The Unteachable Lesson: Can We Learn From Gates and Crowley?

Harvard Professor Henry "Skip" Louis Gates' legacy will not be remembered as the nation's "most famous black scholar." He will be forever remembered by all with a photo of him in handcuffs looking quite pitiful standing helpless inside the doorway of the Cambridge Police Department. Most of America will never know Gates discovered the first known novel written by an African American woman who had been a slave. Nor will Americans even know he is on the Pulitzer Prize board of directors or one of Time Magazine's "25 Most Influential Americans," in 1997. The award winning author of nearly twenty books and countless articles has made a great contribution to American History and Political thought. Small in stature, Gates is a giant in the world of academe.

Where will Gates go after receiving a national dose of public humiliation? He can never go back to Harvard this fall just researching, lecturing and exploring until his next great cerebral find. His discourse as a "public intellectual," is forever changed. As much as he would like for all of the media attention to disappear over his arrest by Sgt. James Crowley from the Cambridge Police Department he can't. Whether he likes it or not, Gates stands as America's new 21st Century Poster Child for "racial profiling."

African Americans from the "hood," "the brick," "the ghetto," or "the projects," acknowledge Gates' experience, but don't vibe with it too much because their every day life of being racially profiled for being poor, black and urban by white police officers greatly overshadows Gates' buppie elite minor rub with the "po po."

Listening to adults out of two of Connecticut's poorest cities in our Nation respond to the Gates incident, I heard comments, such as, "Maybe that Harvard Professor, can finally feel what we go through on a daily basis." "Yo, he is shocked he got arrested because he thought he made it so big. He's just like the rest of us." In the overall scheme of things, Gates' incident was what it was an incident that, yes, was stupid and had racial tones on top and under it.

After Sgt. Crowley checked the facts of the alleged old black man with a cane was not breaking into a stranger's home -- but in fact was his [Gates'] home, when did the racism begin between the two men? Was it before or after the accusations and raised voices? The person who called the police, are they racist? Was the racism in the hearts of the person calling the police, the officer who came to the scene and Gates already there and all three played out their socially learned racist roles? People blatantly tell lies regarding their true feelings in situations like these. With the exception of an avowed Nazi, Skinhead, or White Supremacist, the claim always is, "I am not a racist". But the fact is, living in a race conscious society, to some varying degree we all are racists.

In the case of an African American who detests white people, they do not see their words and actions as racist, but a response to the oppression their people have experienced. They say they are not in charge and therefore can't be racist. Some African American scholars have criticized Gates' approach to African American studies because he does not embrace the "Afro-centric" education that includes separatist philosophies. He believes black academics who invoke this type of pedagogy are racist and ridiculous. He's right.

Professor Gates was married to a white woman, but he still can say racist things. Sgt. Crowley is recognized for his work on community policing and diversity related matters, but he can also act racist. One thing we all know for sure is the United States of America problem with racism is a nasty and stinky dirty rug that will never really be cleaned because the real issue on race is about power. To truly put an end to racial profiling and injustice in America is to end the power dynamics that exists in racialism.

We have a Black President and he is the most powerful man in the world. President Obama's presidency is the most significant case study example that racism is about power. Since taking office, there has been an insidious backlash response to him being the Leader of the Free World. Hate crimes are on the rise in a most alarming way. There is a surge in filed racial discrimination complaints and it is quite well known by the informed that African Americans are receiving the hardest blow in unemployment; as high as 50% in some of our largest cities. No need to talk about the other statistics because we know African Americans are at the bottom. However, they are first to be in prison. Furthermore, unlike any other President (because he's black), the media analyzes President Obama like he is a Tuskeegee experiment.

More and more Republican wild eyed articulate and inarticulate zealots are emboldened and have joined forces with each other -- the smart and astute with the loutish and uncensored to make the most lightning rod statements to attack the President. They call him monkey, boy, terrorist and of course their favorite name "Nigger President." They are even vulgar enough to attack his wife and daughters showing how debase the party has become -- led by an African American who does not categorically condemn this sort of loathing. He looks the other way trying like hell to survive in a party that really doesn't want his kind. A good number secretly enjoy the ugly tension created -- hoping for that watershed moment on Obama.

For those such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, they won't dare say the words of their supporters publicly. Their insinuations and statements of fiction are fomenting angry mobs to take back white power by any means necessary.

I don't believe Sgt. Crowley or Professor Gates are racists. However, they like a number of us are shaped and influenced by a racist society. President Obama said he hopes that this incident can be a teachable moment for America. It can be for Gates and Crowley. I hope the two men are humble and compassionate enough to form a partnership to speak around the country about their experience to communities deeply troubled by this tension. This could for the first time begin to address a problem that is so viral.

