Andrew / August 18, 2005 10:26 AM

Question submitted by Emerson. Thanks!

Cinnamon / August 18, 2005 10:50 AM

Far safer than "they" want me to think I am.

jen / August 18, 2005 10:54 AM

i'm with cinnamon on this one.

can't think of the last time i felt "unsafe", to be honest.

Erica / August 18, 2005 10:59 AM

Very safe for a woman who lives every moment on the edge.

Michael / August 18, 2005 11:03 AM

What are you, a lawyer?

JP / August 18, 2005 11:18 AM

Let me describe the contents of my purse:

New keys to the new locks I just put in my apartment because I am sure my landlord is coming in and going through my underwear drawer when I am out. My trusty can of Pepper Spray. My personal alarm "guaranteed to draw attention" in case of emergency that accidentally goes off from time to time when I fumble through my purse for change when I'm trying to pay for coffee at DD (pronounced "double d"). Finally my Powerhouse Gym membership card so I am strong enough to "take care of myself" should the need present itself.

I am a 5' 4", 120 lb. 30 year old female living in an iffy part of a huge city that I moved to from a very small town a few years ago. I get stared at all day long by men ranging from drop dead gorgeous to down right horrifying any of which could be Ted Bundy in the making.

I never feel safe. Never. Did I say never.

Sarah / August 18, 2005 11:20 AM

Hmm. This seems like a pretty good opportunity to talk about street harassment. I don't like it. Street harassment refers both to the thing that men in Wrigleyville do, yelling "fat girl" out the window or "hey wanna get in?" when I am standing with a male friend, waiting for the bus, also to the "hey you are looking good day" that I got from the clerk at the White Hen on my corner last Saturday and to "so what is the chance of you taking me up to your apartment with you?" that I scarily got after being followed home one night. It refers to every "hey", "hey baby", "hey mama look at those legs" or an inarticlulate whistle, click, or grunt I've ever gotten, to all of the men who have tried to pick me up at my bus stop in the morning, and to the man who tried to molest me on a CTA bus.

I would like to add that I am fairly ordinary looking. I wear jeans, t-shirts, and sometimes skirts, but absolutely nothing that screams "ho" or in any way warrants this behavior.

I sort of expect it when I am walking in Uptown or in Roger's Park, but what surprises me is that it happens 1) in daylight 2) around other people 3) in crowded areas. I am not the only one who has had an "incident" on public transit but the other thing that surprised me was that when that happened none of the people sitting around me looked at me, looked disconcerted, or said anything.

I have taken to saying things like "oh sorry, I forgot to wear my ugly pants today". One of my friends told me that she once announced on the el: "Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, but this man that I do not know has put his hand on my ass." which at least elicited some chuckles.

jill / August 18, 2005 11:23 AM

Considering that my office suite is under construction and there are dozens of workmen pounding into walls very close to my own, I don't feel very safe.

Not safe from dust and airborne construction flotsam, since I've been sick and sneezy for a month. Not safe from falling furniture, as there are couches precariously upended everywhere.

In fact, not safe from much, since I just this moment overheard the following sentence, while someone pointed to my hallway, "It'll take at least a week to bust this shit out."

Yikes.

Jason / August 18, 2005 11:38 AM

Much safer than I felt when I lived in New York, thanks.

leah / August 18, 2005 11:42 AM

Well put, Sarah. I feel I'm most at risk for being accosted by a random than any actual physical harm.

It could be mid-winter and I'm waiting for a bus in full winter garb. The "hey baby" and leering ride offers never end. What gives? They range from the thoughtless "ow! lookin' good" to outright hurtful and way too sexual.

And goodness forbid I actually dress nicely. This summer on the way to a friend's wedding, the two short blocks I walked in pretty but not revealing (that's not permission anyway for catcalling), I received so many unwanted remarks and honks that I was actually shaking by the time I got to my friend's house.

They made me feel cheap, skanky and anything but pretty.

