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.
buy saxenda online uk
buy canadian drugs: NorthCareRx – NorthCareRx
Understanding chiller-free vs chiller-inclusive apartments in Dubai 1 bhk discovery gardens cheap hotel apartment in dubai for 15 days stayingsobha contracting llc dubai
Appreciate the helpful advice. For more, visit elderly care .
Geotextile fabric under driveways is a game-changer to prevent rutting. We ordered install through septic systems .
עמידות לרעידות ואיטום חכם. דאר גרופ – מקצוענים: חיפוי מבנים באלומיניום מקצועי
Appreciate the thorough analysis. For more, visit vet McKinney TX .
Another factor I look for in an emergency AC repair company is whether they stock common parts on their trucks. It’s something I’ve noticed some providers highlight in their profiles on emergencyac repair .
I never realized how important it is to know when to call a plumber. Your post has definitely opened my eyes! For additional resources, head over to plumber near me .
Appreciate the comprehensive advice. For more, visit veterinarian services near me .
Wow, I had no idea about the impact of hard water on plumbing systems! Your insights are invaluable. Learn more at plumber frankston .
If you’re considering epoxy on concrete, ask sandblasting about the right CSP profile first.
Glad we didn’t just add more insulation without sealing. insulation contractor explained why sequence matters.
трек получил в пятницу сегодня понедельник пока нет данных по треку возможно еще не вбился в систему думаю на днях ясно все будет отпишу купить кокаин, купить мефедрон, купить гашиш, купить бошки Такие как я всегда обо всем приобретенном или полученном как пробник расписывают количество и качество, но такие же как я не будут производить заказ, не узнав обо всех качествах приобретаемого товара, ведь ни кто не хочет приобретать то, что выдают за оригинальный товар (описанный на форумах или в википедии), а оказывается на деле совсем другое. Или необходимо самолично покупать у всех магазов, чтобы самолично проверить качество, чтобы другие не подкололись? Матерей Тэрэз тут тоже не много, чтоб так тратиться на такого рода проверки.Обратите внимание на дату регистрации топик стартера и на регистрацию всех довольных пользователей.
For seniors moving near the Monocacy Creek trails, I liked the gentle, full-service approach I found via Bethlehem moving company .
Heard horror stories about hostage loads—always verify licensing. I cross-checked USDOT and FMCSA records for Greensboro movers on Greensboro moving company .
I appreciate when movers show up on time. Has anyone used Lantana commercial movers for same-day moves around Lantana?
1win как вывести на элсом 1win как вывести на элсом
You can certainly see your skills in the article you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers such as
you who are not afraid to say how they believe.
Always go after your heart.
The movers protected my walls and doors—thanks Rockford commercial movers for the Rockford referral.
в Обьщем как и говорил заказал ам,оно пришло в город,а мою фамилию ПЕРЕПУТАЛИ ,посылку не выдают……. купить кокаин, купить мефедрон, купить гашиш, купить бошки Спасибо огромное вам многим за понимание.я звонил седня.сказали либо номер не правлеьный..либо не отправили еще
Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at K. Vet Animal Care .
best online pharmacy mail order pharmacy india internet pharmacy manitoba
For Adelaide small organisations, a restricted key system with trackable key issuance can keep a great number of headaches while team of workers alterations Locksmith Adelaide
espace dubai real estate https://ceritaarni.com/american-living-in-dubai-real-estate-director-instagram.html Villas for sale in Elie Saab IIvision tower dubai properties
Just flew into Sarajevo and needed a car or truck directly from the aerodrom—amazing handy for heading to the previous the city after which out to the mountains. A top tip is to book ahead to lock in better premiums and determine availability rent a car sarajevo aerodrom
If you’re still working, coordination matters. Medicare Open Enrollment walked me through primary vs. secondary coverage.
Such important reminders about avoiding clogs and water damage—I’ll contact # # anykeyword### ASAP! Gutter Services
cipro
I found this very interesting. For more, visit alojamiento en Burres .
Seasonal demand spikes—book early. I secured a prime slot using junk removal services .
Avoid injury with a flatbed from towing near me .
Our energy bills decreased without sacrificing comfort. Thanks insulation contractor for the attic upgrade.
apartment or hotel in international city dubai buy real estate in dubai uae aqua properties office in dubaimutual funds emirates nbd
I appreciated that Bridgeport movers gave a binding quote for my Bridgeport to Fairfield move.
sweet bonanza enlace directo sweet bonanza enlace directo
Insurance claims should be would becould very well be tough. The guidelines on top tier roofing green bay roof repair helped me record damage and get an adjuster to approve repairs.
I found this very interesting. Check out knee pain relief Boise ID for more.
La calidad del servicio de cerrajero Barcelona es insuperable, ¡gracias por ayudarme!
Great tips! For more, visit tricólogo Jaén .
https://susya.ru/cb-ukazal-na-riski-otmeny-divpolitiki-na-fone-situacii-s-globaltrans-rbk-investicii/
This was highly educational. More at opiniones alojamiento Arzúa .
Any person contrasting vitrification vs. slow-freeze for bovine embryos? Our pilot mirrored the recommendations at biotech solutions bovine reproduction — vitrification reduced our handling time with similar post-thaw prices.
Посетите сайт https://xn--80auva3d.xn--p1ai/ и вы найдете проекты и решения в сфере дизайна, в сфере архитектуры и проектирования, узнаете все о цифровых инструментах в дизайне и много другое. На сайте много статей на перечисленные выше темы, где вы сможете почерпнуть полезную и интересную информацию.
Home security tip for Adelaide homeowners: for those who’ve moved into a new location in Henley Beach or Prospect, trust rekeying rather then entirely replacing your locks—it’s most likely more affordable, retains your existing hardware Locksmith Adelaide
Planning a road trip by means of Bosnia and Herzegovina? Starting your event with a sleek pickup at Sarajevo Airport makes a massive big difference rent a car sarajevo
I never realized how important it is to know when to call a plumber. Your post has definitely opened my eyes! For additional resources, head over to Melbourne-based plumber .
If you’re moving within the Lehigh Valley, Cheap movers Bethlehem is a good starting point for Bethlehem pros.
This is exactly what I needed. I booked a call at Medicare Enrollment and had my enrollment done in minutes.
Storm season is coming—booklet early. I used roofing company to line up an inspection previously schedules filled.