Father says sons have right to their haircutsBy Andy Paras (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, August 24, 2007
Grace Beahm Jerriel Bowens was suspended from his Colleton County school because of his haircut. WALTERBORO — Fourteen-year-old Jerriel Bowens wants to return to his eighth-grade class, but that would mean shaving the five-pointed stars and the word "Jacktown" from his head. And that's not going to happen, his father said Thursday. Colleton County School District officials say they suspended Bowens and his 13-year-old brother, Melvin Jr., until they modify their haircuts because they say the markings shaved into their hair are gang indicators. Similar stars have been adopted by big-city gangs Melvin Bowens said the district has unfairly labeled his sons. Although he didn't tell them to cut their hair that way, Bowens said he's now defending Jerriel's and Melvin Jr.'s right to wear their hair however they want. "If he wants to cut his hair, he can cut his hair; but he's not going to cut it to go back to school," the elder Bowens said of Jerriel. "If he cuts his hair to go back to school, that means he's telling the school they win. He doesn't know the importance of this." A third son, 16-year-old Marvin, also is forbidden from attending Colleton County High School because he has "Jackboy" carved in his hair. Although school and law enforcement officials say they don't have evidence the boys are involved in any criminal activity, the Colleton County Sheriff's Office recognizes the Jacktown Boys as an active gang from the tiny community of Jacksonboro, one of many loosely organized gangs they have identified in small hamlets across the county. Investigators said in June of last year that members of the Jacktown Boys were linked to a retaliatory drive-by shooting that put about 30 or 40 bullet holes in an occupied mobile home. No arrests have been made in that case. Colleton County Sheriff's Sgt. Phil Roberson, who heads the department's gang task force, said many of the county's gang members are still in their teens and living at home with their parents. That's one reason Colleton County Assistant Schools Superintendent Leila Williams said the district has a strict policy prohibiting anything that might indicate support of or involvement with a gang. "Not only do we have a policy that expressly forbids that, but think of the disturbance it causes," Williams said. The elder Bowens says the Jacktown Boys are nothing but a harmless group of young teenagers who hang out together in the close-knit community. Most of them are in their early teens. To call them a gang is ridiculous, he said. "If you see the group of them, you're going to laugh," he said. Bowens said the mobile home shooting involved older males who have nothing to do with his sons or their friends. He said the school district has defamed his children by alleging the group is a criminal gang. He added that he will keep the children out of school until the district reverses its policy. The school board will discuss the case on Sept. 11. If the board doesn't let his children back in school, Bowens said he will appeal the decision in court. Meanwhile, the boys are working at the nightclub their father and uncle own. Melvin Jr. said he got the stars and the words "Trap Star," slang for someone who makes a lot of money, shaved into his head because "I thought it would look good." He wants to keep the haircut. "I'd rather have my haircut right now than be in school," he said. Jerriel told his father he wanted to go back to school, but Bowens, a self-described human rights activist, said he won't allow it. "That's where the parental responsibility takes over," he said. "Because they don't understand what the fight is about." The sheriff's office has been holding community meetings in the past year to let parents and educators know what gang-related signs are. Sheriff George Malone praised the school district for being aware of the situation. "Some people are still in denial about gang activity in Colleton County," Malone said. "But I know for myself that is present. It is here." Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com. |
Article tools |
|
Notice about comments: Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. |
Comments
This article has 112 comment(s)
Posted by dropping_dimes on August 24, 2007 at 3:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hummm.......... an education or a stupid haircut. Stupid parents, I bet they are the ones who let there kids play with guns and say "he's a big boy now!"
Posted by BobH1962 on August 24, 2007 at 4:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another example of schools being so closed minded and focused on something besides educating our children. If the school is so worrried about these boys haircuts, it makes me wonder if they have seen the elementary school kids with navel piercings, mini skirts (and I do mean very mini skirts) too many earrings in both ears, bare midriffs and exposed underwear. These are things that make our children (especially the little girls) look like little sluts. Do the school districts do anything about the clothes these children wear.....NO THEY DON'T !!!!!
Are the officials in this school district so stuck on their high morals to forget if they ever did something crazy when they were children? Come on people it's only a haircut. If a haircut is more important that a child's education than maybe you need to reevaluate why you work for a school system. Obviously these people live in a fantasy world and have no clue that this is the real world of our children today. It is 2007 people NOT 1950 anymore, wake up and see reality. These children are our future, talk to them and try to understand them rather than alienate or label them. Remember it's these children that will pick what Nursing Home you will end up in when you get old and can't care for yourself.
Posted by Mayor on August 24, 2007 at 5:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll bet you Melvin Bowens has a real swell job. He is one stupid backwoods dude. School or haircut? I'll bet his sons can't spell either. Mr Bowens is what's wrong with the country hicks out there. Oh well. Another family down the dumpster. Let's check back on this siuation in 10 years. They'll all be in jail and have little ones running around with "Jacktown" shaved in their head. "I take care of my children".
Posted by jammer on August 24, 2007 at 5:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
known gang signs for your neighborhood and you want to stamp them in your kids heads, give us a break...
we have to get over this it's a "culture" thing that teaches severe disrespect to all, it isn't a culture to rap about killing people or doing dope and abusing women... or to hate the white man and wear pants that the belt line is at your ankles ... it's a behavior, a bad one that cost our kids dearly
people need to stop being so pc and stop these kids before it's too late, if it isn't already
the culture excuse has been overplayed and abused too many times, no one believes it's a culture problem anymore... they all understand it's just plain ole bad behavior people have found a way to get away with, it's time to put the brakes on
Posted by TarNFeatherEm on August 24, 2007 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What an example this father is setting for his children. We wonder why our children don't respect authority.
Posted by wonderdog on August 24, 2007 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why should these kids have to follow rules or adhere to any kind of standard at all? After all, that would prepare them for the real world..........
Posted by kaylee on August 24, 2007 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We ask whats wrong with our country, with our children. Perfect example. We will be reading about these same children going to prison,while us the tax payers pay for there lawyers. Because these children are not having to show any respect. Soon Dad they will show you no respect. School is for learning not making a statement. So these children will be behind before they get started this year over a hair cut. Great job Dad.
