Under the Dryer

The Black Woman's Beauty Shop on the Blogosphere! Walk-ins Welcome! Anything we dish on under the dryer gets discussed here...So sit down (you KNOW there's always a wait right?)...share ideas, dish, browse through the digital magazine rack(links and blogroll)...get under the dryer!

Sista-Pass of the Month Winner:

Ms. Karen Walker

Image failed to load. Please try again later
  • Ms.Karen's Post



    • The Shop's "Don't Go There" List
    Image failed to load. Please try again later

    Your Post Will Get Beat With a Pressing Comb If You Diss Any of the Following in the Shop:

  • Mariah
  • Halle
  • Chaka
  • Patti




    • "Beauty Shop Magazine Rack"
    Blogroll Me!

    Contributors

    • Krista
    • Aunt Esther Anderson


    Get a Standing Appointment


    Add to Technorati Favorites!



    Powered by FeedBlitz





    What We Talked About Last Appointment

    • The Barbershop Notebooks Blog
    • Uh Oh Uh Oh! MC Hammer Blog
    • Afro-Netizen™: Clooney's looney for citing 'Mammy'
    • Sista-Pass of the Month: Miss J. Alexander
    • Star Jones: Plastic Surgery Scare : People.com
    • *Paging Dave Chappelle*Extreme Makeover: Prince Ed...
    • I Ain't Sayin She a Golddigga....And We Have Eddie...
    • On The Eve of a Potential Layoff...
    • American Idol Finals Week 1: Steve Wonder Night
    • Definition of a Butt-Whoopin: 13 Year-Old NJ Girl ...



    Powered by Blogger

    This Blog Is Featured At Six24.com




    < ? Blogs By Black Women # >

    Saturday, March 25, 2006

    Two Black Women Raped and Beaten by White Male Duke Lacrosse Team

    I'm going to have to "Pick My Fro Out" again this week regarding a tragedy that just has the shop outraged this morning. Two African-American women, hired by the Duke University Lacrosse Team to dance at a party were allegedly raped, beaten, sodomized, and yes I'll say it because it is true, racially terrorized by at least 3 white members of the Duke University Lacrosse Team. Click Here for story from Raleigh News and Observer According to one of the victims, who remains hospitalized, one of the Duke University Lacrosse Team members yelled out to her "thank your grandpa for the cotton in my shirt!", and that is just one of the myriad of racial slurs shouted at these young sisters. There were allegedly 46 Duke University Lacrosse Team members in attendance at the house where this party was held, and only one of the 46 is black. I have 3 points I would like to make.

    1. First to my two beautiful young African-American sisters who were brutalized: Babies, I want you to know God loves you, your brothers and sisters love you, I love you, and I am so terribly sorry about this senseless tragedy. No one deserves to have this happen to them,ever.


    2. To Devon Sherwood, the lone African-American player on the Duke University Men's Lacrosse Team. (this is listed on Duke University Athletics public website www.goduke.com) I know you are a freshman, you are probably on scholarship, you are the only brother on this team. I'd be scared to death in some ways if I were you. Despite all this, I am appealing to you young soldier to come forward and tell what you know and or saw and see that these your sisters receive the justice they deserve. This could have been your mother, your sister, your cousin, your girlfriend,your classmate. They are college students just like you, one is a mother, trying to support her children and make a better life. What are you going to do? The activist Angela Davis said "If they come for me in the morning, they will come for you in the afternoon." Don't think you can't or won't be racially terrorized my brother. You OWE all the hundreds of thousands of our forbearer whose backs YOU stand on, who suffered, worked, protested,marched, sat-in, bled, and died so that you could go to an institution who historically did not always admit African-Americans to be educated or play organized sports. YOU OWE THEM DEVON. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? HOW LONG WILL YOU SIT AND LET THESE SISTERS SUFFER?


    3. I am reaching out to all my brothers and sisters in the African-American community, especially in the blogging community, to link to this story and raise it to the global level. If you do not have a blog, email it to your distribution list.

    Of course I like to have fun with my blog like anyone, but if we are serious about what we do as blog journalists, THIS is where we can truly make an impact. I have launched a 'sub-blog' specifically on this issue: Justice4TwoSisters and will not rest until these sisters receive the vindication they deserver. Through this 'sub-blog' I'll reach out to anyone who I think will listen and make an impact. We must make sure this hate crime and brutalization does not get swept under the rug and excused away because of a "that's what they get" mentality. This heinous behavior has gone on for over 400 years, from the plantation to Duke University and we as a people must stand up and say "No More!". You and I can trust and believe right now if this were 2 white strippers brutalized by a majority black athletic team, it would be a "whole 'nother kinda party" right now. Please inbox or email me if you have any additional ideas. Thank you.

    New Growth Touched Up by zip at 1:08 PM

    Comments on "Two Black Women Raped and Beaten by White Male Duke Lacrosse Team"

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:48 PM) : 

    I posted this over the weekend, and have since made it my personal mission to help get the story out. I reposted the story on a popular feminist blog....THis whole thing is sick. Your activism is excellent please keep it up.

