random innocent people and light them on fire, and it happen every once in a while all over the country. I'm sure someone will coin a name for it, and rightly so. Sure these are also assault and most likely manslaughter but those people are using the same tactic to assault people.

Just as these people who are punching people blindsided, that is their tactic.

I wouldn't be so sure about this. Implicit bias is a troubling thing because it's subtle and affects you subconsciously. As much as I'd like to believe that I'm not racist, I definitely hold implicit biases towards black people, hispanic people, and other minorities (such as LGBT) that I might not recognize until I reflect on it later or until someone points it out. IMO people should always be reflective and keep an open-mind, even if it involves doubting assumptions about yourself.

Is there a video of this? or is there just audio recordings?

Also, no I agree that everyone is somewhat racist. I just didn't like people assuming that I posted this thread as my way of saying "I hate black people." when that is the furthest thing from the truth. I just dislike seeing people being hurt for no reason by people. There is usually a motive in every crime, whether it's greed, lust or whatever. But people are getting hurt over what I assume to be just 'for fun.' I just find it appalling.

 

[OceanBlue]

I'm guessing money has a lot to do with it. I came from an elementary school that lost several extracurricular activities due to funding. I can't imagine what it's like to live your life in an area like that. Thanks for the link, btw. I'll be sure to read that.

No problem. This American Life has had a lot of eye-opening stories on poverty and race in addition to their other great programming and presents all of their topics with interesting human stories, and the show really helped me understand issues more than if I were just told facts. Not to say that statistics and facts aren't important, but sometimes you need a different perspective, so I definitely recommend checking the show out.

One thing I will say is this though:

You can think of me what you will, at the end of the day, I know what I believe in and I'm not really embarrassed about it. If you think I'm a racist than so be it.

I wouldn't be so sure about this. Implicit bias is a troubling thing because it's subtle and affects you subconsciously. As much as I'd like to believe that I'm not racist, I definitely hold implicit biases towards black people, hispanic people, and other minorities (such as LGBT) that I might not recognize until I reflect on it later or until someone points it out. IMO people should always be reflective and keep an open-mind, even if it involves doubting assumptions about yourself.

 

[YoungHav]

Made up by media? What kind of tin foil hat bullshit is this? I didn't think it was that big anymore but this game did indeed exist and to claim it didn't is pure ignorance.

You can't attribute every unprovoked assault to "The Knockout Game". The aggressor could be mentally ill, the aggressor could be committing a hate crime etc... The coverage is overblown. It's not tin foil hat nonsense, I've been here for a decade and the NY media absolutely ramped up "KO Game" awareness when NYPD's Stop and Frisk was being challenged. Purpose? To make white people scared of the savage blacks so that they would blindly support NYPD's constitutional violations.

And the evening news broadcast I saw, they absolutely used a youtube clip of an assault in London during their coverage of it in order to scare white NYers. That was blatantly deceptive and immoral journalism.

 

[komplanen]

OP has a black friend so he can't be racist. Leave him alone!

 

[TheWorldWillBeMine]

I mean, couldn't this be look at from both point of views? I've seen video of police officers doing their job correctly and some can mistaken that for a racial attack. People act out upon it.

I do agree with you that American police kill a lot of people, but I don't think the fault rest entirely with them. There are many sides to be blame.

I'm not trying to make this a side vs side thing. I didn't say all police aren't doing the right thing but a bigger majority has been more aggressive for a long time. It's not always a race thing;most of the time it is though. Not a lot of people deserve to die and certainly not by the hands of someone who should protect them and over something trivial or before they get a chance to respond.

 

[Shadownet]

OP has a black friend so he can't be racist. Leave him alone!

I guess you have nothing important to contribute. Thanks for posting.

I'm not trying to make this a side vs side thing. I didn't say all police aren't doing the right thing but a bigger majority has been more aggressive for a long time. It's not always a race thing;most of the time it is though. Not a lot of people deserve to die and certainly not by the hands of someone who should protect them and over something trivial or before they get a chance to respond.

You're right about all of this. Too many people died by people whom they thought they should be protected by, and also too many cops died from the people they thought they were serving.