Posted by rld1771 on August 24, 2007 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It'll be okay....he came home skool dem boyz
Posted by lillady on August 24, 2007 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Meanwhile, the boys are working at the nightclub their father and uncle own"
Did no one else catch this part? Excuse me, but is this LEGAL?? Hello?? I think this very part says it all regarding this father's capability of raising these boys. To let your children under the age of 18 work in a nightclub? Has the world gone batty? Someone needs to look into this seriously. I am sorry, but if my boys come home with these types of haircuts without my permission, they await a full head shaving. My children know this too and take me seriously. Sickening.
Posted by CADguy on August 24, 2007 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My parent would have let me do whatever I wanted to with myself. It is proven with the mullet I was sporting in my High School pic (1987 mind you). But, if for one second, that it interfered with school, it would be cut immediately. Melvin, you get your head out of your ass, get your kids to cut their hair and send them back to school.
I am glad to hear that the Bowens are not saying that it is racially motivated. But, I still wonder how long it will take before Dot Scott shows up.
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"DADDY DEAREST" no doubt sees dollar signs and is planning to sue.
What a POOR excuse for a father.
DSS needs to get those kids away from that nutcase NOW!!!
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I suppose he feels that "runners in training" don't need NO education NO HOW..
Posted by Wayne on August 24, 2007 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL, I just checked my copy of the Constitution and nowhere did it say "...and the right to fadish haircuts shall not be infringed."! If this moron's sons can't follow the rules, where did they learn that skill? I think it is time for the state revenue folks to check out that "nightclub" that is employing minors to see what other rules Mr. Bowens does not understand. Hooray for the school in this case! Now if they could only get rid of the hoochie mama clothes, droopy drawers and shirts that say "Pornstar in training" out of our schools!
Posted by DCartisan on August 24, 2007 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This "dad" is unbelievable. He needs only to look to Columbia to see what happens when parents deny gang involvement of their children. They tend to die at a young age by other gangs.
No where in this article does he say what alternative to school he is looking into. No home schooling, private school... I guess if they are going to work at his nightclub they will be going to the School of Hard Knocks.
P.S. Where is mom during all of this? Is she really okay being surrounded by uneducated people?
Posted by inthelowcountry on August 24, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone who thinks that "Pornstar in training" t-shirts, bare midriffs, droopy drawers and the like are accepted at public schools has not been around public schools in Charleston County. While the administrations can do nothing about what children wear outside of school, the large majority of Charleston County schools have a strict dress code. At my school it is khaki pants or skirt and a white or navy button-down, tucked-in shirt. Abide by the code or you're sent home with parents called. I applaud the school in this case for holding the line against clearly gang-related haircuts condoned by a clueless dad.
Posted by gencon1 on August 24, 2007 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let them stay home. I don't want my kids in school with them. I bet they know all the good gansta songs and can field strip a 9mm in the dark.
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If he wants to be an activist WANNABE then I say give him the same treatment Elvira Arellano got.
Make an example of him, and throw his butt in JAIL...
How dare he DESTROY his kids lives just because HE has a problem with the ESTABLISHMENT...
Posted by MooMoo on August 24, 2007 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That dad should have a donkey and the word JACKASS shaved into his head...
Posted by konphidence on August 24, 2007 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to agree with some of the comments. I am black single man and in no way will I allow my kids to behave in this way. First, the authorities have indicated what the stars, jackboy, and trap star mean in the street. What in the hell?! I first saw the clip on the news and the father has "gold fronts" in his damn mouth! What kind of example is he setting for his 3 kids, Trap Star," slang for someone who makes a lot of money, shaved into his head because "I thought it would look good."
I am sorry but he is a sorry example of black man(father) trying to teach his kids rules and regulations.
What in hell are they doing working in a night club that his father and uncle own? These kids are going to be headed for trouble real soon.
It is just sad..... Its a cycle that some black people just don't want to stop. They want to keep it real, I say real dumb.
Posted by majorjohnson on August 24, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm wondering if "dad" is actually part of the jacktown gang. Financing their drug sales for a cut maybe. If I were the police I'd be crawling through his business with a microscope.
Posted by humble9 on August 24, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW--- another parent in denial. The old saying is "oh, my child would never do anything like that". DAD..you better wake up and smell the "smoke" coming from the guns...it starts out with funky haircuts and it's downhill after that. If the school district does not restrict this type of gang related symbols how can they inforce any of the other rules they have? It stays in the student handbook what is allowed and what's not allowed...perhaps you might want to invest in one and read it...that is IF YOU CAN.
What can we expect out of a parent that has his "boys" working in a nightclub? Like FATHER like SONS.....AND THE TREND CONTINUES.....and people ask the question "What is wrong with this country?" This is a good example.
Posted by dave3719 on August 24, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So for the time being the boys are going to be working at a nightclub? What is wrong with these people?
Posted by Brant on August 24, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Three cheers for the school! I could only shake my head in disbelief at this man's "reasoning" (note quotes). If I had kids (and I can't thanks to the nitwit Right wing), they'd be under a very strict dress code when it came to what they wore to school. The stuff "carved" in their hair, pants hanging down to their knees, baseball caps turned sideways or backwards: file that under "ain't happening!". If this had come up when I was in High School (way back in the late 60s), those boys would've been shown the door tout suite. And minors working a club? Hello, DSS?
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He's just CRAVING the attention.
Send in the FBI...
Posted by sethook on August 24, 2007 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hummmm..... Wonder if our criminal justice system will be seeing this family in the near future? Will it be gun, drug, alcohol, or battery related?
Posted by ddavis1 on August 24, 2007 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This parent is ignorant. He will choose for his son's to keep a stupid haircut than to get an education. What is the world coming to?? Times has truely changed. First of all he should have never came home with that mess carved in his head in the first place.
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
P&C use the freedom of information act and post this so called father's RAP SHEET.
THAT, should say it all...
Posted by hawneena on August 24, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
konphidence, I think you need to go and have a talk with this father. You say he was on the news wearing a grill? I only thought the kids did that. What a fine example this man is to all the young people in his area. All the kids probably think he is one cool dad.
Just kidding about talking to him, konphidence, he would probably call you an "Uncle Tom" and then shoot you.
You sound like a good father to me. Keep up the good work.