    I hope the young women who were assaulted by these men are reading this. I just want to let them know that we admire their courage, and we stand with them.

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:30 PM) : 

    When did it become two women? The other stripper stated that didn't see or hear anything. Maybe she's in on it with the lacrosse team! We should try and get a DNA swab from her!

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:32 PM) : 

    When did it become 2 women? The other stripper denied seeing or hearing anything.

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:33 PM) : 

    It’s only going to get worse

    Regarding 3/31/06’s “Captains’ Lawyer Speak Out” Finally someone speaks for the innocent men caught up in this media storm. It’s outrageous that some people feel entitled with empowerment to condemn, slander, and harass an entire group of men for the alleged actions of a very few. People are wondering why no one from the lacrosse team is coming forward with information regarding the alleged assault of a drunk stripper. Ignoring the fact that the alleged assault happened inside an enclosed bathroom, and most members of the team were not even present, it’s very possible that no one, except those involved, has any knowledge of the incident.

    In today’s climate where male-bashing is widely accepted and women are empowered with the privileges of “victim-hood” to slander and harass, all decent men and women should take notice.

    District Attorney Mike Nifong threatens to charge teammates who didn’t commit or observe the alleged assault with aiding and abetting because they don’t possess the information he needs. This suggests that this case isn’t as strong as he publicly campaigns, which means it’s only going to get messier as school officials and lacrosse teammates remain the only ones who continue to behave responsibly in letting the legal process unfold. Meanwhile District Attorney Mike Nifong plays his case before the public media even before any charges are filed, so when these young men are found to be innocent, they would still be thought to be guilty under some myth of “white male entitlement”.

    Not meaning to minimize indignities suffered by any alleged victim, the corralling of 46 members of the lacrosse team was equally indignant and a testament to lazy police work. Only three men are suspected, and most members weren’t even present, but despicable people inside and outside of the police department indiscriminately accuse all 47 members as being rapists just for being on a sports team.

    Being accused of a sex offense stains a man’s reputation indefinitely and the tactics used by the police and DA to squeeze information out of over forty young men, who most likely possess no knowledge of the incident, has left these men condemned to be slandered and harassed throughout campus because “special interest groups,” exploiting recent events to promote their agenda on gender issues, race, and socio-economic status, blindly attack anyone while doing nothing to protect the innocent. To these groups, all members of the lacrosse team are guilty, not because they’re members of the team, but because they’re mostly white men.

    Everyone witnessing the reckless massacre of these young men’s reputations based solely on one accusation at the encouragement of “special interest groups”, who thrive in this environment, should change their perspective. What if you were on a sports team, and just by being a member of the team, you were subjected to the same character assassination, slander, harassment, and humiliation by these “special interest groups” who care nothing of innocence or guilt, and only use the anguish of the victim to promote their political agendas.

    Ryan Anakalea

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:33 PM) : 

    It’s only going to get worse

    Regarding 3/31/06’s “Captains’ Lawyer Speak Out” Finally someone speaks for the innocent men caught up in this media storm. It’s outrageous that some people feel entitled with empowerment to condemn, slander, and harass an entire group of men for the alleged actions of a very few. People are wondering why no one from the lacrosse team is coming forward with information regarding the alleged assault of a drunk stripper. Ignoring the fact that the alleged assault happened inside an enclosed bathroom, and most members of the team were not even present, it’s very possible that no one, except those involved, has any knowledge of the incident.

    In today’s climate where male-bashing is widely accepted and women are empowered with the privileges of “victim-hood” to slander and harass, all decent men and women should take notice.

    District Attorney Mike Nifong threatens to charge teammates who didn’t commit or observe the alleged assault with aiding and abetting because they don’t possess the information he needs. This suggests that this case isn’t as strong as he publicly campaigns, which means it’s only going to get messier as school officials and lacrosse teammates remain the only ones who continue to behave responsibly in letting the legal process unfold. Meanwhile District Attorney Mike Nifong plays his case before the public media even before any charges are filed, so when these young men are found to be innocent, they would still be thought to be guilty under some myth of “white male entitlement”.

    Not meaning to minimize indignities suffered by any alleged victim, the corralling of 46 members of the lacrosse team was equally indignant and a testament to lazy police work. Only three men are suspected, and most members weren’t even present, but despicable people inside and outside of the police department indiscriminately accuse all 47 members as being rapists just for being on a sports team.

    Being accused of a sex offense stains a man’s reputation indefinitely and the tactics used by the police and DA to squeeze information out of over forty young men, who most likely possess no knowledge of the incident, has left these men condemned to be slandered and harassed throughout campus because “special interest groups,” exploiting recent events to promote their agenda on gender issues, race, and socio-economic status, blindly attack anyone while doing nothing to protect the innocent. To these groups, all members of the lacrosse team are guilty, not because they’re members of the team, but because they’re mostly white men.

    Everyone witnessing the reckless massacre of these young men’s reputations based solely on one accusation at the encouragement of “special interest groups”, who thrive in this environment, should change their perspective. What if you were on a sports team, and just by being a member of the team, you were subjected to the same character assassination, slander, harassment, and humiliation by these “special interest groups” who care nothing of innocence or guilt, and only use the anguish of the victim to promote their political agendas.

