PC Minefield at Duke

MinefieldThose 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.

76,260 thoughts on “PC Minefield at Duke

  1. AnnieBeauB

    Оформиление дипломов ВУЗов в Москве — с печатями, подписями, приложением и возможностью архивной записи (по запросу).
    Документ максимально приближен к оригиналу и проходит визуальную проверку.
    Мы гарантируем, что в случае проверки документа, подозрений не возникнет.

    – Конфиденциально
    – Доставка 3–7 дней
    – Любая специальность

    Уже более 3585 клиентов воспользовались услугой — теперь ваша очередь.

    Узнать условия — ответим быстро, без лишних формальностей.

  2. KINGSLOT96

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same
    comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Cheers!

  3. TonuvenTag

    На сайте https://bellefemme.ru приобретите качественное, привлекательное и роскошное нижнее белье, корсеты, боди, которые подчеркнут достоинства фигуры, сделают силуэт более привлекательным. На всю продукцию установлены доступные цены, чтобы вы пополнили гардероб интересными вещами. Нижнее белье выполнено из качественных, приятных к телу тканей, которые не мнутся и не теряют форму. В таком белье вы всегда будете выглядеть уверенно и необычно. Прием заявок осуществляется в круглосуточном режиме, организуется оперативная доставка по России.

  4. Tonyarob

    Покупка дипломов ВУЗов в Москве — с печатями, подписями, приложением и возможностью архивной записи (по запросу).
    Документ максимально приближен к оригиналу и проходит визуальную проверку.
    Мы даем гарантию, что в случае проверки документа, подозрений не возникнет.

    – Конфиденциально
    – Доставка 3–7 дней
    – Любая специальность

    Уже более 4915 клиентов воспользовались услугой — теперь ваша очередь.

    Купить диплом недорого — ответим быстро, без лишних формальностей.

  5. NormanLot

    Se você está procurando a melhor experiência de cassino online com slots emocionantes, não pode deixar de baixar Big Bass Bonanza agora mesmo! Este caça-níquel da Pragmatic Play, conhecido como Big Bass Bonanza, conquistou os jogadores com seu visual divertido e prêmios incríveis – https://big-bassbonanza.com/

  6. keren138

    Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.

    It’s always exciting to read articles from other authors and use a little
    something from other sites.

  7. AngelaVak

    Оформиление дипломов ВУЗов по всей России и СНГ — с печатями, подписями, приложением и возможностью архивной записи (по запросу).
    Документ максимально приближен к оригиналу и проходит визуальную проверку.
    Мы гарантируем, что в случае проверки документа, подозрений не возникнет.

    – Конфиденциально
    – Доставка 3–7 дней
    – Любая специальность

    Уже более 3057 клиентов воспользовались услугой — теперь ваша очередь.

    По ссылке — ответим быстро, без лишних формальностей.

  8. tonic greens

    Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clearness on your publish is simply spectacular and i could assume you’re a professional
    on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to take
    hold of your feed to keep up to date with approaching
    post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding
    work.

    Stop by my web-site: tonic greens

  9. KogixLix

    На сайте https://good-promo.ru/ вы узнаете все секреты, рекомендации, которые помогут изрядно сэкономить при покупках. На этом неофициальном сайте «Пятерочки» вы найдете актуальную и содержательную информацию по поводу акций на неделю. Также представлены расценки недели по карте, то, какие акции вас будут ожидать на кассе. Регулярно устраиваются скидки на рыбу, а также некоторые вина. Есть рекомендации, которые помогут быстрее убраться в коттедже, навести чистоту после ремонта. Узнаете много нового о здоровье мочеполовой сферы.

  10. swimming pool builders near me

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after
    browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and
    checking back often!

  11. מלון קרוב להוליווד

    כתבה מעולה! אני עוקב הרבה אחרי בלוגים
    של תיירות, וזה בדיוק הנושא שחיפשתי עליו מידע.
    למי שמתכנן טיול לאמריקה – ממליץ לבדוק את Getravel.co.il.
    יש שם מדריכים מעולים בעברית, עם טיפים אמיתיים
    ודילים שווים על מלונות בכל היעדים הפופולריים.

  12. Gay Dating Chat

    What’s good boys! I’m Dylan, and I just discovered this awesome gay
    chat at BubiChat. ️‍

    No cap, I was scrolling grindr when I stumbled on this freaky chatroom.
    100x better than those ghost-town dating apps!

    At BubiChat, you can:
    Get dirty with twinky guys RIGHT NOW
    No judgment – just down-to-earth dudes
    Stay discreet if you’re just exploring

    Tap my profile there and let’s swap stories! Maybe we’ll make it
    rain?

    Pro tip: It’s stupid easy to join – no credit card, just fun guys like us.

    Hurry up, boi! I’m biting my lip at https://bubichat.com/gay-chat/

    XOXO,
    Ethan

  13. Santos

    Hey there outstanding blog! Does running a blog such as this require a
    lot of work? I have virtually no knowledge of coding however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon.
    Anyways, should you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners
    please share. I understand this is off topic but I just needed to ask.
    Kudos!

  14. Infosphere.Cc

    My relatives all the time say that I am killing my
    time here at net, but I know I am getting experience every day by reading thes nice articles or reviews.

  15. garuda138

    My brother recommended I might like this website. He was totally right.
    This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time
    I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  16. hepato burn reviews

    HepatoBurn harnesses natural ingredients to support
    liver health, promote detoxification, and enhance overall wellness.
    Boost your liver function and cleanse your body naturally with HepatoBurn — the trusted choice for health-conscious individuals.

  17. hikayeler ero

    Amazing blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I’m planning to
    start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid
    option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed
    .. Any ideas? Thanks a lot!

  18. Vaughn

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically
    tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe
    you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading
    your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  19. tidalbrews

    Ищете блочно-модульная паровая котельная? Мы предоставляем гарантию на все модели наших котлов и предлагаем услуги по монтажу, пуско-наладке и обслуживанию оборудования. Наша команда опытных инженеров всегда готова прийти на помощь в случае возникновения вопросов или проблем.

  20. register ssl

    It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I am happy
    that you simply shared this helpful info with us.
    Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  21. Emilia

    Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

  22. Sazrdvh

    Купить документ университета вы имеете возможность у нас. Купить диплом университета по невысокой цене можно, обращаясь к надежной специализированной компании. skazka.g-talk.ru/viewtopic.phpf=1&t=4895

  23. Roof and gutter repair concord

    A person necessarily help to make significantly posts I’d state.
    That is the very first time I frequented
    your website page and so far? I surprised with the
    research you made to make this particular put up incredible.
    Excellent job!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *