Quote:Well done, jagibelieve.


Now, what if I were to tell you that a lot of people, not you, but a lot see that as a threat and that "those people" should not be doing what they are doing...


Conversely, at the Bundy ranch, a group of white people were lauded for brandishing their guns, same with the oath keepers...


This is especially clear in terms of how the media generally portrays these two similar situations.


I could be wrong, but I think a group of white folks with guns is looked at as patriotic, a group of black folks with guns are looked at as a threat...

 

I get what you are saying, and I can't disagree with you.  However, as you said perception...

 

A large part of your point has to do with the media itself.  There is a false narrative portrayed in both cases.  Take my above point regarding the Oath Keepers as the first example.  The media (and one of the most trusted sources the AP) labeled them as a "far-right anti-government activist group".  Then they show images of a white guy dressed in "military style" clothing carrying a "scary gun".  Immediately this gives the perception of a "bible thumping, right wing radical, NRA, Confederate Flag loving lunatic".

 

I pointed out to you that it isn't the truth, but that's what the media will portray.

 

Then take a look at the Breitbart piece that I linked regarding the Black Panthers and how the story is written.

 

From the article.

Quote: 

Many of the members of the group were armed with shotguns, hunting rifles and AR-15 style assault rifles. Most looked like they were simply holding the weapon they were carrying. One of the “soldiers” took a more aggressive grip on his weapon, holding his rifle with his finger “indexed” slightly above the trigger. This can be considered a “ready” position in a shooting situation.

 

Is that fair and responsible journalism?  Not really.  The member didn't take an "aggressive grip" at all on his weapon.  I would argue that it's more of a responsible grip that prevents an unintended discharge of the weapon.

 

Now, having said that, here is where we see a difference.  In the case of the Oath Keepers in Missouri and the people that showed up to the Bundy Ranch, they weren't chanting violent chants.  In the case of the Black Panthers, they were doing so and it was a direct threat to law enforcement.

 

The bottom line is, yes the media has something to do with perception, but so does the actions and demeanor of the group(s) involved.

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