Those of us who live in Durham, NC, seldom experience the glow of the national spotlight. We have become accustomed to seeing references to the Research Triangle area in the sports pages, but apparently not much else happens here that is worthy of notice by the rest of the country. Maybe that is what has led to the disequilibrium around here, especially among the usually confident voices of the university set who now find a bit of difficulty in hitting their marks and saying their lines in the case of the recent rape accusations against members of the Duke University lacrosse team.
Perhaps people have also been put off balance by the complex convergence of factors required to put Durham in the news. Attracting national attention has required a story combining the popular theme of sports and something else newsworthy–or prurient–enough to attract the notice of the national press. In this case it was that a young African American woman is the accuser and the accused are generally privileged white college athletes who have become rather notorious in the area for their rowdiness and run-ins with the law.
That by itself would make the story a local news item; a few more features have made it national news. The fact that these particular events occurred at Duke University, the Princeton of the South, didn’t hurt their newsworthiness. Besides its status as a powerhouse in both mens and womens basketball, it is also the “safety school” of many a well heeled northeastern high schooler. Thus, many people have heard of Duke, and they relate to it in various ways. It also didn’t hurt to add the convergence of the esoteric and the exotic–the esoteric sport of lacrosse and the titillating world of “exotic dance” inhabited by the accuser.
If all you knew where the broad outlines of the case, this would be a slam dunk, PC-wise. The accuser is a black woman of modest means, and the accused are members of a privileged group, many of whom are white graduates of prestigious prep schools. The typical response to this convergence of gender, race and, class is pre-scripted; the sides are already drawn; it is so simple. Of course you choose the side of the woman, the side of the less fortunate, and the side of the African American, obviously.
Unfortunately in this case, that puts you on the side of a single mother of two who has taken to stripping as a way to meet her financial needs. One must resist the temptation to judge, however, and there is always her status as student at a local university to dwell upon. Still, you have to be a little unsettled that the young lady was already too impaired to perform when she arrived at the crowded little house near Duke’s east campus. Even as you rail against the injustice of a system that forces Black women into early motherhood and exploitation, aren’t you a little concerned at some of her choices and the way they may have affected her children’s lives?
Steering clear of that uncomfortable fact, one can focus on her career in “exotic dance.” Perhaps we then suppose that in her mind, anyway, she had been employed to educate the young men of the lacrosse team in aspects of dance not already familiar to them, something “exotic,” something, perhaps, from the Mongolian steppe, performed in modest but sturdy garb–a costume woven from yak fleece, perhaps. Then things just went horribly, horribly wrong.
I simply didn’t realize the Duke’s lacrosse team’s degree of erudition. Pooling their resources, gathering up hundreds of dollars in the interest of broadening their understanding of world cultures–admirable group of young men, eh?
No, I don’t believe that either. I don’t think we can explain the lacrosse team’s interest in dance by the fact that Durham is the site of the American Dance Festival. And I think most of us are aware that these dancers are paid the first few hundred to walk through the door; the real money comes from what goes on after that.
This story has so many angles, however, so many approaches, that the news hounds could not stay away. When one can write a story to suit any one of a number of disparate audiences, it becomes a gold mine for writers. This being America, the elemental issue of injustice has served as a theme for many a member of the scribbling class. Hand-wringing and indignation have been applied with nearly equal measure.
The real enlightenment we might derive from a situation such as this comes from the peek it allows us to take into the current sociocultural situation in which we find ourselves. We see it in the necessity for mainstream journalists to write the story in a way that will offend as few people as possible. We see it in the implicit trust so many people have put in the words of the accuser. We see it in the righteousness of the District Attorney–and the fact that he is running for re-election at the moment.
Yep, this one has something for everyone, all right. Joe Sixpack weighs in right beside the college president, and it all sounds about the same–well, except that Joe Sixpack might know more about living in Animal House and what “exotic dancers” really do.
Postscript: This recent news story could not have been very welcome:
(April 6, from http://www.wral.com/news/8513890/detail.html?rss=ral&psp=news
According to a 2002 police report, the woman, currently a 27-year-old student at North Carolina Central University, gave a taxi driver a lap dance at a Durham strip club. Subsequently, according to the report, she stole the man’s car and led deputies on a high-speed chase that ended in Wake County. Apparently, the deputy thought the chase was over when the woman turned down a dead-end road near Brier Creek, but instead she tried to run over him, according to the police report. Additional information notes that her blood-alcohol level registered at more than twice the legal limit.
I clench at night—learned about splints at Tooth extraction in Chesapeake.
Love the discussion on embryo grading. We balanced our racking up with the reference photos at preparing donor cows for IVF and improved inter-tech agreement in the lab.
Appreciate the thorough information. For more, visit K. Vet Animal Care .
