Is the Gates situation class warfare instead of racism?

[timeforpeace]

Upper class college professor, personal friend of the President of the United States, versus blue-collar middle class guy? Was the cop acting out his disgruntlement over his status versus Professor Gates' esteemed status?

[rucky]

1. No

1) the cop didn't know who he was. All he had to go on was on sight.
2) can't think of a single incident where this has happened in a similar neighborhood - but with a white homeowner.

[noiretextatique]

2. could very well be that

race and class played a role in the incident.

[BlooInBloo]

3. But... but... Supposedly the cop had no idea who Gates was.

:rofl:

[Karenina]

5. Bloo, did you see anywhere that he admitted recognizing Skip's face?

[BlooInBloo]

7. Nah. Did you see that somewhere?

[Karenina]

12. I could have misread.

:crazy: Check your PM for a real zinger on the class/race divide! :crazy:

[BurtWorm]

4. Could be a factor.

Doesn't mean race wasn't also a factor.

[tularetom]

6. A little of both

I'm sure the cop resented the fact that a black guy COULD achieve this status while he was stuck in his crappy job (which incidentally probably is not so crummy - he probably makes $100k per year or so). Well, it couldn't be that the black guy was smarter or more qualified, it had to be because of government sponsored affirmative action or some other policy which was dreamed up just to fuck over white people.

[seabeyond]

8. no. the cops bullying and intimidation is no longer about race, class or anything else

it is their right and part of their job description. it is a them against us

[etherealtruth]

9. Very doubtful

The issues of racism and classicism are often inextricably intertwined, but from what I know (and admittedly having not been there, is not that much)this event was likely the result of racist bias .... not necessarily even conscious.

[damntexdem]

10. Class was involved only insofar as Gates was unused to being treated as others routinely are.

And the case gained national prominence only because Gates is an elite.

But the other side is that this can happen EVEN to an elite, upperclass, respected academician.

[Lars39]

11. You think this is the first time Gates has been on the receiving end of racism?

He's 58 years old.

[Dutch]

13. Whilst I doubt class formed part of the officer's motives

I do find it amusing how many people around here seem staggered that anyone might not recognise somebody who combined those two ultimate celebrity positions: Harvard professor and PBS presenter.

I mean, I hate to break it to some of you guys, but there are even some folks out there who don't frequent the opera, or even the ballet, if you can believe that...