Cross-posted from Democratic Muse
Most, if not all, who read here know who Trayvon Martin was and why the hoodie he wore has become a symbol for those seeking justice for this young man and his family. Many of us wear hoodies - even this chubby, middle-aged white woman - but apparently some think hoodies signify evil intent when worn by young black men.
What many here may not know, though, is former Charlotte Mayor and current North Carolina gubernatorial candidate, Pat McCrory, saying back in 2007 that it is primarily African American youth who emulate gangster dress.
Pat McCrory said in a statement to government officials, “Too many of our youth, primarily African-American, are imitating and or participating in a gangster type of dress, attitude, behavior.
I wonder if Pat McCrory has moved in enough circles outside his affluent Myers Park neighborhood to learn just how wrong he was?
Having moved out to a conservative rural white farming community in Union County back in 2008, I can categorically say Pat McCrory was wrong. He simply hasn't traveled outside his bubble to observe the large number of teenage, boxer-covered, white butts hanging out of their jeans in schools that have very few African Americans enrolled. I have seen more than my fair share.
Remembering McCrory's short-sighted comments about the sartorial choices of Charlotte's black teenagers makes me wonder what he would say about Trayvon Martin's hoodie. Was that gangster? If so, is it gangster for everyone or just young black men?
(My teenage daughter told me I was saying it wrong....it is apparently "gangstah.")