Blackfacebook

A few things about the Jena 6 and then two more about abject stupidity: The whole situation in Jena, Louisiana is upsetting. There are very few things that I hate more than vile racism and the situation offers two variations on the theme. It is troubling, but not completely brain-rattlingly shocking, that kids face racism in the Southern U.S. It is a shame that racist self-entitlement over space under a tree (!) prompted some dumb kids to hang a noose from it (!) to keep black kids away. It is unfortunate that this racially charged incident led to a brutal black-on-white beatdown. But it is appalling that none of those things is the most disgusting part of the story.
The issue is the adult charges of attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder against kids guilty of physical assault and that’s it. This, of course, has led to public outcry, anger, awareness and locals embarrassed by the attention and media hype brought into their small town, which they claim is not that racist, but is, obviously, racist enough to ignore emotional motive and lay down unprecedented punishment, unaware that other people might hear about this and find it unfair.
The most insulting type of racism is what-me-racist?-type racism. The kind where a clearly racially-motivated decision is followed by "Why you makin’ such a big deal over this/"
And, with that, I give you this adorable story. In my opinion, it’s perfectly fine to go off color with your friends, as long as you know your audience. (Although, I know the blackface is barely better than the noose.) However, it’s probably not a good idea to record it. But, if you have gone way off-colour and saved it for posterity, and you LIVE IN LOUISIANA, why not post it on Facebook? Why not? You’re already racist and stupid. Might as well go for the trifecta and add public humiliation.