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Race In Boston
Media Analysis of Boston Herald Reader Comments.
Editor's Note: I have often said that the readers comments of the Boston Herald attached to any article dealing even remotely with people of color needs to be studied as an examination of Boston race relations and to convince people who may feel like these sentiments cannot possibly exist in 2011 and that we live in a Post-Racial America...
The Blackstonian stands with Councillor Ayanna Pressley and stands against all violence against women Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Sexual Exploitation, etc.
The Blackstonian stands with Councillor Ayanna Pressley and stands against all violence against women Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Sexual Exploitation, etc.
Recently City Councillor Ayanna Pressley courageously stepped out and spoke of her own experience with sexual assault in college as a means to bring awareness to the issue and combined with a city hearing to examine Colleges policies regarding sexual assaults on campus. I thought her position was principled and sound. I mean who could actually condemn and demean someone who comes forward with such personal information as well as working to address the very issue she was a victim of in the hope to save potential future victims? Who could? The Herald Readers could.... in cold blood.
The comments touch on all the ugly isms, Racism, Sexism, Elitism, Classism.
This may be the highest number of comments I have ever seen deleted for going out of bounds
and the only time I have seen a Herald Editor have to step in and actually admonish people.
The below comments come from the Herald Article
"Councilor puts own face on rape trauma"
By Ira Kantor
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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#2108324 - Mar 31, 2011 12:14 AM EDT
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#2108327 - Mar 31, 2011 12:21 AM EDT
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#2108396 - Mar 31, 2011 4:39 AM EDT
Taxpayer Rape. Approval of the present School budget which exceeds last years budget. The only departmental budgets that the Council should approve are those that come in under last years budget. Those are the budgets with MEANINGFUL and not POLITICALLY enhancing CUTS!
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#2108448 - Mar 31, 2011 6:09 AM EDT
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#2108496 - Mar 31, 2011 6:48 AM EDT
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#2108540 - Mar 31, 2011 7:17 AM EDT
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#2108568 - Mar 31, 2011 7:40 AM EDT
"Ms. Pressley has NEVER been raped"
You have any proof to back up this statement, or are you just spewing nonsensical crap out of that defective brain of yours?
And I doubt you're any kind of "crisis councilor" - you're way too ignorant and unintelligent to have anything to offer anybody in any situation. I'm skeptical you even have a job. But hey, I guess people like you will say anything to try and support their own dim-witted comments.
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#2108596 - Mar 31, 2011 7:52 AM EDT
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#2108615 - Mar 31, 2011 7:59 AM EDT
Joe Dwinell - Boston Herald staff
Take note of our guidelines again. We ask that you be "respectful of others." If not, you'll be banned without further warning.
#2108616 - Mar 31, 2011 7:59 AM EDT
if ms. pressley, or any woman were raped, i would hope that their attackers endure a life filled with physical suffering. that aside, i don't believe her. i find it interesting that there is talk of a heated election on the horizon and all of the sudden we are hearing about this alleged attack. i simply don't believe her. now that this woman has had a taste of $90,000 a year for a job that you don't have to report to, she doesn't want to give it up. its not just her. i think that most of them would say anything to get reelected. they only let these truths come out at the most convenient times. everything they do is a well orchestrated production in their quest to keep their elected position. something's got to change. part-time government might be the way to go.
I don't think people cry rape when it can be easily verified. That being said, the timing of disclosure is interesting. Ms Pressley is hot too. :) Way too many grumpy curmudgeons this morn...Please do yourselves favors and don't post all day. That's just pathetic. Go out and get some nice, fresh Spring air. There's a big world out there. Live it!
Ms. Pressley's timing does stink and may be construed as using a "flashpoint" issue for political gain. It's as inflamatory as the likely comments on the numerous posts that have been removed here.
The truth will be in the future. Win or lose, will she "keep her face" on this issue to help others, or is it just a "Keating-like" dramatization that opens up wounds for others?
I hope she keep up the honorable fight, and her "face" stands for strength, not manipulation.