Boundaries with in-legal guidelines is also difficult. Our counselor used a framework much like what I observed at Pre Marriage Counselling Singapore to assist us set respectful, clear limits collectively.
Transparent care level assessments prevented surprise costs. We learned the process through memory care resources.
I liked this article. For additional info, visit assisted living .
Dealing with salty air and outdoor units in Southampton: hvac southampton
Liquid navigation that adapts to motive is interesting. We’re prototyping predictive menus on Website design company Bangalore .
Appreciate you posting this! I really liked the points about maintaining irrigation systems. It’s great to see a post that considers Waterford homeowners plumbers groton ct
For anyone dealing with legal issues, I recommend looking into the resources available at criminal lawyer in winnipeg .
Don’t forget accessible turning space— portable toilets explains ADA interior dimensions to request.
Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at Daniella Levi Associates .
https://9777dbt1.org/
Bleachers and fixed seats? portable toilet supplier factors in peak halftime demand.
al barari dubai apartments for rent blue zone property dubai location fully furnished apartments for rent in dubaishort stay apartment rental dubai
I’ve read mixed reviews, but my Roanoke car shipping experience was excellent. Roanoke Auto Transport’s
Turnaround times matter for fleets—verify parts availability and lead times; I schedule work through vendors listed on custom U bolts .
Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit adhesivos y selladores .
This was beautifully organized. Discover more at proyectos 3D cocina Granada .
«Бумажный дом» — испанский сериал, превратившийся в настоящий мировой феномен криминального жанра. Таинственный Профессор вербует группу под именами городов с одной целью: захватить Королевский монетный двор и напечатать миллиарды, не прикасаясь к чужим средствам. Ищете бумажный дом смотреть онлайн? Все серии доступны на bumazhnyy-dom-smotret.online в отличном качестве с озвучкой LostFilm и других студий. Психологическое напряжение нарастает с каждой серией: заложники обретают лица, грабители — человечность, а дуэль Профессора с полицией превращается в шахматную партию, цена ошибки в которой — жизни. Пять сезонов и 50 серий не отпускают зрителя ни на секунду.
Such great information here about preventing water damage through proper gutter care! Check out google.com if you’re in Idaho!
Building signage lighting can enhance nighttime exposure — see examples at custom wall graphics .
Workplace accommodations after ADHD testing are confusing— Psychotherapist provides a starter letter and tips.
IFS mapped my binge urges compassionately; stepwise guide at IFS .
French drains solved our soggy yard before it impacted the tank. Got a drainage assessment via septic installation .
The advice on trim profiles is helpful; frame to finish matched our existing millwork.
I appreciated this post. Check out Dr Fishers Medical Weight Loss Centers for more.
Check pilot engagement depth on flanges to prevent miscentering; I follow a checklist from drivelines .
Thanks for the clear advice. More at Dr Fishers Weight Loss Centers .
Fantastic post! Discover more at ferretería industrial Albacete .
https://www.are.na/liqui-datoz/liquidatoz
Thanks for the clear advice. More at apartamentos turísticos Arzúa .
Hip pain after side impact is common—thanks for the insight. More at Car Accident Chiropractor .
If you want pristine windows without all the hassle, go with # # anyWord# # . You won’t regret it! Plus Ultra Window Cleaning Service in Palm Springs CA
EMDR myths are everywhere— Psychotherapist breaks them down and clarifies what to expect in session one.
Appreciate the comprehensive advice. For more, visit respite care .
NorthCareRx: canadian medications – canada rx pharmacy
Thanks for the DIY pointers. If you prefer pros in Charlotte, professional flooring repair does exceptional work.
I ruled out waxing/threading between sessions thanks to laser hair removal near me Holmdel .
The peace of mind knowing that I have a booked ride awaiting me at the airport is priceless—thank you, SUV limo service! limo service near me
If you’re downsizing in Newark, Best Newark movers connects you to movers who also help with donations.
This was highly educational. For more, visit Dr Fishers Weight Loss Centers .
One thing people forget that car accident claims are rarely simple.
Professional advice can help protect long-term recovery.
Truck accident attorney near me
כללי אתיקה בבניית קישורים ושקיפות מול לקוחות: קידום אורגני לעסקים
https://northcarerx.com/ed-pills.php# canadian pharmacies comparison
We asked our portable toilet supplier the exact questions listed on individual restroom —super helpful.
Consistent landscape maintenance helps prevent costly repairs down the line! In the Greater Chicago area? Contact landscaping skokie for comprehensive care!
Custom wall graphics can tell your brand story — see ours at 3d signage .
Staff-to-resident ratio is a key metric. We learned how to evaluate it on senior care before making a decision.
I appreciate movers who protect floors and doorways; does Bayonne moving companies provide runners and padding by default?