So, anyone not know about this?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jena_Six
Thoughts? Opinions? Me, I think the whole thing is blown out of proportion, and that what is happening is a farce.
Don't get me wrong, I in no way support making racist statements or using racial epithets. That being said, if someone does make a racial slur or uses a symbol to epitomise a racial slur, that is wrong.
That however is not illegal. White supremacies, black supremacists, any group that falls into this category can legally hold rallies, marches, etc.
The KKK still has rallys and marches in the south. The national front has HUGE rallies each year in DC. They fly racist banners, flags, and worse.
This doesn't give anyone the right to attack them, no matter if you agree with them or not.
If the 6 blacks in this case who attacked a white kid because he hung a noose from a tree walk, that sets a dangerous precedent. Ironically, you would think the civil rights leaders there would acknowledge this. I mean, if it becomes 'ok' to attack someone who does something to disparage you or your race, then you make it ok for people to assault others because of what they say or believe.
White man says he hates blacks and hangs a noose in a tree - six black guys hunt him down and beat him unconscious and they don't get arrested.
Next thing you know a black man uses the word 'cracker' or 'peckerwood' and six white guys can now legally hunt him down and beat him.
It opens the door to legalised, vigilante beatings based on what someone says or implies.
At the end of the day, the white kids did something that is morally repugnant, but not illegal. The black kids assaulted him - physically beat him - they knowingly broke the law because they were 'offended'.
Last time I checked you can't break the law because someone offends you. If they do change this and make that law, then think of all the people in this forum alone I can hunt down with my mates and beat because they made anti-Irish statements...
...but thats my take.