    Ryan Anakalea

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:34 PM) : 

    the lonely black guy probably wasn't even invited to the party and you're makingit seem that he knows anything.

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:52 PM) : 

    I am glad to see as much press about this story as possible as a black woman who is also a Duke alum, but I need to point out some mistakes in your blog. ONE of the women said that she was raped but both were victims of racial slurs. 40 team members were at the party and definitely not the lone black player. There are 47 members on the team and 46 submitted DNA samples (all except Devon). I don't really know if he knows anything as I think he'd be the LAST person they'd tell about what happened. This story is VERY disturbing but I still think the facts should be kept straight.

    I just wonder if anyone else thinks that outlets like BET are partly responsible for this. We black women are constantly objectified and demeaned in disgusting videos and lyrics. Just my two cents.

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:03 PM) : 

    Newsflash - White men were raping and racially terrorizing black women before there een was a BET. The white hatred of us has absolutely nothing to do with anything we as a community can, will or have done.

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:57 PM) : 

    I only hope and pray the young girl accusing these guys of rape is being truthful and honest of all things. If so, I hope justice is served. If not, justice should also be served. She should receive the same punishment intended for the alleged attackers. It's very hard in this world for all people, especially the black female and if she's been fabricating this story, it's only going to make things worse. It will be a rendition of the boy (girl) who cried wolf. She will make it harder for other women to come out and to be believed or even listed to. It's already hard for women to come out and even admit they've been raped but now to deal with wondering if you're making it up? That's tough.

     

    Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:34 PM) : 

    Sorry folks. DNA doesn't match. As much as you want to have more reason to hate the 'white folks at Duke' you can now be angered at the stripper from NCCU for LYING and know this will turn out to be another tawana Brawley case. Anyone seen Sharp Al around?
    I certainly hope if this turns out to be a set up, fabrication or revenge or whatever that this young woman spends time in jail for the trouble and damage she caused the players, the coach. the admin and the university's fine reputation.
    If there was an assault, I would hope that the perpetrators are given a severe punishment with lengthy time in jail as well.

     

    Blogger sallymomto4 said ... (6:49 AM) : 

    First I wouldn't be so cocky about the DNA. The players all seemed pretty confident that DNA wouldn't be found in the first place. Is that because they know nothing happened or because they simply used the little invention called a condom? I think with all the information out there about DNA testing most teenagers who watch CSI or play the game would be able to figure that out so I imagine some guys in an elite college like Duke might be able to handle that one! So, they had their dicks covered with a rubber, does that mean they can put them where ever they want??? I don't think so!!!

    I don't know if this woman is telling the truth or not. But lack of DNA evidence is certainly NOT the tell-tale sign that she is lying!!!

    Rape is a horrible crime! It's a horrible experience and reporting it is like getting raped all over again! You spend more time in the hospital than the assalant spends in the police station. Then you have to deal with the attorneys and the court system who treat you like trash and like you are the one who is bad - even if you aren't a stripper but simply an every day mom. They try to make you look like you are dirt, so now you're doing a job that lots of people judge anyway so how many people have already said in their minds, "Oh, she deserved it! She was probably just asking for it!" And it's not just in the court system, it's everyone who knows. You can't go to the grocery store or to get your mail or to anything in town without feeling like people are pointing you out, "That's the girl who was raped the other day." You can feel people looking at you but they look away when you turn around and quit talking when you walk by. Your life becomes a living hell and you wonder why in the hell you every reported it anyway. Is it really worth it?

    But then you think of your kid and you know that you have to do what's right for them and for all the other women out there that could be the next victim. You have to make the world a safer place because you know you won't be the last person this guy assaults.

    And then he gets away with it. The DA decides not to press charges even though at the trial for the Protection from Stalking the DA sat there and heard the judge say, "If this was a pre-trail there would be enough evidence to hold the case over for trial." and the Chief of Police comes over to tell you personally about the decision ready to blow because he has a file an inch and half think on the guy. But the DA is letting him walk.

    Or you do go through with the trial and he's found NOT GUILTY, like so many are. There is only a 50.8% a rapist will be arrested if you report the rape to the police. Then, if he's arrested an 80% chance he'll be prosecuted. If there is a prosecution, there is a 58% chance of a felony conviction. If there is a felony conviction, there is a 69% chance the convict will spend time in jail. So, even in the 39% of attacks that are reported to police, there is only a 16.3% chance the rapist will end up in prison.

    I used to be outraged that women wouldn't report rape, because that left the rest of us vulnerable to the rapist that goes free. I understand now. It's really hard to go through. In fact, it's hell! I don't know why anyone would want to make that up and go through that if it didn't really happen!!!

    I know not reporting it is NOT the answer, but we have to lift each other up and support one another when we have to go through something like that. Even as a community, help them to feel our support and our acceptance not our eyes burning through the back of their head as we stare at them going by whispering to our neighbor.

     

    post a comment
    Google
    Creative Commons License
    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License.