Skip to main content

Senseless. Stupid. And Still...Why?

It wasn't too long that I found myself worked up about this issue. In fact, I had such strong emotions and opinions that I needed two posts (Why Did Derrion Albert Have To Die) (Why Did Derrion Albert Have To Die - Part II) to somewhat cover the reverberations of those feelings. Sickening. Disturbing. Disgusting. All adjectives that were tied to the story of Derrion Albert. Yet, of it all, the strongest way to describe the horrific ending to the story of Derrion Albert was wrapped into one simple question - why? On Wednesday, January 18th, 2012, I found myself engulfed in the same passionate bit of rage and raw emotion as I opened up the New York Daily News website and read the lead story titled, "7 Teens, Including a girl, arrested in brutal beating of Chicago Boy". As I read, I could not help but make the comparisons to the situation that lead to the tragic ending of Derrion Albert's life. Both in Chicago. Both involved the youth. Both somehow filmed, and made it's way online. 

And then I watched the video...and it was indeed Derrion Albert all over again.

Senseless. Stupid. And yes, once again...why?

[Click here for the video]

As I've stated in the Derrion Albert posts, this is not my first go-around with this type of violence. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY and attending a fairly violent school, I've seen my share of fights, beat downs, gang affiliated fights, and various other "activities" that are in no way, shape, or form related to education. Yet, whenever, I see videos like this that expose senseless beatings of individuals by cowards (7 on 1 is grounds for being called a coward), it still shocks me, and furthermore ignites a certain rage in me that wonders why this occurs in our society, especially our nation's inner cities.

We can continue to come up with less-poignant and direct answers of blaming poor economic standards, the fatherless household, and even race (while a strong presence in black communities, from the video, it is obviously this plague crosses racial boundaries) for why these occur. And while anti-bullying has become such a cliche and taboo concept, it pales in comparisons to the real issues of this generation, and quite frankly, future generations to come.

The root of this problem is a blatant disconnect of authority and respect to our youth today. And quite honestly, I still agree with the words of An-Jannette Albert, that somehow, we've stop holding youths accountable for their actions. And in some ways, we have become afraid. 

Heck, I'll even make a general claim: maybe parents aren't what they used to be.

[Click here for the video of An-Janette Albert's interview]

Raymond Palomino, the one person in the gang of seven who did not wear a ski-mask in the beating to hide his identity, has been collared and will be charged as an adult. The other six have been handed over to the Illinois State Juvenile authorities.

As per the norm, I'm expecting these parents to be completely blindsided by the actions of their children. Maybe the typical sound byte of "He's a good kid" describing, and in defense, of their actions.

Yet, An-Jannette Albert must be shaking her head somewhere, as well as the parents of the victim. In this sickening, disturbing, disgusting, senseless, and stupid attack, we all are wondering what we still can't seem to figure out...

Why?
Labels:

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...
Read more

TNA Slammiversary 2025 Review: "One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended"

One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.  That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.  I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.  In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)... Well, well, well...whatta we got here!  For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that momen...
Read more