I’age 4 "File News Argiis
Opinion
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
wwwthenewsargus.com
THE WAY I SEE IT
TIFFANY
GIBSON
Editor In Chief
Attention Shoppers:
Racism available at 16
Shopping is one of my favorite things to do.
I'll shop anywhere from Macy's to Wal-Mart. For me shop
ping is a stress reliever. It's a time to get
away and do something for myself. When I
am at the store, I expect to be greeted and
treated with respect.
After all, it's my money that will contribute
to the success of the store. Recently for some
black shoppers at a Wal-Mart in New Jersey,
peaceful shopping was not the case. As the
customers were walking around in Wal-
Mart, a 16-year-old boy took over the public
address system and said "All black people,
leave the store now."
Soon after the announcement, a manager quickly went on the
intercom system and apologized for the remark. The teen was
arrested and charged with harassment and bias intimidation. As
a result of the incident, Wal-Mart has updated the PA system at
the New Jersey store to ensure this will not happen again.
I must admit, when 1 was a child I used to see the micro
phones at the grocery store and at Wal-Mart. I wanted to play
with them but I never did. Even when I was bold enough to
touch one, my mom c^uickly told me not to think about it.
Many times as I walk through the stores, I see parents hold
ing their young child's hand to ensure they know what their
child is doing.
After reading the story about Wal-Mart incident, I read the
comments from different readers who thought this was just a
prank and the boy should not be punished.
That is the problem with society today. People think they
should be allowed to say or do anything without facing the con
sequences.
Like many parents of teenagers, the boy's parents didn't see
any harm allowing their son to be in the store alone. It is sad
that a 16-year-oId feels like racial comments are appropriate. I
know he knew what he was doing was wrong.
Not only did he touch the speaker, but he also yelled some
thing that could have potentially started a riot. It concerns me
especially that a young person is still saying racial slurs in these
times.
But I must remember that although it is 2010 racism is still
alive and well. This boy chose to hide his racist identity behind
a microphone instead of a sheet. It bothers me that he does not
think racial comments like this could quickly cause a problem
to rise.
It is my hope that this young man will receive counseling
and be educated about sensitivity, so he can understand the
severity of his actions.
How did
WE
miss tliat?
we
that the debate
tured Sen. Richard Burr
(R-NC). ■
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ICIUVOS CREIHI
Forum of conmenta from WSSU student#, faculty, and staff
randomly selected to answer a provocative question from
The News Argus. Comments do not represent the opinioos
at The News Argus Listen to tfie podcasts of the
comp(ete interviews at www.thenewsargus.oom.
Jan. 2 N.C.'s smoking ban began. It had been
signed into law by Gov. Bev Perdue May 19 2009.
The statewide smoking ban prohibits smoking in all
bars and restaurants as well as in government build-
Intervlews and photos by Brandon Wainright
ings and government vehicles. The ban exempts
cigar bars and private clubs. Since the ban has been
in effect for more than two months, this issue's Campus
Crew asks ...
What is your reaction to N.C.’s smoking ban In for public facilities?
ALEX SONATO
COMPUTER SCIENCE
DOBSON, N.C.
I don't really like smoking,
but other people should have
the right to smoke if they
want to smoke.
KRISTIN HENRY
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
RALEIGH
It's a good thing because I
won't have to smell smoke
and my hair won't smell like
ALVIN QUEEN
EXERCISE SCIENCE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
It's great the state banned
smoking in public facilities
because of all the health risks
associated with smoking.
SEGUN IDOWU
COMPUTER SCIENCE
NIGERIA
Its really not fair on the peo
ple who smoke. It should be ;
matter of choice for people.
MERCEDES JACKSON
NURSING
BREVARD, N.C.
Smoking should be banned, I
wouldn't want to smell smoke
while I'm trying to enjoy my
food. And I am a smoker.