If you've read the news lately, you've heard about the game that young men have been playing called Knockout. Let me re-phrase that---young black men. I've not read a piece that addresses the idea that those doing the knocking out are anything but black males. Let's be clear.
If you've not heard of it (and it's new to us), there's an online gaming group that encourages players to sucker punch an unassuming stranger and hopefully knock them out. Totally random.
A week ago Tuesday, there was a crowd in my mom's hospital room. Lots of visitors, one being our third son. On his way to visit her, armed with a bouquet of flowers, he was knocked off of his bicycle by a black male teenager as he was on the bike---actually moving. A car full of these youngsters pulled up past our son, one boy got out, and our son thought he was going to pass him on foot and go up to a house. Nope. He hit our son in the face, one boy took a photo, and away they went. Our son was disoriented for a second, but was fine. Well, as fine as you can be when a total stranger hits you for no reason but that you're white. His cheek was cut on the inside, his right brake gear was busted since he fell with the bike, the flowers were messed up, but he survived. Not every victim is so lucky.
Be careful. Thankfully some of these cowards are being caught now that folks are becoming aware. One got shot for his efforts. Yay the victim who had the presence of mind to fight back. And don't be thinking they're only hitting on men and boys---women are the newest targets. It makes me so angry.
Best advice, don't go places alone if you can help it. Look folks in the eyes. Don't appear intimidated.
Cowards, the lot of 'em.