In as much as there is an opportunity for these two men to take a road less traveled to stop racism, the aforementioned race mongers will not stop. The anger over what they perceived as losing to an "inferior race" is so strong they will use the Gates/Crowley event as their teachable moment to inspire more hate and harm.

Follow Yvonne R. Davis on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Teleos1

Comments

[QuietLightTraveler]

The Police don't learn from these incidents because, at heart, they are authoritarian instead of service minded like they should be.

[Yvonne R. Davis - Huffpost Blogger]

This is a problem with law enforcement irregardless of race. This is the problem for many police officers. The question is how does this type of balancing take place during the training process.

[MissterZip]

Absolutely. It happens ALL the time. Sadly, it starts in childhood and the experience of most cops in Jr. and High school, adds if not totally forms the how and why of the why and who,,,,dig? As much as it happens (everyday, over and over) to black folks it also happens to white folk; usually (but not always) POOR folk. Besides protecting there's the "serve" part. But alas, if you're from a certain socio/politico background or a specific race (and it doesn't matter, MOST of the time, if the "law enforcement" officer is black too) you are going to be in a situation that if you DO NOT acquiesce TOTALLY in body, spirit, mind AND opinion, you are at the LEAST going to be intimidated into either ass kissing, silence and/or fear for your freedom if not personal safety and/or life. I do not opine. This is a fact, from not just "information" but personal experience over almost 50 years and over and over and over again. Until this evolution of socio/poli­tico/ECONO­MICAL change, brought upon us (finally) from the gross, felonious abuses of the Cheney/Bush neo-con regime and (gratefully) the election of President Obama is truly allowed to bloom, "change" as in how folks treat other folks sans the abuse of "power", we all, more so the ones mentioned above, will continue to suffer.

[MosiahGarvey]

Whatever happened to the charges?

ahh that's right they were dropped like a bag of dirt, this whole thing could've been avoided.

More than anything Gates' pride was hurt, in the words of Paul Mooney, he got his ... wake up call alright, no matter how much you accomplish you can still be arrested outside your home for acting 'uppity'.

[ModernTimes1]

Uppity?
You don't know "who you dealin' with" and "I'll see you momma outside" is far, far from "uppity." Quite the contrary. It is more out of the realm of churlish and low class.
http://www.samefacts.com/archives/Police%20report%20on%20Gates%20arrest.PDF

[JimR]

Uppity? Gates' behavior was obnoxious, disgusting and repulsive.

[ModernTimes1]

Two quotes from Dr. Gates:"
"I rebel at the notion that I can't be part of other groups, that I can't construct identities through elective affinity, that race must be the most important thing about me,"
http://www.neh.gov/whoweare/gates/biography.html

Cambridge police department incident report 9005127
I will not [produce an ID} Why, because I am black man in America? "I am dealing with racist police officer in my home." "You're racist." Ya. I will see your momma outside."
http://www.samefacts.com/archives/Police%20report%20on%20Gates%20arrest.PDF

Which is the real Dr. Gates?

[ModernTimes1]

Direct Quotes from Dr. Gates:" I will not [produce an ID]" Why, because I am black man in America?
"I am dealing with racist police officer in my home."
"You're racist." "You don't know who you're messing with." Ya. I will see your momma outside."
"You haven't heard the last of me"

Reason? He was asked for ID after a break-in report.

And no one sees how ridiculous this sounds?!
Astonishing.

[ItHadToBeSaid]

Ridiculous or not, Professor Gates DID provide the ID. He PROVED that he lived at that residence, and that should have been the end of it. Crowley should have said, "Sorry to disturb," and then turned to walk away.

He didn't do that. His ego got in his way and he abused his authority. Nothing that Professor Gates did was illegal. Nothing. Call it ridiculous, call it obnoxious, call it whatever you like, but you CANNOT call it illegal as Massachusetts law clearly says it was not.

Crowley was in the wrong. He had a duty to remain professional and he didn't. End of story.

[ModernTimes1]

Crowly left and was chased down the hall and by Gates in incoherent hysterics. While a small crowd of puzzled neighbors and college cops were gathering.
At which point Dr. Gates was arrested. In front of dozens of witnesses.

Mass. disorderly conduct:
Model Penal Code § 250.2
Affirmed by Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and defined "disorderly conduct" aspect which includes " unreasonable noise or offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or addresses abusive language to any person present."

BINGO.

[JimR]

Actually, Crowley did walk away. Gates followed him outside and confronted him, escalating the situation even further. Gates is solely responsible for how this turned out. End of story. Period.