Posted by anon on August 24, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What parent in their right mind would want their kids to walk around with gang symbols on their skulls? What are you freakin' crazy? How about just shaving a bullseye on their head while you are at it. The stupidity never seizes to amaze me! Any father that would drag young impressionable kids of that age to work in a nightclub needs a serious prompt visit from DSS. This guy sounds like one shady character. Drop the tough guy act and get your kids back in school where they belong before they end up becoming another statistic!
Posted by vern on August 24, 2007 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sheesh! Self-described human rights activist? Don't you have be to human first? I bet Mr. Bowens thinks that dog fighting is okay and that Michael Vick is just another victim of the man. The kids don't need any schooling anyway, by working for dad they get all the hoochie-mamas, chronic, and hoopties they need without answering to anyone. Ah, the thug life in Colleton County. And people ask me why I moved from there. Would you want YOUR daughter growing up with idiots like this?
Posted by thepingun on August 24, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Dad! I support you entirely, after all we do have freedom of speech and expression. As long as the boys behave in school they have the right to attend. If some pampered little brat is distracted by a haircut on another student the schools and other parents are failing to teach tolerance and acceptance. Stick to your beliefs, the Bill of Rights defends your position.
Posted by mggoose2000 on August 24, 2007 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hurray! and just when I thought that all the bleeding hearts would side with these idiots! It's good to know that some of us in the US still believe that KIDS should be taught to adhere to rules and regulations, not question the those in charge and respect their authority. This is not "civil disobedience" in the real context of the term, it's purely "disobedience". You, sir(Father), and I use the term not in any form of respect, are an IDIOT! I guess we can't expect any better behavior from the children than we get from the parent!
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And I suppose that 'thepingun' also believes in the RIGHT to CARRY illegal guns, SMOKE crack, TORTURE dogs and BEAT women...
How PATHETIC...
Posted by HarrietteB on August 24, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thepingun, you have some major anger issues..."pampered little brat?" We're talking about an innocent child attending school! Nice. Do you have kids? I'm guessing...no??
Posted by dixie on August 24, 2007 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thepingun: Are you kidding me??? Do you know how many innocent by standers are killed every year due to gangs, drive bys etc..... You obviously don't have kids or if you do they must be invlolved in the same gang activity. I know I would not want my kids in school with kids that are involved with gangs and where the gang signs. My kid could be the innocent victim that got hit by the bullet instead of the one that they were aiming for. GOOD JOB TO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND AUTHORITIES!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by dixie on August 24, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I meant wear not where, sorry
Posted by dixie on August 24, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the boys are not truly involved in the gang why in the h*ll would the dad want them to be associated with it? So, they could be mistaken for a memeber of the gang and shot??? How stupid, how stupid, how stupid!
Posted by MooMoo on August 24, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No, pinguin, they don't have the right to attend because they are violating a school policy. What part of that can you not understand?
School are not mini democracies - they are benevolent dictatorships. As well they should be to keep order and teach kids the things they need to know to become sefl supporting citizens who can contribute to society and live in the real world, which, by the way, has rules and standards of behavior. A student does not have the right to break school rules in the name of free expression. And please, if you would, cite exactly which amendment in the bill of rights gives them this so called right?
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gang related symbols should be banned just like Nazi, KKK, and yes even the 'good ole Dixie flag' are.
When is the African American community going to WAKE UP and realize that their own culture's values, or lack thereof, is DESTROYING their children's future.
They need to condemn this PUNK RAP PLAYER CR*P, and teach RESPECT before it is too late...
Posted by dixie on August 24, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BobH: The boys are the ones that are labeling themselves. You are just as ignorant as the father and thepingun. If they abide by the rules they would not have been pulled out of school and labeled as being part of a gang. If it smells like a rose it probably is so if you wear gangs signs the chances are you belong to that gang. There HAS to be rules and they HAVE to be followed. You are right, those boys are our future and they way they are headed it is not a good future. That is why we have to take a stand and form them to be good, outstanding citizens. Not thugs!
Posted by Edwin435 on August 24, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I support the standards and regulations of the schools. No gang sign, pull the pants up and adhere to the rules. Its a simple fact. You dont have right to wear what you want and say what you want while in high school. The supreme court has ruled on several issues concerning this. If wearing clothes and a hair cut is more important than your education then you are sadly mistaken. What a crock of crap thepingun is spouting. Makes me laugh. But hey, this is a public forum and you have the right to espouse your opinion. Good luck with that.
Posted by dixie on August 24, 2007 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BobH, " If a haircut is more important that a child's education than maybe you need to reevaluate why you work for a school system. Obviously these people live in a fantasy world and have no clue that this is the real world of our children today." Are you kidding? If education was so important to this family shave the damn heads and send them back. It is about safety and cleaning up the communiteies and getting rid of gangs. Sadly to say these are the kids of the future so lets teach them from right and wrong!
Posted by hawneena on August 24, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To all who support this father: If any one of you is a parent, then I would not want to know what your kids are allowed to do.
If you are planning on becoming a parent in the future, then do us all a favor and get sterilized.
Posted by dixie on August 24, 2007 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen hawneena! But you know that the supporters of this man do already have kids and probably enough kids to make up their own gang!
Posted by fairfax on August 24, 2007 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with the school!!!
If the haircut has any part of gangs or gang related, they should not be able to go to school. We all want a safe environment for our children to learn.
The father seems to be selfish! This is a "fight" for HIM not his CHILDREN!!! The father wants the "limelight". It only shows the fathers ignorance~~~
I will pray for the children of this household.
Posted by blondjes on August 24, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
so this dad is teaching his kids that the teachers are wrong? and he's not letting them get their education to prove that "jacktown" should be branded into his kid's head? can't you go to jail not letting your kids go to school? if my brothers did that my parents wouldn't let them out of the house because your children are a reflection of you.
Posted by Test2007 on August 24, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Apparently the majority of you all need to be sterilized. The fact is the haircut is stupid. The arguments for it and against it are idiotic. Leave rap out of the conversation, because it is common knowledge that the best selling rapper is WHITE and WHITE boys are the main consumer when it comes to stupid rap cds. So, before you all get on your soapbox maybe you should see what your kids are listening to. PoisenIvy, nothing annoys me more than people assuming that this is how all black people feel. Michael Vick fights dogs. The NAACP supports him and I am black so i have to support him. This kid cuts his hair. He is black so automatically I support him. Do you support Ravenel in his distribution racket? Do you support Christopher Pittman? Manson? etc. Get a life people and stop generalizing. Not every black person is this way and not every white person is that way, regardless of what you see on TV. Good grief!