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#2108929 - Mar 31, 2011 9:34 AM EDT
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#2108966 - Mar 31, 2011 9:49 AM EDT
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#2108969 - Mar 31, 2011 9:50 AM EDT
Do you guys and girls have daughters/sons? When your damm children come running to you about being rape, please don't push them aside, because it just maybe true.
Her mom is from the Chi, and they don't raise womem to be liars.
If more people opened up about their life experiences, prehaps, we all can dump some of that **** in the sewer.
Posted 6 days ago
Reply 
Link 
Abusive
Reply Link AbusiveThis may be the most I have ever seen posts getting deleted for vile statements and even Dwindell having to chime in I've never seen that. Its really nice to see these attitudes in 2011. Very progressive Boston moving forward in the wrong direction. The Herald comments should be studied in a class to really illustrate man's inhumanity to man.
The constant base drivel and racist, sexist undertones in the comments are really like a bad movie. I'm in the wrong business in Boston, I should start selling white sheets and pointy hats there seems to be a market for it. Most of you are true cowards, not only picking on the victim, but doing so from the safety of your knuckle operated keyboards.
You win the Archie Bunker Award for forward thought.
No comment should be banned unless it contains obvious profanity. This newspaper is completely hipocritical. It publishes trashy, sensational articles design to provoke second class minds and yet deletes the trashy comments the articles deserve. Stop pretending your so high-minded, BH. You're entertainment, never news. You're a creepy paper for creepy people. That's what I enjoy about the BH.
Some of these commenters have no idea what they are talking about. I am a man and know two people that were victims of rape. One was a g/f that was raped years before I knew her and it took her 4 years to be able to tell me about it. The second person was someone I have known for over twenty years and it took her that long for her to be able to talk about it. Both of these women are strong, educated and come from good families.
I say that City Councilor Pressley is doing something good for the community. If what she does has an impact and revents one rape it is worthwhile.
Hillrock, Murphy won't to this story by getting a sex change. I heard he was thinking of claiming he was abused by a clergyman, namely the Reverand Al Sharpton, but he is afraid to alienate the vote in Roxbury/Mattapan/Dorchester. With Sam Yoon out of the picture, maybe he'll claim it was Buddist Monks.
Realbase,
I agree that it is courageous to come out but in both this case and the Scott Brown case, not naming the person who did it allows for these 2 rapist to walk the streets and do it to someone else. If you are going to take the position, you can not come out half way. Otherwise it is perceived to be just for political gain and not genuine.
Posted 6 days ago Reply Link Abusive
Reply Link AbusiveErinOttoB
WestieGuy
Some of you people make me sick. SICK! I have never been embarressed to call myself a Bostonian until now.
Ms. Pressley, thank you for your courage. Hopefully you will help save some other young women from having to go through what you went through. You are in a position to make a change. Kudos for stepping up! God bless you!
Ms. Pressley, thank you for your courage. Hopefully you will help save some other young women from having to go through what you went through. You are in a position to make a change. Kudos for stepping up! God bless you!
formerlyBostonBo
You are so wonderful and high-minded. Where can we sit at your feet and bask in your benevolent wisdom, bravery and goodness? Where can we hear your prophecies? Anyone who takes the Boston Herald so seriously must be such a fine, sensitive and serious person. Can we trade a Desmond Tutu award for all those Archie Bunker awards you want to give us? You are a true Tutu. You glow with glory goodness. You light up these Boston Herald pages with your kindness, generosity and interest in your fellow humans. You are love.
roxburyprophet
formerlyBostonBo
SydneyFife
formerlyBostonBo
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#2109238 - Mar 31, 2011 11:34 AM EDT
SydneyFife
And when did I ever say she was pretty?
Posted 6 days ago Reply Link Abusive
Reply Link Abusiverichcarney
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#2109336 - Mar 31, 2011 12:01 PM EDT
cityhall8thfloor
Isn't it strange that when a politician faces the possibility that there is even a hint of opposition, they begin to spin these amazing tales? I have come to the conclusion that any politician who starts a tale with, "just the other day, I spoke to a woman who told me..." is a fraud. I instantly tag them as a fraud based on that phrase alone. I am usually right on the money whenever I use that formula to judge people.