[MissterZip]

Totally.

[Nommo]

More astonishing is how you're still stuck in discredited information.

[ModernTimes1]

The police report, witnesses reports and audio recording were discredited?
By whom? You?
Can you post a link by someone who is not Dr. Gates.

[Yvonne R. Davis - Huffpost Blogger]

ModernTimes1,

I may not agree with all of your assessment on things, but I do believe many problems can also be defused with the police if we slow our pace and be respectful; at least try this approach first as opposed to grandiosity that many do; and if it is true that Gates said all of that, it was not necessay and just ignites the situation.

[mredder4]

I appreciate someone finally acknowledging that this case could be about more than just a "racist cop". I don't deny that there are racist cops, but there are meanwhile millions of people who can't grasp the idea that a black person could be racist against white people. It's as if the concept is beyond comprehension, despite the fact that it exists.

I'm not saying that I think Gates is a racist, but I also defend Crowley as not a racist also. In this situation, Prof. Gates doesn't get to cry "racism" and sully the reputation of a man who has clearly made racially sensitivity part of his profession. I don't know a single racist who would give chest compressions to a dying black man, much less mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It's been very frustrating to watch the familiar lines form, with pretty much all of black media lining up behind Gates with no analysis of HIS behavior.

All I was looking for was some parity, and thankfully someone finally provided it. It's sad that it took this long, though.

[Nommo]

Does it actually baffle you that some Black people don't like white people. Isn't that within the realm of possibility? Is this not a nation that has legislated hate? That made is legal to discriminate against Black people with respect to education and employment? Even after such laws were overturned, white people resist to the bitter end that the law says that they cannot continue discriminatory practices?

What do you really care if Black people don't like white people. You have police that routinely harass and murder Black people for no reason at all. Can you imagine having it any better. You pay taxes, yes, but you get systemic and legal elimination of, willy nilly, of all Black people. One day you get lucky and they get the Black individual who gets your goat.

What a country, what a country. What do you have to complain about, really?

[mredder4]

Learn to read, THEN go back and read my comment.

I am baffled that fewer people acknowledge blacks who are racist. I personally am not surprised by blacks who are racist. I've met several. I've also met racist white people, and racist Asians, and even racist Indians (both Native and Asian).

Gates was given a complete pass by all media, especially black media, despite being the first person in this whole situation to start seeing things through racist glasses. My shock is reserved for the fact that the man who made the entire situation worse was attempted to be portrayed as the victim.

In regards to your generalizations about cops, there are as many or more equally offensive stereotypes about black that I'm sure would be against the policy to post. So again, there's the double stereotype in which you can malign cops out the wazoo, but not black people. That's offensive to me as a citizen who respects the police and what they do.

[IrisBittencourt]

Part I:

You are so clueless that I do not even know where to begin. First of all, what is racism? If a white person is in the middle of the forest and yells out the N word, is that racism? How about a black person who says that they do not like white people?

The answer to both questions is No, it is not racism. Why? Because neither the white man in the forest nor the black man has the POWER to exclude any racial group from enjoying the fruits and benefits of society. Accordingly, the only person that could even potentially have been racist in this incident was Sgt. Crowley, because he was the only one who had the power to put his racist ideas into effect and to unlawfully arrest Prof. Gates.

If you listened to the 911 tapes and the lawyer for Ms. Whalen, you know conclusively that Sgt. Crowley did not speak to Ms. Whalen at the scene, as he alleged in his report, and Ms. Whalen did not say that she saw two black males with backpacks. No, Sgt. Crowley used his "racial sensitivity" to invent a racial profile to justify his racism. Like Charles Stuart and other whites, Sgt. Crowley knew that by blaming some invisible black men, his crime would be excused.

[mredder4]

You don't even know what racism is, so you're automatically diminished in this discussion. Racism is not about laws, or power, or influence, or anything that you think. Racism is thoughts like "My race is better than their race" or "This race is inferior because of [insert cultural or sociological stereotype here}". Your analogy of the woods is completely wrong. A white man yelling the N word in the woods IS a racist. The N word is a racist word, no matter where you yell it or in who's company.

White people can be racist. Black people can be racist. Why is it so hard to understand that the villain in this situation might actually be Gates, who undoubtedly has a lifetime of anger at white people under his belt? He can't be racist because he's a professor, or a scholar? Because he's black? Hardly. The possibility exists, and THAT is my point.

