The (Blue) Devil Is In the Details

Surprise, surprise a group of elite, privileged, major university students are accused of participating in a sexual assault.  If anyone thinks that what is playing out at Duke University is out of the ordinary then I would advise you to think again.  What is a-typical about this situation however is that it, like most cases involving a clash of class and race, has revealed a tense under-coating of racial tension and economic inequality in a town simply overshadowed by the acre or so of land, which envelopes part of Durham.

In a more surprising twist of an already twisted story, there now seems to be more to the scenario than what has been described initially.  First the latest news is that some of the high-powered lawyers for some of the 46 lacrosse players is that they believe an indictment in the case could be coming soon -- as early as next week.

It seems the Durham District Attorney is moving forward despite the highly anticipated DNA test returned inconclusive and if you believe the spin of the defense attorneys proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that no DNA was quote "in the woman, on the woman, on the clothes of the woman" and therefore reveals no assault occurred.

Whoa! that's quite a statement in light there still is a rape kit which shows evidence of a sexual assault, injuries on her body, which show evidence of physical assault and items such as money and broken glue-on fingernails in the bathroom in question.

While it's uncertain a rape actually happened, it is beyond reason to not think something happened.

And something is happening in and around Durham, as well.  Durham is 40 percent African-American, double the percentage in all of North Carolina.  So the fact that the alleged victim is black who attends a Historically black college down the street from Duke has added a bit of racial overtone.

But the economics -- or the inequality of the economics in Durham is placing a strain on the scandal, as well.
Durham over the past few years; however, this economic boom is not affecting all residents of Durham County, especially minorities and those who do not have professional or technical skills. The number of persons living in poverty is especially high for African Americans - 20,126 African Americans live in poverty -- that is about 10 percent  of the entire population and nearly 25 percent of the Black population. 

If we couple that with the fact most of these students pay in tuition more than most of the Black community
makes in a year and the accusation that racial slurs were spewed that night of the alleged assault race clearly is center stage or at the very least a major player.

And because of that, the details of the case may be clouded.  Some people seem too quick to label the young men guilty while others are just as fast to claim their innocence when any new fact comes to light that seems to swing in their favor.

Whether this case actually ends up with someone on trial --whether its a player or the victim for making a false claim, Durham and Duke would be missing a huge opportunity if the community did not use this opening to break down barriers and build a bridge that brings all of them together in unity.

Kapitol Hill publishes a commentary every week.  Please feel free to leave a comment and don't forget to check back next week for a new installment.

Comments

[SpedyG]

I find it very troubling that so many people (Blacks) jumped on the class band wagon. What does the Duke student's class have to do with anything. So what they have money. Too many blacks are so concerned about other people's money to get their own. Too many blacks fail to achieve because their judgement is so clouded.

Let me say this, I do not condone any one raping "anyone", but I find it illogical that a person is "witnessed" leaving and "witnessed" going back in. If you sense danger, common sense will tell you "SCREW THE MONEY". Your life and safety "should" be more important.

I don't know if she was raped by any of the Lacrosse Team, but they have all been raked across the hot coals for having money. Yes, some of them are bad apples, I ask how many of us have friends or relatives with bad issues. Does that make "you" a bad apple.

Another thing, is it wrong to achieve a social status to provide for your children and your children's children? I get so tired of hearing and reading blacks beat up on other folks with money - especially white folks. Blacks will kiss Oprah's behind because she gives money here and there while there are so many school not far from her studio suffering.

I, personally, don't think Oprah owes anyone - anything. If she gives, God bless her. BUT! There are so many blacks that complain about other people's money. I see it here with the Lacrosse Team. Why is it important that a Duke student's tuition is more that what some blacks earn in a year. The same thing can be said for Univ. of Michigan, UCLA, Northwestern, Tulane.... The list could go on and on.

Class envy will not solve this case - nor will inciting race wars. There are currently two men being charged for a crime that some blacks have already convicted. To make matters worse, Jesse Jackson vows to pay this women's tuition. Oh well.... I hope they get to the bottom of this, but I doubt it. Racial issues cause people to become emotional. Remember, Kobe. He will be forever remembered as a great basketball star & rapist. Remember, OJ. He will be remembered as a great football star & murderer. Even if these 2 men are innocent, they will now be remembered as rapists.