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We should ALL PRAY for them.
It is quite possible that DEEP DOWN they are good kids who are still savable, and just need a FIRM hand and some PROPER guidance.
This sperm donor on the other hand, has an agenda and he is willing to sacrifice his sons' reputations, self respect and even futures, to try to prove that 'HE IS THE MAN'...
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Test2007, never once did I say that ALL African Americans think the same, thank God they don't. And as for the RAP culture, it IS firmly entrenched in the Black community and the repercussions from what it glorifies will be felt for generations to come. Continue to deny it if you will, but the evidence is mounting daily, as the number of young black men in jail has reached epidemic proportions...
Posted by HarrietteB on August 24, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Test2007 is totally correct when he says that the largest purchasers of rap music are white boys, indeed they do represent the biggest market share.
However, I believe the top selling rap artist is not white..I think it's JayZ.
Posted by hawneena on August 24, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is not a freaking race issue! It is about being a responsible parent and setting good examples for your children.
For all you people of color that are screaming racism, then read konphidence's post. HE is a black man, and he doesn't agree with that father either. Try following his example and maybe some progress can be made.
People like you are hurting good men like konphidence, who wants his kids to grow up to be decent citizens.
Posted by gcs on August 24, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
flyboy-
You are telling everyone to quit putting all black people in the same category. However, your last comments are about people you don't even know!! They could be the ones cutting your paycheck every week (if you even work!!)
"...hawneena, you and nancyn need to put down the bottle and stop worrying about why your husbands are out coming home later and later each night, and why their mumbling names like shaquenna, and balinda in their sleep, i don't even know you but from your post, i would'nt come home early either (fatty). get a job, clean up your nasty ass trailor, and for goodness sake do something with your hair."
Come on now!! If you're going to cut someone down, you shouldn't tell other people not to!! What a hypocrite!!
BTW-Maybe YOU should go back to school with these boys & learn to spell!!
Posted by dave3719 on August 24, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this is a set up and he will try to sue the school district for discrimination or something. Most of the citizens in colleton county dont work so they gotta get paid somehow. welfare and unemployment only pay so much. yeah and they all collect some sort of disability as well. they are so ripping the government off, killing our economy and having babies they cant afford and want nothing to do with. that county is going down the drain...i know...i work there.
Posted by GG on August 24, 2007 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"If he cuts his hair to go back to school, that means he's telling the school they win."
What a stupid statement. He thinks the school wins by having his thug-in-training attend??? I'll bet that's not what the school thinks - one less delinquent interferring with the education of those who regularly come to school to learn. (not re: thepingun)
Posted by nesseca on August 24, 2007 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the father should be made to stand on the corner at a busy intersection wearing a mullet wig for an entire day.
Posted by taleele_e on August 24, 2007 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow flyboy68 you said a mouth full.It doesn't matter what the the subject is,it always turn into a racial thing.PoisenIvy I wish you would stop classifying all African Americans in one group.Most of us do have good values and culture that we teach or children.Then there are some like this father who is teaching his sons that making a statement is more important than getting an education.I can understand why some people think this way about the African American race.The P&C tends to report mostly negative articles concerning African Americans.
Posted by prosperous_hb on August 24, 2007 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not a racist, but how is that white kids can wear all kinds of crazy color hair, wallets with chains on them, & long black coats to school & the school does not feel threatnend?
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
'taleele_e' Why is it that when the truth about there being a big problem within a large section of the African American race is pointed out, that the person is automatically called a racist, who lumps the whole race into one? Never once did I say that. However, if the rest of the black community does not publicly admit and condemn what is happening, it will only continue to flourish, leading to the ultimate disintegration of their race as a whole...
Posted by datadiva on August 24, 2007 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In response to taleele_e and the notation that the p&C tends to mostly report articles that depict African Americans in a negative light; the following article, from what I can tell is about a minority doctor who is moving back to the area... Thing that irked me is the headline "homegirl"
Again, what type of editor would ok that headline?? It's like an intentionally jab that this girl is a minority, but look at us, we're an equal opportunity paper - we write postive things about the African American population.
The more I read from the P&C the more I think the writers/editors need to back to Journalism 101.
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/aug/...
Posted by deputy216 on August 24, 2007 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While in school he needs to follow school policy and after he leaves school he can do what ever he needs to do with his hair.I am 55 years old and proud to have grown up in my generation.
Posted by MooMoo on August 24, 2007 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Exactly, Deputy! That's the problem with many in my generation and younger - they want to overcomplicate everything. All this crap about free expression is absurd.
What a poor example the father is setting for his son.
Posted by ccalder on August 24, 2007 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Too bad the father doesn't teach his sons as a result of this that there are always rules and policies at various points in life. Many jobs have dress codes, etc. Unless you are independently weathy or own your own business, you pretty much have to conform in some way at various junctures of life ~ it's a matter of productivity, well-being, and survival. Of course, if these young men do not attend school, they probably won't have to worry about making any sort of decent money and conforming to any rules. After all, it's difficult enough to make a good salary with a college education these days. The father should be supporting the school district for their awareness and intervention instead of fighting a war over something so lacking in merit that really has nothing to do with civil or human rights in my opinion. If there is even a remote possibility that the shaved words are indicative of a gang or support for a gang's activity, the school district is acting in the child's best interest as well as the district's interest.
Posted by Test2007 on August 24, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why should the WHOLE community admit anything? It is the individual's problem. Did I ask all Catholics to come clean with the priest issue? Is it all of their faults? NOOOOO!!!!! Did you make those 2 guys murder that family in Connecticut? Did you address your concerns as a community about the disintegration of your race because of the B2k killer or every other idiot that happens to be white ? It is the individual that chooses to make the decision. I love how people get away with barbed insults like "They need to concern themselves with this and that" but because you don't say the race you don't think we know what you mean? Get over yourself.
