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What do you make of the arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. ?
by Cliopatria
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You know what happened--or what the participants claim happened. Now tell us what you think.
It is not unusual that when a scholar studies a certain subject for most of his life, he begins to see most everything that happens in his life through that lens. Take for example the Third World historian who projects his world view of oppression and exploitation on department politics. Or, then there is Arthur Link who began to take on the personal characteristics of Woodrow Wilson. Gates, with all his study of the problems of African-Americans in US society, particularly with the police, imposed this construct on a situation that was not related to racial profiling. Hence, his over-the-top, if not irrational, reaction.
Walter James McIntosh -
8/6/2009
Racism and institutionalized racism need far more discussion in America. The police habit of making charges of disorderly conduct when they know they are in the wrong ought to be more closely examined and investigated.
George R -
7/30/2009
Tape. Do they also put it over their nameplates and the numbers on their patrol cars? That would be quite a lot of tape. Do the cops pay for it themselves or -- tsk-tsk -- do the taxpayers?
Cornilis Washerbee -
7/29/2009
I mean, really? Are we REALLY going to go back and forth about racial issues?
Time to find another platform to express your beliefs other that skin color... YAWN...
It's really getting old...
I think most (intelligent) people whether your Black, White, Hispanic or "other" don't give a crap about skin color, but it sure does sell newspapers as well as commercial space... MOVE ON MEDIA, MOVE ON. And anyone still complaining about being treated "unfairly" because of the color of their skin (Black or White) YOU need to move on as well.
Norman Craig -
7/29/2009
On this event, many have said, the president should have said this, said that, said nothing at all. Others have said they have no opinion whatsoever. I say the event was a useful one.
First, this was the first time President Obama reacted to how racism has colored policing and how the blacks are disproportionate victims of racism, and Obama did not disappoint. He called it by its name- a stupid act. Was he
saying anything new? No. But it registers when it is said from that office. That is the boldness and honesty we have come to know Obama for. He calls a spade a spade. Obama has always been genuine with an audacity to be human.
Later he apologized. Why? Because he is advisable. He is not only a teacher but also teachable. That was part of his humanity and part of his strength. Did Bush ever apologize? One of the campaign promises Obama made was that he will listen to us. He just delivered on that. This event gave us an occasion to know that Obama is a truthful man.
He is smart. He knows if for any reason, there is an uproar in his nation, then someone has to calm the nation and that
someone is the president himself. He takes responsibility. Just as he said "give the two wars to me, give the economy to me".
He is an adult. He is on the ball and hasn't taken his eyes from his goals. He needs the support of every one to get his
policies through. So if it will take an apology, with or without a beer, he will go for it. Sometimes in real life, a leader
needs humility in order to succeed. This is what this event teaches all of us, again as exemplified by Obama.
Racism is stupid. A racist victimization of people of color in America is stupid. You know why? First, it is unconstitutional. Second, Obama has proved by his life story that a person of color can do and be anything a white person can be and do. SO, historically and empirically, he is an evidence of that assessment. The animated comments from this event only go to show us how much work we need to do on racism inspite of the progress we have made in order to create the humane society we aspire to. And that is good.
Obama is fair. His job is to look out for every American citizen. He is not soft on the blacks at home and abroad, but always challenges them to do better every single time he has the chance. If a black president sees a black man being ill treated and didn't speak up, would it be stupid? Yes, it will be.
Some said what the president said was a gaffe. It was not. It was consistent with what he said in the now famous Philadelphia
Race Speech, last year, namely that there is racism in America. Now, ask yourself the following questions:
1. if a white cop arrested a prominent white man in his own home, would that be stupid? Probably, yes. Then why not so when
it is a black man that is the victim? That is one of the evils of racism-application of double standard when our laws promise
equality.
2. If a black cop arrested a white man in his own home, after he shows an identity that infact, this was his home, would it be stupid? Your answer is as good as mine. In this country, racism leads to the application of double standard for morality and in the execution of professional duties.
3. Why did the Cambridge Police hurriedly drop Sgt. Crowley's charges against Gates? Because they were dumb and Gates did
nothing illegal to warrant that humiliation.
4. If Crowley was in Henry Kissinger's home, under the same circumstances, would there have been an arrest? Nope. No matter
what Henry would have done or would not have done, even if he yelled his head off, the cop would have said "and the prof
began to speak in an uncoordinated manner, and thought he was ill, and so we sent for the medical emergency, and when the medical emergency arrived, we left". Is anybody honest enough to follow me so far?