WestieGuy
WestieGuy
Cityhall.....if Ms. Suzie from JP came forward with this story, it wouldn't even make the paper. But Ms. Pressley is in a position where her story will be heard and she can make a bigger difference than Ms. Suzie from JP or where ever. Even if for some reason this sroty is made u[p, which makes me sick to even type that, she is going to make a difference. A positive change for thousands of college students in Boston. Can you even give her credit for that? You people are SICK! Go post on a Red Sox board or something.
shebail
As a woman who has survived domestic violence and rape, I am appalled at some of the comments (or lack of that were erased). It takes real courage to stand up and admit either one. I finally was able to stand up to speak to groups about domestic violence several years ago - the rape I have only recently admitted. The reason? I felt shamed and our society contributes to that.
I also feel that if I speak out and help even one victim, my "coming out" will be the best thing I have ever done. Many times victims will not report rapes because they are so often "victimized" once again - look at the 11 yr old girl in TX that has been vilified by some for "causing" her rape. Then there is the old "she said, he said", or "she asked for it".
I commend anyone who steps forward and has the courage.
I also feel that if I speak out and help even one victim, my "coming out" will be the best thing I have ever done. Many times victims will not report rapes because they are so often "victimized" once again - look at the 11 yr old girl in TX that has been vilified by some for "causing" her rape. Then there is the old "she said, he said", or "she asked for it".
I commend anyone who steps forward and has the courage.
shebail
formerlyBostonBo
WestieGuy
I am sorry for the pain you have suffered. Thank you for coming forward and sharing your story. I am sure you have encouraged many other victims to come forward and get the help they need to overcome such a tragic event. Evidently many of these posters on this board do not have daughters, sisters or mothers! Sickos if you ask me. Shebail....Thank you for helping others.
SydneyFife
YashaHyfitz
formerlyBostonBo
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#2109471 - Mar 31, 2011 12:44 PM EDT
JusticeIsForTheR
richcarney
Leftfield
antiseptic
moonbatter
This must be Joe Dwinell's own personal agenda. I posted this comment at 6:09am today.
“ I am vehemently against violence towards women. I would support the death penalty for convicted rapists. Regardless, it must be said: Ayanna is smoking hot. ”
At some point, it was removed, even though it obviously adheres to the "guidelines".
Want to remove it again, Joe? Ban me? You're a fool. I've been banned 6 times in the last year for similar postings that also adhered to the guidelines. Just like everyone else you ban, I return with a different moniker.
Perhaps if you tell us what your personal "guidelines" are, we can adhere to them, Joe.
Just kidding, Joe. I wouldn't adhere to whatever your personal agenda is if you paid me (unlike Gelzinass).
“ I am vehemently against violence towards women. I would support the death penalty for convicted rapists. Regardless, it must be said: Ayanna is smoking hot. ”
At some point, it was removed, even though it obviously adheres to the "guidelines".
Want to remove it again, Joe? Ban me? You're a fool. I've been banned 6 times in the last year for similar postings that also adhered to the guidelines. Just like everyone else you ban, I return with a different moniker.
Perhaps if you tell us what your personal "guidelines" are, we can adhere to them, Joe.
Just kidding, Joe. I wouldn't adhere to whatever your personal agenda is if you paid me (unlike Gelzinass).
kateydidit
"Regardless, it must be said: Ayanna is smoking hot."
Not so good, dude.
It's almost like saying the rapist couldn't help himself..not cool.
Although there were no obcenities, it's implication was crude.
If you had left that last opinion out, it would have been ok.
Free speach, or not. A newspaper has to keep up a reputation, and this colomn page does give the barometric reading of peoples opinions.
Some really great stuff that is said here, wouldn't be poted here if the column was filled with untasteful mean comments- making it an avoidable rag.
So, lest I come accross as a holier than thou chastising B****,I just answered your question to try to explain.
Frustration? Understood.