[ModernTimes1]

The litmus test for this incident is simple.
Let's take this news item and strip it of racial context.
A neighbor calls the cops. Cops arrive, ask for a person on the scene for an ID. Said person gets very irate, chases and and verbally assaults a police officer who simply came to make sure that said property is safe. Cop gets mad and arrest the guy.
I propose that a far larger percentage of black comment would favor with the cop if the racail identity of actors has not been revealed.
Why this hasn't occurred--­ethnocentr­ic filter.
Problem-- persistent race bating propaganda which takes place in African American community. Sorry for being blunt. But we all know its true. I witnessed it time and time again. Interestingly, I have not observed same amount of painful preoccupation with the subject in African immigrant community in U.S.

[ModernTimes1]

There will always be racism in the world. EVERY RACE has members in it which fear, hate and denigrate members of other races. It is an illogical and factually wrong to infer that blacks do not engage in racism solely because they were ( or are) oppressed.
Also:one can just as easily infer racist attitude from Dr. Gates, a black member of elite establishment, towards a white cop impertinent to ask him, the Ha'vard professor, for an ID.
But no one dares to raise even a possibility of such mindset. Many a career and livelihood were ruined for far less.
Far easier ( and socially acceptable) to engage in character assassination of a white cop, than to engage in intellectually complex discussion of race in modern America.

[ModernTimes1]

No broad lesson, despite vociferous calls to the contrary, can ( or should) be made about this incident.

This was simply a dispute between an officer unwilling to put up with references to his mother, and an irate homeowner who couldn't keep his mouth out of the gutter.
Nothing else.
Everything else is low-brow race baiting that sadly became de facto pattern of discourse in U.S.
Yes, that also refers to you. Mr. President.

[natturnerx]

i totally agree with the title of this article & i'm glad we're finally beginning to realize that a certain segment of the white population is unteachable. i am so sick when everytime there is an incident like this someone says "this is a teachable moment" or "this is a wake up call" or "its time for the healing to start". are we at last recognizing that they cannot be taught, they will never wake up & they are terminally ill? they have done these things decade after decade, generation after generation, century after century - omg lets face it - they are STUCK ON STOOPID.

[ModernTimes1]

Speaking of being stuck You seem to consider distinguished academic's chasing a cop and yelling about his momma an astute and appropriate behavior, it seems . LOL.

[Yvonne R. Davis - Huffpost Blogger]

Natturnerx,

Although I wrote about the fact that this incident is also an "unteachable" moment for segments of the population, I am still hopeful that this week can reap a more important opportunity to teach something - what ultimately will be the question. I do believe Dr. Gates and Sgt. Crowley have the great opportunity in history to build a bridge or at least reconstruct one towards a frank discussion about race relations and how we can begin to understand each other once and for all. So, in my estimation President Obama's "Acted Stupidly" comment did us all a favor.

[TRUE BLUE AMERICAN]

You would see it that way Davis because you're a liberal. This isn't about race. It's about respect. Officers of the law have to deal with all races and all kinds of life threatening crap. Crowley came up to Gates property without knowing what was before him. Gates throws a tantrum from the get-go and showed no respect for the officer who was looking to potentially protect Gates and his property. You need to wise up and go after the real race relation problems in our country, and that goes for both white and black.

[bullypulpit]

Professor Gates brought this on himself. He's the one who had a tantrum and dealt the race card in his fury. The woman who called the police DID NOT identify the alleged intruders as black men. The police responded to a rather routine call about suspicious behavior. Professor Gates was incensed by the temerity of a police officer daring to treat him as a suspect. (The nerve, not kissing the backside of a college professor! As if the cops knew he was.) And he exacerbated it by getting in the officer's grill. That's a no-no, as most grownups know, whether they are black, white, or purple. That kind of behavior gets you cuffed, or worse. The media, our president, and a dismally uninformed public opinion give this story more legs than it deserves. Gates himself said it was time to move on. Shall we?

[ModernTimes1]

Perfect. A tantrum is the best word to ascribe to Dr. Gates' behavior.
A certain tinge of upper class intolerance towards a lowly cop can be just as easily inferred.

[TRUE BLUE AMERICAN]

Can we learn from Gates and Crowley? I dought you can Davis since you totally missed the important points of the story. When a police officer comes to your house to investigate a possible crime, show him or her the respect they deserve. In a calm, rational way, show him your I.D. and explain the situation. After everything is cleared up, thank him for protecting your property and go about your business, end of story. For some reason Gates acted like a child when he is supposed to be some educated scholar. This whole thing is a joke and Obama's a joke for commenting before he knew the facts.

[MyNameIsJames]

True Blue American

Obama commented on the case
AFTER charges had been dropped. He was asked his opinion and he gave his honest answer. No harm there.