And that thing where guys yell something to girls about being fat? It happened to me once in Lakeview. I was sure I misheard, but I didn't. Aside from it being mean, it's just plain weird.

leah / August 18, 2005 11:44 AM

One more thing I'd like to add--it's scarier to me the fear of being abused on the street b/c I'm so out of control of it.

I can always put more locks on my door at home and feel relatively in control of my own physical safety to an extent.

Not with the street pervs.

Anthony / August 18, 2005 11:44 AM

Right now? Too safe. My office could very well be the most banal place on earth. I guess it could be worse. It could be the suburbs.

I've never truly felt threatened here, but I realize its WAY different for girls. Especially the young, attractive, small variety.

I think the SoLo is pretty "safe."

j3s / August 18, 2005 11:54 AM

Rather safe. I have never carried pepper spray or anything like that, and never felt the need. Sure, there was a drive-by across the street from my house a couple weeks ago, but whatever. I prefer not to live my life in fear.

As for catcalling: it bothered me a little when I first moved into Logan Square six years ago. Then I decided life is too short to get worked up every time someone yells or honks, so now I don't even notice it. This strategy backfires when friends and people I know yell or honk at me, and I ignore them till they shout my name.

Upon re-reading the above it comes across as a little self-righteous, which is not my intention. I just try and find a balance between awareness/alertness and fear, trying to be more aware than afraid.

jen / August 18, 2005 12:06 PM

well put, j3s. if you're in the part of LS i think you are, i have a friend about to move a block from that shooting and he's scared to death. i remind him that it happens all over the city (was it last summer or two summers ago there were 4 shootings very near wrigley?)

and this catcalling business is like the bullies in high school, btw. retort with something equally offensive/disgusting, or ignore it!

eep / August 18, 2005 12:11 PM

Pretty safe. The other night I rode the train home by myself at a late-ish hour, but there weren't any problems. Of course, when I gott off the train I had to cut through a deserted parking lot to get to my apartment and I started freaking myself out. Then I reminded myself that I cut through the parking lot alone all the time when I've just parked my car there, so why is it any different than when I just got off the train? I felt like a dork for letting myself get so freaked out, especially considering my neighborhood is extremely safe, but hey—at least I'm being aware of the possibilities in case (God forbid) something should ever happen.

As for the issue of "them" not wanting me to feel safe, I say "pfffft" to that. I don't know what alert color code we're at right now, and I couldn't care less. I keep an eye out for weirdness, but I'm living my life like I always do.

CL / August 18, 2005 12:11 PM

Uhh, I live at Sheffield & Wilton. I have tranny hookers walking around all hours of the night and most of them are pretty scary. I saw a group of three mug someone before on Wilton.

Sometimes it's scary walking home at 3:30am. You never know what they're up to.

eep / August 18, 2005 12:17 PM

Also, I just read what I posted and realize I sound like a total moron. "I rode the train all by myself." Sheesh.

Steve / August 18, 2005 12:26 PM

Pretty safe, especially since I don't run Windows 2000 on either of my PCs.

Being a sizable feller who keeps very dull/respectable hours helps, too.

leelah / August 18, 2005 12:33 PM

Years of working at a school in Roseland has left me feeling comfortable in areas that probably aren't safe.

One time some thug kids came onto our campus and were harassing my cross country girls. they complained, and I went tearing after the kids, who, though they were on bikes, went flying away, never to return, terrified of the crazy white lady running after them. I have no idea what I would have done if I had caught up with them, but there is nothing more infuriating than derogatory catcalling, and I would not have my girls suffer through it anymore.

leah / August 18, 2005 12:37 PM

The catcalling is usually a drive-by or walk-by and leaves little time to come up with the perfect comeback. I sometimes flip them the bird but often even that's too confrontational for me and you never know what can turn a situation into something more volatile and scary.

And! I'd rather they get some manners & stop altogether.

Anyway, the sassiest thing I can come back at them will still won't make me feel less pissed off that they think they have the right to make comments on or unbashedly gawk at my boobs.

