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.
For EV shipping from Naperville, I verified charger handling and insurance through Naperville vehicle transport .
Appreciate the thorough information. For more, visit Plumbers .
Wonderful tips! Find more at True Balance .
If you’re relocating AV conference rooms, ask for tech-savvy crews. We found them via Johns Creek international movers in Johns Creek.
Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at assisted living .
Магазин супер!!! купить кокаин, купить мефедрон, купить гашиш, купить бошки Палево палево, с сайтом чооо??Привет! В Наличии рега мощная 1к30 и скорость мука.
Moving instruments and a vintage piano out of NOLA humidity—found climate-aware pros through efficient apartment movers New Orleans .
This was highly useful. For more, visit servicio de compañía hospitalaria .
1win промокод на кэшбек https://1win85163.help
Wow, I went through a business pivot and it was time for my outer appearance to align with my inner growth. I worked with Tali Kogan Styling Studio and I can’t believe the difference style consultant chicago
Appreciate the budgeting advice. buy water heater Chicago offered flexible options in Chicago.
pin up promoskodni qanday kiritish pin up promoskodni qanday kiritish
Blacklight inspection for pet urine is a big plus. Chose a provider offering it via st george carpet cleaning .
Anyone comparing storage options during a Lilburn office relocation? We found short-term solutions through Lilburn commercial movers .
Fastidious respond in return of this question with genuine arguments
and telling all regarding that.
This was highly educational. For more, visit mejor relación calidad precio Arzúa .
NorthCareRx: NorthCareRx – NorthCareRx
mostbet lucky jet mostbet lucky jet
I never realized how vulnerable garage doors are. car locksmith provided a solid lock upgrade that fits perfectly.
Classic car owners in Islip: enclosed is worth it. I found a vetted carrier on Islip auto shippers .
Flexible dining hours were important for us. We filtered for open dining models on senior care .
ชอบที่แพทย์ให้คำปรึกษาละเอียดมาก สนใจติดตามโปร February Clinic Thonglor ที่ pico laser ปาก
The paver sealing service from power wash roof service really brought my outdoor space back to life!
«Лучше звоните Солу» — американский криминальный сериал 2015 года, приквел «Во все тяжкие», в котором мелкий провинциальный адвокат Джимми МакГилл шаг за шагом превращается в циничного и опасного Сола Гудмана. Череда вынужденных компромиссов, давление криминального окружения и корпоративная грязь методично трансформируют личность Джимми — без лишнего шума, но с железной неизбежностью. Ищете лучше звоните солу смотреть онлайн сериал лучше звоните солу? Все 63 серии шести сезонов доступны на luchshe-zvonite-solu-smotret.online с профессиональной озвучкой. Боб Оденкёрк блестяще воплотил антигероя нашего времени: расчётливого, притягательного и движущегося к неизбежному финалу.
Thanks for the detailed post. Find more at aseo e higiene personal mayores .
I appreciated how Phoenix car shipping verified VIN numbers and photos at my Phoenix pickup to avoid mix-ups.
This is so helpful, I found Tali Kogan Styling Studio for my rebrand. She really grasps the inner work of how we show up. Game changer. chicago stylist
sweet bonanza registro con bono México http://www.sweet-bonanza72501.help
We needed low-voltage runs for cameras— ceiling fan installation kept it clean. Phoenix area pros.
I appreciated that Leavy Schultz Davis doesn’t outsource – everything was handled in-house, which made communication faster and more reliable. Kennewick Car accident Lawyer
Really appreciate the practical advice you shared. The explanation on engine diagnostics made me rethink my maintenance schedule. As a local driver in West Palm Beach, I can attest to the value of these tips mercedes car repair near me
Me gustó la claridad sobre horarios 24/7. Confirmo que cerrajero atiende siempre.
I’m glad you mentioned emergency preparedness. elderly care helped us ask about drills and backup power.
Appreciate the comprehensive insights. For more, visit memory care .
If you’re caught via the on line casino, name Towing Service Hollywood FL emergency towing .
dubai bedspace in hotel apartment https://hdmrankup.com/studio-on-rent-for-one-month-only-dubai.html invest in abu dhabi propertyreal estate development companies
mostbet moto gp https://www.mostbet21067.help
My radiator valves are stuck—does plumber southampton pa do quick callouts in Southampton?
Appreciate the thorough insights. For more, visit elderly care .
I needed last-minute movers in Woodbridge and Woodbridge full service movers had affordable options available the same day.
This article made me realize the importance of regular roof maintenance. Thanks for the reminder! local roofer
If anyone needs reliable Santa Ana apartment movers, check out Local movers Santa Ana for a smooth, stress-free move.
Appreciate the thorough write-up. Find more at memory care .
Clearly presented. Discover more at tricólogo Albacete .
For greener options, I asked about multi-vehicle routes; Greensboro vehicle transport let me compare emissions-conscious carriers.
For a cross-country relocation, did Franklin Township Mover’s weigh the truck in/out and share scale tickets?
cipro
Just wanted to give a shoutout to Locksmith Unit Orlando Florida for their amazing service during my lock installation—it was seamless! More info here: locksmith Orlando .
I never had to wait long for a callback or update. Their team is on top of everything. Car accident lawyer
3)Бабки там всякие https://vstroimmebel.ru Нет сомненияПродолжаем работать, в этот раз чуть больше берем 🙂 очень хорошие скидки дает постоянным клиентам обращаетесь !!