No new facts have come out since the case was dropped- Obama being a lawyer knew this when he answered the question. When he stated "He didn't know all the facts" it was a disclaimer - not an admission that there was set of facts pending to be announced sometime in the future.

He knew what we all knew-- he also knew that the Police didn't go forward with the case- What Gates did was not illegal -even if he had a dispute with the officer.

The bottom line was there was no legal justification for the arrest- end of story.

[TRUE BLUE AMERICAN]

If he knew what we all knew , he should not have used the comment "acted stupidly" because that is not what happened. There is a law against disorderly conduct, check and see what it is in your state.

[ConstanceReader]

Really True Blue? Should Amadou Diallo have respectfully thanked the NYPD for protecting his property as he lay dying from the 41 shots they pumped into him (because they were at the wrong address) as he went about his business? How about Abner Louima, when he was bleeding out of his rectum after being sodomized with a broom handle? Or Michael Lewis, while he was being strangled to death during interrogation for painting graffiti?

Should every citizen who gets tazed while exercising their first amendment right to free speech thank the officer tazing them for not using his gun instead? Well, except for Oscar Grant, who was shot in San Francisco when the office grabbed his gun instead of his taser by accident.

It is not a crime to hurt a police officer's feelings (especially not when he is in your home uninvited). It IS a crime to refuse to provide your name and badge number when asked, and it is a crime to entrap a citizen into arrest (especially when no crime was committed).

[TRUE BLUE AMERICAN]

Connie, I was commenting on the Gates incident only. Gates was out of line period. I don't know the facts of the cases you cited, so I have know comment. The fact that you can't get to the bottom line of the Gates case tells me how out of touch you are. Good night.

[Yvonne R. Davis - Huffpost Blogger]

ConstanceReader,

Like what you wrote in response to True Blue American.

[Yvonne R. Davis - Huffpost Blogger]

TRUE BLUE AMERICAN,

No YOU completely missed the point of my piece. Re read it and then write another comment. Gates showed the officer his I.D. and proved he was the owner of the home. A cool head should always prevail, but it does not and like and Sgt. Crowley, emotions surged and this is where we are today. To me, President Obama's comment shed light on an issue that is often ignored and/or believed as a non-issue. Even if in the end it is "not about racial profiling," then let us take this opportunity to come to a higher awareness to humanity and how we treat each other regardless of race,ethnicity, creed, religion or gender.

[mredder4]

The cool head WAS prevailing, as Crowley was leaving the house. The hot head then prevailed, when Gates pursued him. These are factual details, clear for anyone to see. I've only got my associates degree, but I know that I could call the police department later and find out the name of a cop that came to my house. Or I could request a copy of the police report, which should also have the officer's info. Even my lowly associate's degree knows not to walk after a cop, call him a racist, insult his mother, and then expect to get off scott free.

I'm no Harvard professor or anything, but that's just common sense.

[TRUE BLUE AMERICAN]

Davis, YOU, like most liberals live in fantasy land. Who in their right mind treats an officer of the law like Gates did, then cries about race, when all the officer was doing was checking out a call on the possible break in to Gates property? Who? a Harvard professor with a chip on his shoulder, that's who. Davis , you can babble all you want about learning something, I find it fascinating that you can't see that the only thing to learn here is to have respect to someone that is trying to potentially help you.

[JimR]

Yes, a cool head should have prevailed. But Gates failed in that department. He confronted the officer and escalated the situation.

[Lotus19]

A very powerful article and I will be sharing it with others, and on other boards (proper credit given of course)

[Yvonne R. Davis - Huffpost Blogger]

Lotus19,

Love it and you are kind. Let me know how it is going. Bless you!

[benne]

I guess all we can talk about it racism and sensitivity. I guess we can't talk about our basic American right to be free from intervention of police in our own homes. No, that right to be king (or queen) in our homes is ignored. If the police are sensitive enough, they can intrude, and we can all talk about our responsibility to be polite to people who are running roughshod over our rights.

[goldcoastsailor]

Racism is simply a survival mechanism. If people hate me because of certain physical characteristics I possess then I must avoid those people to survive.

[Yvonne R. Davis - Huffpost Blogger]

Goldcoastsailor,

I am wonderfing if we took the approach you mentioned, would most of us in the world avoid nearly everyone?

[Torus34]

The saddest feature of the incident by far is that today, several days after it happened, discussion in the media, including talk shows, is still centered on Mr. Gates, Sgt. Crowley and President Obama.

We are presented with a magnificent opportunity to discuss our on-going attempt to eliminate race as an issue within our society and the discussion hasn't progressed beyond, of all things, personalities.

By this time, any mention of the actual people involved should have become nothing more than a footnote.

We should all be ashamed of ourselves!