I hear what you're saying though. It's more that I'm angry at them than actually scared. Guess I'm off-topic then!

Jerks anyhow.

Allan / August 18, 2005 12:49 PM

I used to feel safe that is before two guys on one bike followed me on my bike. When I got to an area where there were not a lot of people. The two guys on the bike rode in front of me and cut me off. They then began yelling at me to "get off the #*@$ bike". I was to stunned that I just stood there until one of the guys started to punch me in the face. I got off the bike and walked home. I was only a block away from my house and it was the middle of the day.

Fraidy / August 18, 2005 1:00 PM

I think there should be a distinction between feeling "safe" and being "fearful" or "afraid". The reality is that you are never 100% "safe" from anything and so taking the proper precautions is necessary. There are no doubt varying degrees of safety but that is subjective. Being "afraid" is a completely different thing. As in one may be afraid to do something because it is not safe.

That said, I am afraid all the time.

JP / August 18, 2005 1:16 PM

Speaking of safety, did anybody see my post in the Sexy Story thread? I wanted some feedback but Gapers cut off the thread right after I posted. It took me like ten minutes to post that. Can someone pleas read it and give me some advice. It would make me feel alot safer next time I see my friend.

Loir / August 18, 2005 1:22 PM

I do not feel afraid, but neither do I feel safe. 6 years ago, I was mugged when I was 8 months pregnant in broad daylight in a crowded parking lot. I am now careful, and I don't just stroll about spacing off anymore. I also keep my keys separate from my bag in case my purse gets ripped off, and I don't keep all of my i.d. with me, because when you lose all of it, it's a huge p in the a to get it back, massively preggers or not.

I don't like to live in fear, but I am also not willing to be a sucker either, so I try to be street smart, and am trying to teach my kids to be as well, so that someday they can use the CTA with confidence on both of our parts.

I do have a plan in the back of my head in case of a disaster or terrorist attack... we all should, especially if you have to take small people with you. That doesn't mean it's going to happen, but at least I won't be like "OH FUCK!" if it does. Well I probably will be, but I'll be out the door and on the way while I'm thinking it.

Eamon / August 18, 2005 1:34 PM

Yes. That said, I'm pretty sure my co-workers feel safe, too, but they have no idea what the yellow curry chicken I just ate is doing to my insides. Fools.

Ken / August 18, 2005 1:52 PM

Are you selling Insurance?

lisamay / August 18, 2005 2:13 PM

Sarah, I appreciate your comments about street harassment and those that followed. I generally do feel safe, and the times I remember not feeling so that stand out always have to do with unsolicited and unwanted attention from unfamiliar, agressive men. I think what makes me so angry about episodes like those are the accompanying reminders of how vulnerable I am. It gets me started on the 'what-ifs?' and that cycle generally ends with an online search for pepper spray, space blankets and massive quantities of bottled water. That said, I own none of those things. Not sure if that indicates denial or having come to my senses.

Flynn / August 18, 2005 2:37 PM

JP:

Yup, it sounds like what you think happened happened. If this guy was a) rather inexperienced, b) in the middle of a dating drought, or c) really, REALLY turned on by you, it's totally possible that he went off accidentally and was pretty mortified that it happened. Couple that with the post-climax denouement , and I can see why he left like that.

Dunno how to carry forward with that one. He's probably pretty embarrassed. Was he seeing anyone at the time? That might make him feel even worse.

jessica / August 18, 2005 3:19 PM

I generally feel safe, but there have been times (especially when I was living in Edgewater 13 years ago and used to hear gunfire on a regular basis) that I did not. That being said, I refuse to buy into the culture of fear that seems to be rampent these days, but that doesn't mean I'm naive about what is out there either.

AZ / August 18, 2005 3:35 PM

I was mugged a couple of years ago, which forced me to redefine my parameters for feeling "safe." One of the things that has made me feel safer is taking a self-defense class, which I would recommend to any woman, really.