PS the top selling rap artist is still Eminem. He's even won an oscar for one of his cds. Look it up. Jay-z has not sold nearly as many cds. Most of his income comes from the fact that he is a record exec. Just a note.
Posted by MooMoo on August 24, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Test, your points here are completely valid. Now if we could just get that point across to people like Sharpton and Jackson...
I nominate you for the job, Test! You can do it :)
Posted by TarNFeatherEm on August 24, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The point is this parent is telling his kids they do not have to follow the rules...Later in life those rules will turn into laws that they do not have to abide by.
As long as Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton are alive it will always come back to race. Racism is there job.
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The problem with society today is that no one cares about their communities anymore.
Everything is about me, me, me.
Open your eyes, if a community has a problem, EVERYONE should be concerned, as it affects all of us...
Posted by Greg on August 24, 2007 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You make a lot of good points, Test2007.
Posted by liam on August 24, 2007 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
flyboy68 - I generally agree with your post at 11:32. Your communication skills are improving. At least you're not SHOUTING all the time. You lose some credibility with the NancyN and hawneena comments though.
There is a lot of hipocracy around - too much!
Posted by prosperous_hb on August 24, 2007 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
White...black...what does is matter? Why can't we call just come together? We have no UNITY. Without UNITY, we will never be able to solve anything.
Posted by Test2007 on August 24, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You really think al sharpton and jesse jackson should be your MAIN concern? and the NAACP is the devil? Yeah they're black but do i agree with EVERYTHING they do no. I guess rush limbaugh is our savior? I know that 90% of the things he says is pure racism. Does he represent you? Thats how I know I am back in SC. Instead of getting our butts off of the 49th spot on the list we are concerned with people who already made their money. Why aren't we concerned that kids aren't getting the BEST education? I nominate all of you to get your head out of your behinds and get into some real issues. If sharpton and jesse are your biggest concerns then that is the biggest reason we are at the bottom. I don't know about you but those people have their education and money. What do you have? Priorities people. Get it right. Geez.
PS I agree they bring up race more often than "normal" black people would actually do. You see, an actual black person has said it. So the hell what? Am I responsible for them? No. Are they responsible for me? Hell no. But rush limbaugh can say worst things in a day's work but no one is shouting him down. Don't be a hypocrite because i know his core audience is probably in SC.
Posted by prosperous_hb on August 24, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
porkbreath: what such an ignorant remark. People like you makes things worse.
Posted by preachlove on August 24, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel sorry for some of you. That's why this country will never come together - it's so divided and hateful. If you're a minority, every one is put in one basket. All blacks think the same and all blacks act the same. And of course, all blacks thought OJ was innocent and believe what Sharpton and Jackson believe, etc. Some of you are so ignorant.
As a black man who has boys, I say this guy is setting his kids up for failure. Even if these kids do not belong to a gang, they have gang markings on their heads, and that will make them a target by a rival gang. Their heads should be in school absorbing matter into their brain.
Posted by MooMoo on August 24, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh Test, thank you. You continue to delight and amaze me with your ability to be alternately rational and irrational, as seems to vary form post to post and subject to subject.
I haven't listened to Rush in a long time, but never found him to be racist. Perhaps I missed those shows. Do please recount for us those specific statements you heard him speak which struck you this way.
I think you may have missed the point about Sharpton and Jackson. In an earlier post, you very eloquently made the point that we should not blame groups of people for what you argue are individual ills. You cited such examples as blaming catholics for priestly transgressions, whites for murders committed by other whites, etc. And you are right. Yet, many cannot help but notice the propensity of these two men to blame the "white community," for lack of a better term, for many of the problems blacks (communities? Individuals? Take your pick) have. That is the point I was alluding to, and another poster I think may heve been aluding to as well.
Certainly these observations do not mean that Jackson and Sharpton are our biggest concerns. They should be a concern to you, just as someone like David Duke is a concern to me. Why? Because people like these guys seek to divide and conquer and make it increasingly difficult for all of us to come together.
As far as education is concerned, I am for school choice. I think that if all schools are in a competitive market place and have to compete for tax dollars (paid by individuals, not any "community") we would see a lot of academic improvement. And in areas where there is open school choice (meaning that private schools are an option) guess who has benefitted the most? Minorities, because then they have an escape from failing schools, which unfortunately are often in predominantly black communities.
Posted by charlene68 on August 24, 2007 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The police need to arrest the father, I thought there was a law that stated if your kids dont go to school then the parents were responsible and that they have to be in school until they are 17 years old.... I thought I knew the Law but apparently it does not apply to this situation,,, someone want to help me with this on why he is not payiong the consequences ?????? hmmmmmmmmm wish i could find the statute that says the father is better than any other person that has their children in school and that he is special and his children dont have to go to school but THERE IS NOT ONE CAUSE HE IS NO BETTER THAN ANYONE AND THE SAME LAWS GOES FOR ALL !!!!!!
Posted by CADguy on August 24, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The point at hand is the father is standing up for a haircut, Freedom of expression, if you want to call it that. I am all for them wanting to cut their hair any f'ing way they want. But, if it is against policy that ALL are to abide to, then dad needs to step up a resolve it. Once they are out of school, diploma or not, then let them run free.
Until then, the father should be held accountable for each day his kids are not in school (SC Law dictates kids need to be in school). If the number of days becomes excessive, DSS should step, remove them from this environment, and place the father in handcuffs for child endangerment.
And the bad part is that the barber did a crappy job.
Posted by halfsheli on August 24, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For the "Rush is not a bigot" folks out there...
These are direct quotes from the man who was nominated for the Nobel PEACE Prize by the Landmark Legal Foundation:
On African Americans: "Why should Blacks be heard? They're 12% of the population. Who the hell cares?"
On Feminism: "Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive
women easier access to the mainstream of society."
On the NAACP: "The NAACP should have a riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies."
On the Constitution: "You know why there's a Second Amendment? In case the government fails to follow the first one."
There's a million of 'em. This guy's a real peach!
Posted by MooMoo on August 24, 2007 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fair enough, halfsheli, where did you get these and do we know for sure Rush said them? Just want to be sure - sometimes people do get misquoted, especialy those that are famous and hated...plus how do you know if some of these were JOKES (if so they aren't good ones, I admit)
Posted by halfsheli on August 24, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I got these quotes from an Article by William Fisher (a Harvard Law professor) titled "Rush to Peace". If I understand the format of Limbaugh's show, these quotes very well might have been jokes, but clearly in very poor taste. Public degradation or humiliation of ANY group of people -- even in joke format -- is kind of crummy!