Not so good, dude.
It's almost like saying the rapist couldn't help himself..not cool.
Although there were no obcenities, it's implication was crude.
If you had left that last opinion out, it would have been ok.
Free speach, or not. A newspaper has to keep up a reputation, and this colomn page does give the barometric reading of peoples opinions.
Some really great stuff that is said here, wouldn't be poted here if the column was filled with untasteful mean comments- making it an avoidable rag.
So, lest I come accross as a holier than thou chastising B****,I just answered your question to try to explain.
Frustration? Understood.
Xfranman
I don't believe her. Not on the rape or the abuse. What is a "women and healthy communities" committee? no healthy communities for men? the city council has made itself foolish and useless. the result is a dictator not mayor and the present one is, well, retired. stupid p.c. world
markbel
georgecostanza
shebail
Some of the people posting here are dubious only "because of the timing" and the fact that she is a politician. First off...
There is never "the right time". Only when rape victims are beyond feeling ashamed will they usually talk about it. To talk about it in order to prevent or help other women does help the victim - it has me.
Rape occurs much more than is reported while at college and often in the past, some colleges have not handled victims well. I applaud Pressley for working on this issue.
There is never "the right time". Only when rape victims are beyond feeling ashamed will they usually talk about it. To talk about it in order to prevent or help other women does help the victim - it has me.
Rape occurs much more than is reported while at college and often in the past, some colleges have not handled victims well. I applaud Pressley for working on this issue.
moonbatter
Your feedback is appreciated. I think I understand where you're coming from, but there is a distinction, or qualification, between implication and inference.
In other words, I did not imply what you inferred. Nor did I ever intend to.
I am a bit offended to think that I cannot pay a beautiful woman a genuine compliment following an unequivocal condemnation of a particularly heinous violent crime. Such an inference is not logical, therefore must be an emotional reaction.
Regardless, I would like to avoid such misunderstandings, so I will no longer co-locate non-sequiturs in the same paragraph or post in the future.
In other words, I did not imply what you inferred. Nor did I ever intend to.
I am a bit offended to think that I cannot pay a beautiful woman a genuine compliment following an unequivocal condemnation of a particularly heinous violent crime. Such an inference is not logical, therefore must be an emotional reaction.
Regardless, I would like to avoid such misunderstandings, so I will no longer co-locate non-sequiturs in the same paragraph or post in the future.
kateydidit
Clearly you are intelligent, and your vocabulary is much better than mine.
But I am glad you wrote back-(happened to see it, didn't come to my e-mail)
Yes, as a matter of fact, my response was from an emotional reaction- but I was trying to tell you that it may have hit a FEW nerves, as your previous post was removed.
A..FRIEND... of mine was brutally raped. A confession was solicited by the cops, who said-(among other things)"yeah... she was cute, huh?"
Thereby making it seem if he had done it, they'd at least "understand".
Naturally, he didn't have his lawyer in the room, so none of this was even entered into the trial.. but I digress.
Women are more sensitive to this kind of thing, and I'm sure it wasn't your intent to be mean,I was just trying to explain the reason they may have removed your post.
So, thanks for responding, and I do appreciate the lesson in grammer- :)
PS- Perhaps if you had said her smile was so pretty, even after what she indured..
But I am glad you wrote back-(happened to see it, didn't come to my e-mail)
Yes, as a matter of fact, my response was from an emotional reaction- but I was trying to tell you that it may have hit a FEW nerves, as your previous post was removed.
A..FRIEND... of mine was brutally raped. A confession was solicited by the cops, who said-(among other things)"yeah... she was cute, huh?"
Thereby making it seem if he had done it, they'd at least "understand".
Naturally, he didn't have his lawyer in the room, so none of this was even entered into the trial.. but I digress.
Women are more sensitive to this kind of thing, and I'm sure it wasn't your intent to be mean,I was just trying to explain the reason they may have removed your post.
So, thanks for responding, and I do appreciate the lesson in grammer- :)
PS- Perhaps if you had said her smile was so pretty, even after what she indured..
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