Not scary, but more creepy, are the strange guys who drive up next to me as I'm walking and ask if I "want a ride." This is at, say, 8 am on a weekday. What woman in her right mind would get in? I always want to say "No, thanks, but does that line really work?" Just keep driving, pal.

Erica Leigh / August 18, 2005 3:44 PM

I was the victim of debit card theft not to long ago. Some bloke ran up a few grand on my card whilst in the UK. Pretty gross.
That's the worst violation of my safety I have experienced and the worst part is that it's such a nameless, faceless crime. I ended up hating a person I didn't even know, you know?

Anyway, as for as physical safety, my philosophy has always been that you can't lock yourself up in the house and hide under the covers. You can be safe, thought, when you're out and about.

waleeta / August 18, 2005 4:47 PM

I second, third, fourth, whatever, street harassment. I have started snapping back "DON'T talk to me like you know me." I usually feel safe, I just don't go out alone at night.

jen*nee / August 18, 2005 4:48 PM

Actually, I feel downright dangerous right now. Look out!

e_five / August 18, 2005 5:04 PM

Why is it that just as my neighborhood started getting safer, the rest of the world started getting more dangerous?

Have you also noticed that as soon as gas prices went up public transportation got more dangerous?

Kevin / August 18, 2005 5:06 PM

Whenever I take my dog out for a walk, all the neighborhood gangbangers take off. He's actually the friendliest dog in the whole world, but he looks like he's totally insane when he's choking himself half to death with his leash trying to run and meet people.

Also, sometimes when I'm trying to get my wife to make out with me and she wants to continue readingknittinginternetsing she'll call for help, and he comes and barks at me.

Bottom line, get a dog. Feed dog yummy dog treats. They will protect you from assholes, and also nerds.

printdude / August 18, 2005 5:16 PM

Safe from terrorists? Hell, yeah. Far safer than I feel when I am near a vehicle with "Texas" license plates.

Safe as an individual?
I feel so safe that I don't even think about my safety. I think about the safety of my wife and my dogs, but I can't ever recall feeling endangered by anyone physically. At this point I should probably note that I am over six foot, weigh about #240 and I am extremely gregarious. I probably do my share of scaring when I tell folk that they have a nice suit, or are wearing cool pants today; it's part of my nature, it's my way of sharing my good mood. Then again, I find people coming up to me to ask for directions, when I am on the same corner as a cop and a priest. If they look overtly republican, I have been know to give wrong directions, but nothing dangerous.

Safety is a state of mind. I live across the street.

Lacey / August 18, 2005 5:48 PM

I don't feel very often that I'm in a lot of danger, but I'm definitely aware of being by myself at night in uncrowded areas. I also never talk on my cell phone or listen to headphones when I'm walking alone at night. I want to be alert.

But GOD the catcalling in this city is nauseating. I'm so glad I'm not alone here. I moved from Roger's Park to Andersonville to escape attention. It worked, too. Now I'm in Ravenswood and it's equally as harassment-free. The sad part is that whenever I complain about it, people usually say something awful like, "Wow, it must be hard being young and beautiful..." That kind of attitude needs to end.

Leah / August 18, 2005 5:59 PM

My gut reaction was to say that I feel totally safe, most of the time. But then I remembered that last night somebody sneezed outside of my bedroom window and I woke up with my heart pounding.

The parking lot is outside my window, there is a family that never seems to sleep who owns the parking spot closest to me. He was the one who sneezed, not a rapist with allergies. But it still woke me up.

This is a result of two things. 1. Living alone for the first time in Chicago. 2. Having had my Ukie Village garden apartment broken into by a guy with a butcher knife.

Otherwise, I make eye contact, say hello, walk with my head up, stay aware. I am never afraid to call 911 or 311 for that matter. This way I recognize who belongs on my block and who doesn't.