Posted by layna on August 24, 2007 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not blame the school district for wanting to get involved in an act of a hairstyle that may be related to gang activity because they do have to protect the right of all children within the district, however, before these young men are judged, and have been called every negative word that one can think of, these guys need to be in school they need to be EDUCATED. Instead of going to the news and trying to sue, the father needs to go to the school district and have a talk so that they can come up with a solution to the problem. A lot of the problem here is lack of communication, and for all of the readers making negative comments and think that there child does no wrong...heres a wake up call...NO CHILD IS PERFECT! It just takes good parents to correct the child's mistake. And to every reader that thinks Blacks are uneducated and hopeless...you need to wake up. Im a college graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Biology who is currently attending graduate school earning an MBA. My parents are well educated, and my father is a hard working black male. I wasnt perfect but I also went to college with some of your kids who weren't perfect either. and surprisingly many of your daughters dated black guys... Many of them came to school with mohawks and red, green, and purple hair, created meth labs, shot in schools... and it was simply a freedom of "expression" or an emotional problem...wake up people this is not a race issue...its an issue effecting our future!
Posted by hipchick on August 24, 2007 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't waste any more energy on this issue. History has a habit of repeating itself. If these boys are participating in gang activity, statistically, they won't make it past their 25th birthdays. It's really sad, because an education could help them avoid a tragic end. There is no room in school for gang activity. If my children attended the same school with these boys, I would be happy that they elected to stay at home with their haircuts.
Posted by tmac on August 24, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
who did the carving in that hair anyway O.J.he does so in great detail. My point here is not to judge the kids they are a victim of their surrounding. Obviously parenting skills are not here at all,Maybe Ma can't say anything she may be a victim as well as the kids.One thing is real here these kids are headed in the direction they are being steered in, they don't stand a chance with the upbringing they have.Do we intervene now or wait until they earn their proud colors.Odds are against them. Thanks Dad for doing such a good job, whats in your hair.
Posted by sassee on August 24, 2007 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These kids do need to be educated BUT, they need to follow the rules! Personally, I don't think they WANT to be educated. If they were there to learn, they would obey the rules and respect the school officials. So would their idiot father! Skin color has no bearing what-so-ever to the fact that this guy is a complete moron!!! Colleton County Schools just started Monday 8/20. ' Anyone care to guess how many "innocent, self-expressing" kids were taken out of Colleton County High in HANDCUFFS this week? Would you care to guess how many of those kids were taken out of the ELEMENTARY schools in Colleton County in HANDCUFFS last school year?
Anyone, black or white, that states "Jacktown Boys are nothing but a harmless group of young teenagers" is crazy! I think the father has a serious case of denial or is trying his best to milk a lawsuit! One thing for sure, if he trys to bring a court case in Colleton County, he'll lose! Everyone in Colleton County knows about the Jacktown Boys.
I live in Walterboro and stand by the School District's decision. I have 3 kids and anything that can be done to lessen the possibilty of violence in the schools is good policy. If it takes regulating how hair is cut, whether or not you can wear solid red shirts, solid white shirts, whatever, (anything known locally as a reference to a local gang) then so be it!
Posted by dog on August 24, 2007 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sad. Odds are at least one of the Bowens' brothers will either be dead or in jail by the time they reach 18.
Posted by AL4854 on August 24, 2007 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This father seems to be using his children for his own agenda. Seems to me he is using the "issue" to get his name in the paper and claim his 15 minutes of fame. The kid got a jacked up hair cut and the school said no. So what? If he had something like "kill whitey" or "F* your mama", would there still be folks saying he should have his freedom of expression? Not all expression is so great that the rest of the population should be subjected to it. There are reasons schools, and the rest of society for that matter, have rules. It's life. You can't just walk around doing any stupid thing that comes in your mind. If so, maybe it is my "freedom of expression" that will pop up when I feel like slapping the crap out of some of these disrepectful teens. Children are being coddled too much anyway. Oh, let's not infringe on his freedom of expression. Let's not protest to anything they might think they can do in case we hurt his self esteem. Bull! Now, before you folks get all in a hissy about that.. I'm not against freedom of expression. Freedom to think how you want to think is one of the things that make this country great. But come on! Making this kid obey the rules set in place by the education system is not taking away any of his "basic human rights". Next thing you know, white kids are coming to school with KKK or Nazi symbols b/c it's their "right". It would be just as offensive and disruptive.
Posted by Girleygirl on August 24, 2007 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with the father to a certain degree which is his kids should be able to wear their hair however they want to as long as they are not disturbing the school and anyone else, however if its a known gang sign then the father should have took the kids to another barber get a diffrent haircut. There is no way in the world I would allow my kids to wear gang colors, or signs even if they are good kids. He obviously has never heard of guilty by association.
My other thing is this. Some of yall post talking about the kids and calling them names are really ridiculous. These are still kids and WE are suppose to be the adult. Yes the father is doing something stupid but that those not give you guys a free pass to knock the KIDS!!!!!! you guys did read the section that the kids WANT to go back to school right? The father is keeping them out and thats not the kids fault so stop calling them stupid!
Posted by AL4854 on August 24, 2007 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
flyboy - A post without some slam to someone else's white trash heritage... and one that made a really good point! I was worried you were just some rage-aholic on the attack. I think when you do that, people stop reading what you have to say and immediately attack back. It's good to call people out on their obvious ignorance, but it helps to do it in a way that doesn't stoop to the same level.
Posted by Girleygirl on August 24, 2007 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Hapy Meal"......you are really ignorant and I see why...you could not even spell your screen name right. Your comments are not funny, you lack tact, your intelligence to the story is wasteless and without merit.
Posted by samadryad on August 24, 2007 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Girleygirl, I don't understand gang colors and the crips wear blue and that is my favorite color
I had to take off a heavy metal necklace of gene simmons axe guitar b/c the ax was a symbol of a weapon although it was only an inch long and not even sharp
Posted by hawneena on August 24, 2007 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is the possibility that these boys are just emulating that gang to be cool. Either that or they hope to become members. I pray that is not the case.