 

[Cyan]

Made up by media? What kind of tin foil hat bullshit is this? I didn't think it was that big anymore but this game did indeed exist and to claim it didn't is pure ignorance.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/23/nyregion/knockout-game-a-spreading-menace-or-a-myth.html

police officials in several cities where such attacks have been reported said that the “game” amounted to little more than an urban myth, and that the attacks in question might be nothing more than the sort of random assaults that have always occurred.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articl...out-game-is-america-s-latest-phony-panic.html

Overall, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2012 crime report, there were an estimated 127,577 assaults with “hands and fists” in American cities with more than 250,000 people, a 0.7 percent increase from the previous year. The “knockout game” may or may not be a new phenomenon, but with a few instances out of tens of thousands of assaults, it’s not a trend, and media outlets shouldn’t treat it as one. A few teens may describe their behavior as a game, but to hold them up as signs of a crime wave is to cherry-pick data and mislead the audience. A little incredulity, in other words, would go a long way.

http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswi...ut-game-an-old-phenomenon-with-fresh-branding

Ferguson said that giving crimes names — here "the knockout game" — also helps gives them narratives. And once we have those categories, we begin to apply that label to any instance that fits the pattern. Ferguson said that now random assaults are being retroactively tagged as examples of the knockout game.

"If the narrative didn't exist, then people wouldn't be thinking along those lines," Ferguson said.

Random street assaults, as a type of crime, absolutely exist. The "Knockout Game," as a widespread and growing phenomenon that consists of black kids punching white people as part of a game, is a myth.

 

[ZackieChan]

I know you don't see this as a big problem. But I just want to know, what do you think are some things that can help with this problem?

Because it is a tiny problem. That's the point. You need to read The Culture of Fear, or a similar book, to get some perspective. You're letting random scary stories terrify you when you shouldn't.

I hope you don't own a car and use it a lot OP. You're much more likely to be killed or injured in a car accident.

Hopefully some politician has a press conference about this soon. Think of the lives that could be saved.

 

[OceanBlue]

Is there a video of this? or is there just audio recordings?

Also, no I agree that everyone is somewhat racist. I just didn't like people assuming that I posted this thread as my way of saying "I hate black people." when that is the furthest thing from the truth. I just dislike seeing people being hurt for no reason by people. There is usually a motive in every crime, whether it's greed, lust or whatever. But people are getting hurt over what I assume to be just 'for fun.' I just find it appalling.

NPR is primarily a radio news company so it's all audio, sorry . I definitely recommend reading the article and trying at least a few of the Implicit Association Tests linked on the article if you have time. It's an interesting thing you can use to self-reflect.

For example, I'm an Asian-American and I just did the Asian IAT, and I was evaluated as someone who slightly sees Asians as foreigners instead of Americans. I'm not surprised at all because I've lived in predominantly white communities my entire life, but it's something to think about.

 

[Gleethor]

Nah, just lift, exercise, and take combat or martial arts training. Lifelong fan of exercise and training as well as taking kickboxing.

Your average human being has no idea how to fight and is not in athletic shape. Workout for a year and take a year of kickboxing or BJJ and you will obliterate 99% of walking people on the street.



Its really not. Again its not "I'm badass" its most average human beings are not.

Average Joe with a baseball bat vs. Obliterator, Evilore what's your take?

 

[Gaz_RB]

Shadownet... Smh man

 

[Jawbreaker]

I think the OP genuinely fears for their safety. It's really not uncommon for people to become afraid of things, even if the likelihood of these events occurring is statistically infinitesimal. Just the knowledge that it has happened and COULD happen to them is enough to trigger this fear. We shouldn't be making fun of them for a feeling they aren't able to contain.

One aspect may be vulnerability&#8212;a lack of control. The idea that a group of people could surround you and deliver a pummeling where you're afforded no escape can be frightening to some. A "senseless" crime is more alarming than gang or drug related violence for those who aren't engaged in either, for example. Many proponents of concealed carry likely have this fear of vulnerability, and keeping a gun handy gives them back a sense of self-efficacy.

Media is also a factor that must be considered. The Internet has made it easy to share articles, images and videos of violent crimes, so while it's declining in the U.S., the overflow of these news stories creates the perception that crime is on the rise or at an all-time high. There are websites that generate a steady income selling fear, as well.

There's more to consider, but the point is that fear isn't always easily discarded and it can present itself for a variety of reasons. It's always good to try and analyze these fears and consider the probability; they're not always unfounded and being better prepared as a result can be a good thing, but we should of also try to remember that certain things aren't worth the additional stress.