Matthew / August 18, 2005 10:11 PM

About a 7

mike / August 19, 2005 1:42 AM

Last Halloween I was driving down West Irving from my cousin's palce without a seatbelt and my windows down. When I stopped at a light, some kid in a group dressed as bull fighter yelled and told me to put on my seatbelt. Without thinking, I did. When the light turned green, he threw a handful of eggs into my car and I slammed on the brakes, almost getting into an accident, egg splayed on me and in my car.
I still drive with my windows down, but always with a seat belt now. I love a kid ballsy to egg a driving vehicle, but who is still concerned for my safety.
I always wear my seatbelt now.
thanks kid.

Jenwomon / August 19, 2005 10:11 AM

Safe is such a tricky concept. Remember the media focus about the Wicker Park rapist? Then there was all this advice to women: don’t walk home late, don’t walk home drunk, don’t walk home alone. None of those things were going to stop the rapist (he’d just find a later, drunker victim), they were all just going to stop me from living my life as I choose to.
Same with the silly color coded national alert. Isn’t all this just designed to control me, make me more likely to do what my government tells me to, because I’m afraid? If we’re on bright red alert am I not meant to ride the L? Should I rat out the “suspicious” person next to me on the plane or horde water and canned goods? Then, when nothing happens I’m meant to be grateful to a government I mostly despise, for keeping me “safe”.

All that being said, I usually feel safe, but then I’m often walking two large labs (and I gotta agree, no matter how friendly your dog is, many people are afraid of it) or traveling with Printdude, who has been stabbed, mugged and beat up by the cops and still manages to feel really safe.

Baltimore / August 19, 2005 10:55 AM

I have always felt unsafe and each day it gets worse. The cause you ask? Too many clueless white men walk'n round this place with way too much power. I wish their women would do something bout this!

Brandy / August 19, 2005 11:00 AM

Pretty darn safe. On the rare occasion I'm catcalled, I just ignore it and keep walking. Even though I wish I had snappier comebacks, I see my lack of response as not completing the transaction they are looking for.

Like Leah said about the sneeze, just about the scariest moment I have had here in Chicago was years ago. A couple was having an arguement down the hall in the hallway. Through the door I could hear it all too clearly. It made me realize that the bed I was laying in was only a few feet away from that door and the rest of the world.

But like folks have said above, safety is a personal choice - both in how much fear you want to walk around with and whether you put yourself in more safe/less safe situations.

Whackjobs and criminals aside.

anon / August 19, 2005 11:51 AM

Regarding street crime, my recommendation is to drive/take a cab late at night if you are going to be in an area without heavy foot traffic. Other than that, good luck.

Chicago doesn't have much police presence, so anything goes after dark. Our convenient alleys and quiet leafy blocks unfortunately become easy getaways and ambush points for criminals. I called 911 while a man was being assaulted in my alley and it took the cops FIFTEEN MINUTES to get there.

I used to feel safe but I no longer do after witnessing the murder of a friend. It happened in a "nice" neighborhood. The way I feel now: late at night, anyone I cross paths with could assault me or kill me for no reason. I hate the feeling, I know it's irrational, but it's there. And it happens.

Safety is an illusion, but it is an important one to hold onto. I have lost it and don't know if I'll get it back.

I never used to fear thugs and gangbangers (or kids who dress in 'thug wear') because those kids always seemed to look through me, as if I didn't exist. Now I despise them to such a point that when I see two kids in my neighborhood strutting down a street looking over their shoulder every ten seconds, I feel a sense of anger that borders on rage. Angry at them. Angry at the diseased culture that promotes thuggism and materialsim. Angry at a system of justice that does not value life enough. Angry at society for laying down and allowing crime to happen. It's a poisonous feeling to have.

For me, Osama Bin Laden's got nothing on a baggy-clothed fifteen year old with no Dad, no education, no love, no hope, no future, and a nine-milimeter Bryco he thinks makes him something.

Huckle Cat / August 19, 2005 1:14 PM

I fear for my life each day when I cross Congress at Plymouth. Drivers don't see/care that there's a traffic light!

e_five / August 19, 2005 1:24 PM

According to Pat Robertson, we should all feel more frightened of activist judges than terrorists.