Obama will stand up for anybody who is not treated right by anybody. He loves our men and women in the uniform and wants them to do better. He is the meeting point between black and white,literally, practically and genetically. Like Valerie Jarrett recently said, "getting unlikely combinations together is what this president is about". He will defend anybody who is being treated stupidly, be he white or colored. But now he wants everybody to drink, be happy. Even if we can't remove all our biases in one day, We must always, as fellow Americans learn to live and work together. We are friends and brothers.
I have often wondered what the benefit of racism is. Is it for pride, fraud, or a display of selfishness? I don't know.
The Crowley, Gates Obama event has been useful in reminding us that there is racism in America, and that we all should work
together daily in perfecting our union, even if it takes sharing a drink. But that being said, I have good news for all
Americans. This country is is the least racist nation on earth, and that is why it is the envy of other nations.
Let's all fill our glasses and toast to her greatness as the drink - for- peace party starts in the White House.
jamsj -
7/28/2009
Both gentleman are guilty of the human condition. Officer Crowley should not have arrested Professor Gates after acertaining the facts and Gates should have recognized that having broken and entered his home he had entered a law enforcement zone.
Sad truth is that Cambridge, like the rest of America has a crime problem. Cops are scared, they want to protect themselves, they're trained to do that, and the best way to do that in the circumstances that Crowley was presented with is to separate the good guys- the residents - from the bad guys; good guys outside, remaining burglars,if any, inside. Proceed with guns drawn. Gates refused to comply with Crowley's order because of 300+ years of racism in America and Crowley like cops and school teachers everywhere didn't want to lose face.
One hopes that Gates, Crowley and Obama will recognize and publicly vouch that while all may have correct all could have done better.
Per Fagereng -
7/28/2009
I live in Portland,Oregon. I and friends have witnessed cops putting tape over their badges and arresting people for talking back. Portland Copwatch has documented many cases.
The same thing happened in London during the G20 protests. Also in Genoa, Italy. It has been well reported in the press.
George R -
7/28/2009
Too bad you cited no evidence.
Barbara Bornet Stumph -
7/27/2009
It seems DR. Gates had just returned home from China, where, no doubt, the Chinese often asked him, "What is it like being a black man in America?"
He was loaded and ready. The confrontation was unnecessary in my view.
There are times when people need to yield. If not, then both should admit they went too far, as Obama almost did.
-
7/27/2009
I strongly support sargent crowley. A police officer never knows what he is walking into. Recently, we have had two officers shot when they approached houses. I am so sick of hearing that a white man would not have been arrested. My son is 40 years old. I always taught him to speak quietly and deferentially when approached by police until they knew what was happening. If Gates had been white, he would have been arrested earlier. I am an aging 60's liberal who used to support black causes. Now I am sick of petulant people who yell racism every time they don't get their way. I sincerely hope Sargent Crowley's career is not damaged by this situation, but I am sure Professor Gates will go out of his way to make sure it is.
Paula -
7/27/2009
As a librarian rather than historian, I'm amazed that only one commenter noted checking out original sources (released video or audio recordings), but all are sure they know the facts.
Michele Dupey -
7/27/2009
I think it is telling when someone identifies himself as an African-American law enforcement officer and believes P.O. Crowley is wrong in this instance. I am a Caucusian female, and believed the officer should have identified himself when questioned, and should have respected Mr. Gates when *he* had shown his ID. That is where the inherent racism/racial profiling comes in from P.O. Crowley, his protestations notwithstanding. And I noticed, Sgt. Larkin that no one offered support for you. Well, I just did!
Desmond X. Butler -
7/27/2009
Why would the officer continue to speak with an upset homeowner who identified himself as the person seen forcing open his own front door? Was not the community concern that brought him to that address a settled matter? If Prof. Gates was not gracious that the police were looking after his property it may reflect negatively on Gates but a professional law enforcer has certainly dealt with other upset citizens without the need to arrest and take away in handcuffs.
We all have a 'teachable moment'.
Per Fagereng -
7/27/2009
No surprise there. Cops tend to stick together. If you ask their name or badge number you risk getting arrested for "disorderly conduct." They do this because they can get away with it.