 

[Shadownet]

NPR is primarily a radio news company so it's all audio, sorry . I definitely recommend reading the article and trying at least a few of the Implicit Association Tests linked on the article if you have time. It's an interesting thing you can use to self-reflect.

For example, I'm an Asian-American and I just did the Asian IAT, and I was evaluated as someone who slightly sees Asians as foreigners instead of Americans. I'm not surprised at all because I've lived in predominantly white communities my entire life, but it's something to think about.

I'm Asian-American as well and thanks for that link. I'll take the test tomorrow. I feel like my result might be similar to you.

Shadownet... Smh man

Sorry Gaz, also long time no talk.

I think the OP genuinely fears for their safety. It's really not uncommon for people to become afraid of things, even if the likelihood of these events occurring is statistically infinitesimal. Just the knowledge that it has happened and COULD happen to them is enough to trigger this fear. We shouldn't be making fun of them for a feeling they aren't able to properly contain it.

One aspect may be vulnerability&#8212;a lack of control. The idea that a group of people could surround you and deliver a pummeling where you're afforded no escape can be frightening to some. A "senseless" crime is more alarming than gang or drug related violence for those who aren't engaged in either, for example. Many proponents of concealed carry likely have this fear of vulnerability, and keeping a gun handy gives them back some self-efficacy.

Media is also a factor that must be considered. The Internet has made it easy to share articles, images and videos of violent crimes, so while it's declining in the U.S., the overflow of these news stories creates the perception that crime is on the rise or at an all-time high. There are websites that generate a steady income selling fear, as well.

There's more to consider, but the point is that fear isn't always easily discarded and it can present itself for a variety of reasons. It's always good to try and analyze these fears and consider the probability; they're not always unfounded and being better prepared as a result can be a good thing, but we should of also try to remember that certain things aren't worth the additional stress.

Thanks, your post made a lot of sense. I mean if crimes like this aren't common then that's a good thing, but it's still something that's quite scary to think about. Honestly you're one of the few people in this thread that actually calmly explain stuff and participated in a normal discussion instead of just accusing and making fun of me for my fears. So thank you.

 

[uncredited male]

Wikipedia has a fairly decent article covering Knockout and the media response and whatnot.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knockout_game

But what you have to really fear is the organ thieves. Guard your kidneys GAF.

 

[Gaz_RB]

I'm Asian-American as well and thanks for that link. I'll take the test tomorrow. I feel like my result might be similar to you.

Sorry Gaz, also long time no talk.

Thanks, your post made a lot of sense. I mean if crimes like this aren't common then that's a good thing, but it's still something that's quite scary to think about. Honestly you're one of the few people in this thread that actually calmly explain stuff and participated in a normal discussion instead of just accusing and making fun of me for my fears. So thank you.

I just don't want you to be scared man! If you're gonna be scared of anything it shouldn't not be kids playing the knockout game!

 

[Shadownet]

I just don't want you to be scared man! If you're gonna be scared of anything it shouldn't not be kids playing the knockout game!

I understand what you're trying to say Gaz. But I guess I'm more disgusted with what happened than fear of it ever happening to me.

Like there was an elderly Vietnamese man who came here with his wife. He died 3 years later because of one of these attacks. I mean.. it's sad. His wife lives, but it's just so shitty that they were walking home from the grocery store and these teens attack them because of a stupid game. That they see hurting someone as some sort of twisted game.

 

[King Tubby]

This is why I always tell people to protect their motherfucking necks.

 

[YoungHav]

Black people are scaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrry!!

 

[jim-jam bongs]

OP you probably could have got away with this thread if you had just asked why people aren't talking more about the problem without bringing up Ferguson and Baltimore, assuming you are in fact sincere and not just clumsily race-baiting.

 

[Freedom = $1.05]

I understand what you're trying to say Gaz. But I guess I'm more disgusted with what happened than fear of it ever happening to me.

Like there was an elderly Vietnamese man who came here with his wife. He died 3 years later because of one of these attacks. I mean.. it's sad. His wife lives, but it's just so shitty that they were walking home from the grocery store and these teens attack them because of a stupid game. That they see hurting someone as some sort of twisted game.

You seem to be easily startled by anecdotes and outlier crimes.

If you're this fraught with fear, I'd recommend not leaving your home given that you encounter motor vehicles on a regular basis and those are known for their ability to both assist people in moving and also kill lots of them in the process.

The worst thing about cars is that theyre indiscriminate, too. Truly scary stuff.