Allan / August 19, 2005 1:48 PM

Now that I think about it I am pretty sure it was activist judges that punched me in the face and stole my bike.

JP / August 19, 2005 1:52 PM

Has any one seen the new doc "Grizzly Man" yikes. How can any one feel safe when this city is crawling with bears.

Baltimore / August 19, 2005 2:54 PM

Man,I never felt safe-from day one- with so many clueless white men walk'n round this piece with way too much power!I wish white women would do somehing bout it. Seems like its getting outta hand!

Nuxrs / August 19, 2005 4:06 PM

We heard you the first time.

Sux0r.

Allan / August 19, 2005 4:27 PM

This thread is offically played out. Andrew?

Cinnamon / August 19, 2005 4:31 PM

I've been catcalled significantly less living in Rogers Park than I was when I lived north of Wrigleyville. And I'm much more worried about a group of drunk cubs fans than I am a group of thuggish bangers. Public school gave me some perplexing street smarts and a wit that is much quicker under pressure, but in my experience, responding to drunk men who feel entitled to make you feel like shit just makes the situation worse.

However, a few choice vulgar sayings in Spanish has helped me out a few times. I think the shock that some guera is spouting really nasty s**t gives me just enough time to get away.

Last week I was home on a Friday when a group of about 20 middle schoolers came walking by my house. The uncouth contractors rehabbing the place next to mine were making incredibly vulgar comments about the girls walking by. I worked long enough in a restaraunt to know some naughty Spanish words. The girls were obviously uncomfortable and nervous as they walked away. The teenage boys threw back "You old! What you talking to her for? You old!" which didn't deter the catcallers. I was so enraged to hear this coming from my nice neighbor's apartment, that I broke one of my mother's cardinal rules. I opened the screen, stuck my head out, and began yelling at them. "I bet Andreas would love to hear what you guys are saying especially when I know you guys have plenty of work to do." Threw in a swear word of my own (in Spanish) and stared them down. The closed the windows and went back to work after muttering quietly to themselves.

When passing a group of youngish urban youth, I've often found that they're likely to say something to make women scurry off afraid. A little spunk just gets you respect, and occasionally a little feared. Like the time I accused a group of boys of smoking catnip. I saw them several times after this incident and THEY crossed the street to avoid ME.

playahayta / August 19, 2005 5:52 PM

Sure, right "baltimore", its white men "with power" who are always making sexual comeons and hitting on me aggressively, coming up close to me and breathing down my neck...right...no actually it'd be stupid negroes like you...old negroes, young negroes, seems all they have on their "minds" is getting ass...sure white and latino guys can be just as bad, but why is it that I live in an area that's at least 60% white yet it's black guys that make 3 out of 4 explicit comments? I really don't care if you're black, just if you're rude, disrespectful and insensitive, which seems to be an epidemic among black men. White, latino and Asian guys all think the same stuff, they just don't feel like they have to stick it in my face all the freaking time! All of my friends experience the same crap, they are just too worried about appearances to say anything. Yeah, because if you don't return the affection of every wannabe black mack daddy, you're "gettin all racial and shit". If you can't behave, back to the projects with your pathetic asses...

Nuxrs / August 19, 2005 6:36 PM

Take that shit to Craigslist

kthxbye

fort / August 19, 2005 6:50 PM

playa,
did you say "negros?" Really? Still?

Yeah, I'm a girl, I get it from all races, but it seems to be more of an income/education level thing than a skin color thing.

