There is currently a media feeding frenzy over so many inconsequential anecdotes related to THE SATURDAY NIGHT BLACK TEEN PLAZA RIOT. Once again, it's disappointing to see everyone miss the point.
Because of there is little diversity in local media and because TKC is one of the few people of color in Kansas City that doesn't have to answer to a white dude in regard to my writing . . . The essential element in this story isn't lost on me:
KANSAS CITY'S MOSTLY WHITE MEDIA ONLY CARES ABOUT TEENAGE BLACK VIOLENCE WHEN IT CROSSES TROOST!!!
Again, it's important to note that this year's murder rate is comprised mostly of African-American victims who only receive a cursory mention when their lives are tragically cut short.
But when Black youth cause a ruckus at PF Chang's there is nearly a cry of panic among so many so-called journalists.
Now, because the Internet is comprised mostly of racist reactionaries it's important to note that I would never defend the actions of any violent rioters. However, awesome TKC TIPSTER FIRST PERSON REPORTS reveal that the racial aspect of the Saturday Night Riot has been misinterpreted by the public and misrepresented by so many in the media.
Furthermore, the night this story was first called into TKC, it's obvious that a great many of the youngsters caught in the hot mess were just as scared as some of the more panicky patrons of The Plaza.
The talk of Internet trends in this story deserves to be challenged just as strongly as contentions that the Ipad will one day rule the world.
KCPD CHIEF CORWIN CITES FLASH MOBS AS PART OF THE PROBLEM. RESPECTFULLY, TKC DISAGREES AND CITES TEXT MESSAGES AS NOTHING MORE THAN A SYMPTOM OF KANSAS CITY'S GREAT RACIAL DIVIDE!!!
Of course, the "flash mob" aspect is a great trend and novelty to add to the story but this cowtown has been scared of African-American youth as long as I can remember. Go and visit the rubble of Bannister Mall if you doubt my assertion.
THE PLAZA BLACK TEEN RIOT IS AS MUCH ABOUT WHITE FEAR AS IT IS ABOUT THE EVENTS OF THE EVENING THANKS TO SO MANY SUBURBANITE JOURNALISTS!!!
Again, this story is only so sensational because teenage denizens of the Eastside encroached on the shopping district that was founded on racial covenants. The SOB Wired blog smartly hints at the "elitist" angle of reporting that is typified by The Kansas City Star.
So, while this story is noteworthy, it's also disappointing to admit that Kansas City lives in such fear. Frankly, I think so much liberal hand-wringing and reactionary hate is more reflective of surrounding suburbs (and maybe Brookside) than the real attitude of KC Proper. Still, I won't downplay the potential for violence should the PLAZA RIOT TREND PERSIST . . . Obviously, none of the youngsters hassling strangers have come into contact with the "Epic Beard Man" phenomenon . . . Yet again, The Kansas City, Missouri School District has failed its students by not at least offering a cursory lesson on Bernhard Goetz and the real world danger of stupidly screwing with strangers.
Nevertheless, as this thing has played out today the only thing that is certain is that Kansas City's media will only thoroughly investigate African-American violence when it affects white people.
LINKS:
Police Plan Strategy For Plaza Weekend
KCPD's recap of the Plaza incident
Funkhouser Reacts To Plaza Problems: 'Not How We Do Things In Kansas City'
What’s going on at the Country Club Plaza?
Poll: Are You Afraid To Go To The Plaza?
Flash-Mob Event May Have Led To Plaza Melee
Police Say Teens Planned Plaza Chaos Online
Chief Corwin's blog on "Plaza Incident"
Police say teens planned Plaza chaos online
BlogKC: Chief Corwin on the Plaza Flash Mob – Philly style?
Teens a problem for the Plaza?
Bria Myles recently featured in King Magazine should makes us all just a bit more relaxed.