Jim Blythe -
7/27/2009
It is clear to me from both accounts that the cop did not say something like, "Sorry to bother you, but I've had a report of a possible break in here. Would you mind showing me some identification?" Had he done this I'm sure there would have been no problem. Instead, he ordered him to do it. This has been my experience of police (even being white myself), that they are imperious. Probably they think this gives them the aura of authority, but it infuriates me and makes me want to resist. I'm sure this impulse must be far greater for black people with constant experience of prejudice.In an article in the Times today, a friend of the cop said that he was a regular guy (I guess that was meant as a compliment) but that while on duty he demanded respect. Exactly my point.
loftin -
7/27/2009
One thing I think that keeps getting overlooked in the media coverage of all this is that Gates had just returned from a very long trip--from China, I think, a very long flight. I am normally a very calm person, but I have lost my temper over little things after very long flights and days of traveling. Imagine his frustration that his door is stuck after a long trip, and then having some cop assume you are robbing the house (which is how Gates saw it). Of course he would explode. And since Gates has devoted his life to the study of race in America, of course he is going to see the incident through that lens. And it is his RIGHT as an American to see it through that lens, given what the history of this country is. I think more details of the incident need to come in before any substantive judgements about who was "right" or "wrong" can be made.
Thomas Holloway -
7/27/2009
This incident got out of hand, and the arrest could probably have been avoided, but one of several ironies is that Gates pulled class and status in the heat of the moment. "Do you know who you're talking to?" (Or in street speak,"you don't know who you're messing with!) Sad. Gates should be grateful that Cambridge cops do, in fact, respond when they get a report of a suspicious home entry in progress.
Steve Russell -
7/27/2009
I've read the offense report and, reading it in a light most favorable to the police, there is no offense. The charges were not dropped for political reasons; they were dropped for legal reasons.
There are Supreme Court cases involving more serious mouthing off to cops in more clearly public places than the defendant's front porch.
Would Larry Summers have received similar treatment--that is, a plainly groundless arrest?
Of course not.
Would Larry Summers have as easily jumped to the conclusion that he was being accosted in his own home for reasons having to do with race?
Of course not.
Them's the facts. Spin 'em but don't forget 'em.
Michael Green -
7/27/2009
I am an Obama supporter who thinks the president spoke unwisely by using that one word. Otherwise, we have a situation in which I do not doubt that the officer treated Henry Louis Gates differently because he is a black man, and Henry Louis Gates believed the officer had no reason to question him at all. Those on both sides of this issue could learn a lesson from this. The officer probably will. Whether Gates will, I do not know. Those who reflexively defend or attack either probably won't, and they need the lesson most of all.
JoanC -
7/27/2009
Youtube is full of videos of ordinary citizens being tasered for matters as trivial as not signing a speeding ticket.
What makes Gates different is the fact that he is a well known media figure and lives in an upscale neighbourhood, where the police usually treat their clientelle with kid gloves.
Joyce -
7/27/2009
Please make your point without resorting to name-calling. If your points are valid, they can stand on their own without added vitriol.
-
7/27/2009
Guilt and defensiveness are major themes in race relations in America, but there is also the theme of jealousy. Some Americans really get pissed when they see a successful black man; blacks have no right to get ahead of whites, and such success promotes anger and anxiety. All we can do for losers of this kind is express sympathy!
Bob Calton -
7/27/2009
It seems to me that I heard the recording of this confrontation, and the officer tried twice to give his name to Mr. Gates. However, Mr. Gates was too busy shouting racism to hear. I understand that more often than we would like to believe, blacks, and especially black men are treated unfairly by police officers of all races. I don't condone that. However, in this instance, Mr. Gates should feel grateful that a neighbor reported the "breakin" and the police showed up to investigate. Sometimes a nosy neighbor can prevent a crime from ocurring.
Lynne A Weikart -
7/27/2009
The police were wrong. Gates provided ID and the police still arrested him. they would never have done that to a white person. Citizens have every right to get angry with police and say whatever they like. It is called free speech. All the police had to do to calm the situation was to leave.
Don Doyle -
7/27/2009
The police were called to the scene of a suspected crime, and like most such calls, it was a not a crime, a break in; it was just a guy trying to get back into his own house. How would police know this? Ask for an ID with address, examine the ID, tip your hat say thank you very much, have a good evening, and go back to your job. You say the resident suspected of breaking into his own home was complaining and even raising his voice? All in a day's work for professional police, and if they don't understand that people get agitated in those circumstances and that their job is to calm the waters, not aggravate them further, then they misunderstand their job. Years ago, in Lexington MA, I had a run in with a cop who didn't like the way I parked my car, and he became belligerent and threatening. He was a bully, and he thought he could just enjoy a little bullying of a civilian that night. I drove home and called the station chief to report him and was told, oh yeah, that guy is just wired differently. Nothing was done I'm sure, but I felt a little better.