Their father should be doing everything he can to show his sons how to grow up to be men with good work ethics and morals. They need an education to accomplish both. He needs to see beyond his own arrogance and do the right thing by these kids. That is to put aside this nonsense, shave their heads, and get those kids out the nightclub and back in school.
Posted by justme2 on August 24, 2007 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"school and law enforcement officials say they don't have evidence the boys are involved in any criminal activity".
Don't blame anyone. I wish something could be done also with the outrageous haircolors, mohawks, eyebrow bleachings, etc., that the kids are wearing in school. But ........, As the saying goes, "clothes don't make the man", neither does hair have anything to do with education. They may be smart and here y'all go name calling and such of the kids and the father.
After all, hair grows back and the parents should have been warned that if the name was cut again they would have to come see the school administrators, but to have them out of school for that! That's out of the League. What law is that? Is this only in one school or in all SC schools?
Are these boys singled out? Let's make changes for all, not some. Did any of the other kids in school reported that the boys were in gangs? There is always a kid who would talk or report it if that was going on. Kids will talk.
Posted by 1300dreamz on August 24, 2007 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I heard about this situation four days before the media got a hold to it because I have a friend that works at Colleton Middle. I thought it was ridiculous when she told me about it,and now that it has hit the media it really sickens me to se that this so-called father is actually trying to battle the school system over this. There are many things wrong with this picture. First of all you have your underage sons working in a night club. Secondly, they are walking around representing their area with custom haircuts that look a mess even if it wasn't controversial. And thirdly, one of the boys state that he'd rather have his haircut over his education. Like they say, the apple doesnt fal far from the tree! It's okay to fight for your rights, but at least think before you fight over such things that leave you looking like an idiot.
Posted by SCgal on August 24, 2007 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wonder if dad had a haircut like that and his employer said, "Not allowed, against policy!"
Would he quit his job or follow the policy?
Parents need to remember policies are in place for a purpose and apparently the school needs to be responsible in helping to raise these youngster to be mature, successful, respectful community members if the parents are not willing to do so!
Just think if all kids were allowed to wear their "styles" to school! Rules, polices, they are there for a purpose and reason- teach your kids how to follow them!
Posted by justme2 on August 24, 2007 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
majorjohnson you got a lot of nerve!!! I read another comment on another story a little over a week ag where you said you like to sit back and smoke a little pot, too. I was shocked that you would say that. Who are you to talk about the boys father and uncle owning a club? Do you know haow many kids or teenagers read some of these comments?
Posted by hawneena on August 24, 2007 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
justme2, what? major said that and I missed it? Please see if you can remember when that was. I have got to read that.
Posted by MJLowery on August 24, 2007 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I teach at the largest school in the state, with about 3,600 students. There are only so many adults - teachers, admin, etc. Our JOB is to educate, and providing that education is next to impossible when there is no dress code. No student - WHITE OR BLACK - is permitted to where chains, advertise gain affiliations, wear spiked jewelry, pajamas, mesh tops, spaghetti straps, trench coats, etc. Need I remind you, students attend schools for an EDUCATION! They are not there for a fashion show, to make statements about individuality, deal drugs, or organize gangs.
This father needs to GET A FREAKING CLUE. This isn't about conforming to the rules of the school system. It is NOT about subordination. It is a matter of respecting the rules and regulations which govern our academic institutions, which promote good citizenship, character building, and intellectual enlightenment ...
NONE of which this man or his sons seem to value, and so they are better off OUT of the school system!
Gang signs and affiliations are not only distracting, but unnerving. They have the potential to prevent class from functioning and to bring gang violence into the schools.
Every detail of this story makes me SICK! It's boys like these who come to my classroom, scare other students, and then instigate school shootings by displaying gang colors - shirts, shoelaces, bandanas - pissing someone off, leaving my husband a widower and my son without a mother.
This man has no damn case.
Posted by flowlow on August 24, 2007 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great points, MJ! I'm also a teacher and whole-heartedly agree.
Posted by justme2 on August 24, 2007 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To hawneena
Posted on August 2 at 11:21 p.m.
I'm for legalization. The drug laws have increased prices, not done a thing to lower use, and created cartels and gangs, not to mention the problems it creates within law enforcemnet and the prison system. We spend billions of dollars spinning our wheels and end up just buying more tires. If someone uses drugs why the heck do I care? If he steals to support his habit, arrest him for theft. I've been known to take a puff and more in my day, and I have a chemical engineering degree and over 20 years as a computer programmer, so the "your brain on dope" commercials are just that, commercials. Most of the professionals I deal with have taken their tokes, but we're responsible working taxpayers. Let law enforcement worry about real crime, not some schmuck taking a puff or tooting a line. I'd much rather live next to a guy who takes a puff of weed and settles down with a bag of doritos than some jerk with a bottle of whiskey and a bad temper.
On 5 arrested; 17 pounds of pot seized
Posted by preachlove on August 24, 2007 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NancyN - Just lump everyone into your collective, hateful little basket. People like you are one of the reasons this country is so divided. Just because one black one chooses to be an idiot, don't label all of us! My last post was made for people like you!
"I feel sorry for some of you. That's why this country will never come together - it's so divided and hateful. If you're a minority, every one is put in one basket. All blacks think the same and all blacks act the same. And of course, all blacks thought OJ was innocent and believe what Sharpton and Jackson believe, etc. Some of you are so ignorant.
As a black man who has boys, I say this guy is setting his kids up for failure. Even if these kids do not belong to a gang, they have gang markings on their heads, and that will make them a target by a rival gang. Their heads should be in school absorbing matter into their brain."
Posted by hawneena on August 24, 2007 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh my.....thanks justme2. Amazing, simple amazing.
Posted by preachlove on August 24, 2007 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
scnative wrote: "The Nascar jackets and pimped cars are gang colors. the basketball, football, etc team jerseys are all gang colors." So if one of my sons is black and he wears a team jersey, he's in a gang?
"there is no positive black leadership in this country!!! Please God send us another MLK jr to save these people from themselves. We promise we will take better care of him next time!!!!"