The wealthier, more educated guys are just more sly about harassment, like mixing blackout drugs in their frathouses and spiking your drink for the date rape that shall ensue...

playahayta / August 19, 2005 7:11 PM

Oh please...yes, "negro"..I know it's the 'net and it's tough to imply sarcasm without being totally obvious but I was using it with semi-irony to reflect back some of the contempt I feel from the scum I deal with every day...and keep your equivocation, that's bull...yeah there are weak ass frat boys that like to prey on the foolish chicks out there, but please, get real! I'm talking about day after day, EVERYDAY, abuse from, mostly, "the brothas"...I'm not saying it doesn't come from other directions but DISPROPORTIONATELY from black men, got it? Stop apologizing for them. Of course it's a class thing...If I lived in West Virginia I'd be talking about the drooling, green teethed crackers, but I live here where black men talk a lot of stuff and make a girl feel threatened anytime they don't giggle and exchange phone numbers after being rubbed up on.

ALLAN / August 19, 2005 7:52 PM

Andrew? Anndrewww? Are you there? Stale thread here.I am full of poop can you please change me.

Mister C / August 20, 2005 12:50 PM

Mega-agreement concerning the color-coded "gubment" warnings. Fearmongering BS designed for political manipulation and bureaucratic ass-covering.

As far as personal safety, the more you project that you're not "prey," the less likely you are to be percieved as such (easy for me to say though, being a big goony white trash lookin' dude). The JJ Bittenbinder (sic?) videos (called "Street Smarts" or something similar) are pretty helpful about personal safety issues.

I had no idea that that kind of harassy sh*t towards women was as prevalent as it is, probably because I put out the vibe that I would call the offender on it should I witness it (which I would).

There is a very, very, very tiny grain of validity to what playahata is saying, but it sure sounds freaky/ugly written out like that (and most disturbingly Craigslistish, Nuxrs).

Even when my old Rogers Park neighborhood was a war zone, I always told friends (honestly) that I felt safer walking around it at 2 AM than I ever did walking down Langdon Street (Fraternity Row) in Madison, Wisconsin at a similar hour.

Baltimore / August 22, 2005 2:50 PM

Dearest playahayta

Your quite the statistician, yo! Let me guess Harvard right? So care to divulge where you got the "facts", from your quote "I live in an area that's at least 60% white yet it's black guys that make 3 out of 4 explicit comments"and "I'm not saying it doesn't come from other directions but DISPROPORTIONATELY from black men, got it?" But check it Playa, sometimes you have to dig deep for complicated answers! I know I know, the majority don't have time with all that reality t.v. to watch and all, Snap!, Yea baby, its Red Eye reading people like yo self that's keep 'n Po folks all up in this war! So check it, the fact is that with crimes such as rape, murder, battery, sexual assault- which includes sexual harassment- most often its not between different races, ie back/ white, but inside races. ie white on white, black on black etc, etc, etc, and that fact you can goggle. Of course I know its much. much more easier for you to continue reading your family heirloom, the Klu Klux Klan digest handed down from your great great grand pappy who wore black face in the movie Birth of a Nation. But perhaps your comments stems from some deep rooted dark aggressive Sambo like fantasy, cause as the great Temptations said " its just (yo) magination running away with (you)"

But perhaps you need to take yo racist field tests from your home in Bridgeport( I didn't even know they allowed us up in there) on location to say Wriggly Field and stand outside when those white brothas from Alfa Sigma Cooky, Fi Goofy Theda base ball cap wearing backwards Beta, come pouring out drunk from those cubs games. I know a women who made that "mistake" a few years back and went from corporate law to prosecuting cases of sexual harassments and other pro women issues. Yea I know too much education for you to deal with. Any way, now you got me wondering if you had any thing to do with the Emmett Till murder? He was after all killed over supposedly whistling at a white women. Maybe that was your great Grandma?Snap!

in conclusion, I'd like to leave you with a final thought from the immortal words of Rick James " Cocain is a hell off a drug" so yo, put down the crack pipe and pick up a book, G

Peace and Justice!

Yo lil bro Baltimore aka Field Negro #1

tina nail / January 30, 2008 3:43 PM

I always feel scared,like i am up real high on a tightrope with no safety net and millions of people below me in a crowd wanting me to jump to my death.I cannot even depend on me because sometimes I feel like i am in that crowd wanting my own hurt and pain because I deserve it.