What an idiotic thing to say. I won't waste time naming positive black leaders in different states throughout the U.S. to which you obviously know nothing about. But there is one very smart and articulate BLACK MAN running for president who is on the news just about everyday. You probably may be smart enough to figure that out. And trust me my family and I don't need to save ourselves from each other. Who do you have to save you because you really need saving?
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Go ahead continue to 'Preach Love' filled with nothing but VENOM and HATE!!!
Posted by justme2 on August 24, 2007 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why be a hypocrite?
Posted by majorjohnson on August 24, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm wondering if "dad" is actually part of the jacktown gang. Financing their drug sales for a cut maybe. If I were the police I'd be crawling through his business with a microscope.
earlier postby majorjohnson:
Posted on August 2 at 11:21 p.m.
I'm for legalization. The drug laws have increased prices, not done a thing to lower use, and created cartels and gangs, not to mention the problems it creates within law enforcemnet and the prison system. We spend billions of dollars spinning our wheels and end up just buying more tires. If someone uses drugs why the heck do I care? If he steals to support his habit, arrest him for theft. I've been known to take a puff and more in my day, and I have a chemical engineering degree and over 20 years as a computer programmer, so the "your brain on dope" commercials are just that, commercials. Most of the professionals I deal with have taken their tokes, but we're responsible working taxpayers. Let law enforcement worry about real crime, not some schmuck taking a puff or tooting a line. I'd much rather live next to a guy who takes a puff of weed and settles down with a bag of doritos than some jerk with a bottle of whiskey and a bad temper.
On 5 arrested; 17 pounds of pot seized
Posted by hawneena on August 24, 2007 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
preachlove, he needs Jesus. When you've got Jesus in your heart then there is no room for hate.
We may not all agree, but at least we don't have to hate each other.
Posted by poorboy on August 24, 2007 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well you people just don't understand the black culture. Why let "the man" tell you what to do. How about because your 13 ,14 freaking years old. This is a classic case where the state should step in and take these kids before their father screws them up further!
"White...black...what does is matter? Why can't we call just come together? We have no UNITY. Without UNITY, we will never be able to solve anything." You ask... I used to believe this but just watch the news every night or read the news paper and see idiots like this. There are white people just as bad I know but the numbers don't lie.
Posted by jacqklyns on August 24, 2007 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why suspend these children over a haircut simply because the principal believes they are gang related. Have these children demonstrated any gang related activities or associations in the past? Children are suspended for a haircut but they don't have texybooks for some of their classes to bring home do to their home work, let alone to use in the classrooms. Students are suspended over haircuts,
sent home because they don't have a uniform on, however, some teacher who work in the very same classrooms these children are in skirts are so short that they need to be on stage stripping! It is amazing how these people who are educated have such closed minds. Education 101, these children are at the age were they begin to express themselves and their self identity, all of which they are being stripped of. School officials place too much emphasis on non-significant matters.Parents need to take control and stand up for thier children more often rather than allow themselves to be railroaded by school officials and the small group who make all of the decisions, knowing their children are in private schools anyway.
Posted by jacqklyns on August 24, 2007 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all those who are making the smart little comments in regards to race related issue's and these boys situation, take a class in Education 101 or Human Development. Your children will do the same when they are no longer underneath your guidance and can express themselves freely
while in college.
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So jacqklyns, I suppose it would be alright for 'white' kids to show up wearing KKK shirts too, or are only 'black' kids allowed to 'express' themselves...
Posted by PoisenIvy on August 24, 2007 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is sickening that SOME segments of the African American society think that being 'BLACK' somehow entitles them to live by their OWN rules.
If we let this happen, the whole country will soon be ruled by ANARCHY...
Posted by rhojack on August 24, 2007 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dad, in case you are reading this, please consider the fact that the 5 point star IS gang related and there IS indeed a known gang named Jack "whatever". Right now, although your sons are not affiliated with them, they know who you are. You think you are taking a stand for your sons, but you are actually taking a stand for the gang and everything it stands for. You are giving "Jacktown" a lot of media play.....is that a good thing? Hmmmm Maybe not!
Cutting their hair is not saying that "they" win. It is saying that you are a bigger man because you are showing your boys how to become men. You are in essence choosing LIFE for your sons. Teach them that a man does follow rules. Everyone follows rules. If your sons have a My Space account, they have to follow rules in order to post pictures and comments.
Dad, trust me....you are opening the wrong doors by not cutting it. I know your boys think it is very cool that you are sticking up for them; especially since a lot of fathers are not involved in their children's lives....I applaud you for that. But you really do not want your sons to be known as trouble makers. Once they are labeled that, especially in the public school system, it is very difficult for them to get a fair break. The truth is young black men are misunderstood in the public school system. Some educators do not know how to deal with them. If they become frustrated or irritated in school, the teachers call them disrespectful, disruptive and send them to administration who typically, write them up for disturbing school...even if all they did was look at ’em wrong. PLEASE NOTE: this still does not give them a right to be defiant to someone in authority. Something as simple as a stop sign has authority over you...run it if you want to.....chances are you will cause a serious accident or death.
The truth of the matter is this; your children will not be allowed to make certain mistakes. They are expected to act like children yet their actions have adult consequences. This holds true in so many instances...just look around you.
There are some people who will want to see them fail, just because you caused a stir. But, they do not determine your destiny.....you do. Imagine your sons attending a football/basketball game; imagine someone wanting to teach them a lesson. They may just taunt them until they bristle up and then........well you know.
Think a little deeper than you have been. This goes a lot deeper than a hair cut. I do not wish jail or death on your children. I pray that they prosper in life and become awesome men that you will be proud of. Dad, take them to church and not to the club with you. Help them to become better than you, and I am not saying that you are bad. Help them! Cut their hair! Send them to school! Send them to college! Make Charleston remember them for something other than....a hair cut.
Posted by whome on August 24, 2007 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
a lawsuit would go nowhere. Censuring "BONG HiTS 4 JESUS" was constitutional. so is this.
Posted by ThePhink on August 25, 2007 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I seen in the newsless courier this morning these two were arrested after a brawl broke out following a football game last night. Of course their fathers says they were jumped and also he is going to get the haircut also. How big of a dumba$$ can one person be?
Posted by flowlow on August 25, 2007 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
rhojack ... well put. excellent.