Rex Childers -
7/27/2009
As an experienced ex-law enforcement officer, I would agree that arresting Dr. Gates was a less than optimal public option. However, also having experience similar encounters, it is astounding that a learned individual of Dr. Gates stature did not grasp the situation clearly, and instead chose to not only insult the officer privately but also to turn it into a public contest of egos. I suspect that the Cambridge dept reviewed Sgt Crowley's radio transmissions and open mic before they came out so strongly behind him. A single officer, first on scene, is not going to take any chances when only one of two potential subjects are visible. However, if a crime had been in progress, Sgt. Crowley would have been crucified for delaying investigation simply because he was alone (should Dr. Gates have been an actual victim). It is standard procedure that verification of ID is one of the first ways to separate the good guys from the bad guys. It is frustrating, even dangerous, when an innocent person delays this step by lack of cooperation. It only takes seconds for a lethal attack to occur (again, speaking from experience) while dealing with the public, and an uncooperative person is not only rude and annoying, but puts the single officer at risk. This is an unacceptable outcome, and one of the reasons disorderly conduct charges are levied is to discourage this behavior (and it appears that it was not used until Dr. Gates repeatedly and increasingly badgered Sgt Crowley).
Dr. Gates might have done better to avoid calling out Sgt. Crowley's "mama" and instead accesss his extensive and influential Harvard political network post-conflict. In that case, I can guarantee that Sgt. Crowley would have been forced to explain his actions, without the added content of Dr. Gates hyperbolic public outcries about "profiling" and threatening lawsuits (which, frankly, trivialize the issue of profiling and discrimination). Just another viewpoint
Robert L. Zangrando & Lisa A. Pace -
7/27/2009
When an experienced police officer, not a rookie, arrests a senior citizen in his own home, even though the citizen had presented proof that it was his home, a reasonable person might conclude that the officer had behaved unwisely, one might say even "stupidly." When the seasoned officer's colleagues and commandant then endorsed his actions in an escalating controversy, one might further conclude that Cambridge city officials need seriously to reconsider the Department's "proper procedures."
Robert L. Zangrando
Lisa A. Pace
University of Akron, History
George R. -
7/26/2009
You should know this.
Corey -
7/25/2009
I think you're correct in that people are oversimplifying matters. I'd be hard pressed to think that either Dr. Gates or Mr. Crowley (not to be confused with our dear friend Aleister) are entirely in the wrong. Clearly, the personalities of both men resulted in the arrest that started the media frenzy. That being said, I admit that I am biased in favor of Dr. Gates.
The most interesting aspect of this debate is the degree to which political affiliation determines who one backs in this matter. Conservatives rally behind Crowley and take his account seriously while liberals support Dr. Gates and President Obama. The dichotomous nature of American political discourse is illumined in this instance, and it sadly reveals the fact that, often, the nuances of issues are ignored as people jump to one side or the other. Finding the "one-or-the-other" nature of American politics tiresome, I find this whole fiasco illustrative of the flawed nature of American political debate.
Bill -
7/25/2009
Prof. Gates' attempt to prolong his 15 minutes of fame will gain him nothing but a prolonged period of infamy. Furthermore, Sgt. Crowley has been far more dignified and articulate in his comments than the Harvard professor. Just goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover, can you, Mr. President?
Ruel J. Eskelsen -
7/25/2009
I think both men let the situation escalate beyond where it should have gone.
Gates was wrong to pull the race card and Crowley was wrong to pull the handcuffs.
Hopefully they will all go to the White House for a beer and cool off.
Jon Martens -
7/25/2009
There are too many that's in the second sentence.
Jon Martens -
7/25/2009
If I was yelling at a cop--and all accounts say he was--I'd get pulled in for disorderly conduct too.
I think it's refreshing that in America that a black Harvard professor is treated the same as an unimportant 20-something white dude.
Florie Maybrick -
7/25/2009
It is entirely beyond my comprehension that anybody could consider the harrassment and arrest of Professor Gates as anything but the police abusing their power and revealing their racism. I can't guess what I would do under similar circumstances, because as a middle-class white woman, it simply wouldn't happen to me. HOWEVER...if I had been present in Professor Gates's kitchen when this incident took place, nobody would have been shouting "racist" at the cops louder than me.
Zan -
7/25/2009
For all the people who enjoy spouting the words "liberal media," you're idiots. Look at all the articles in google news, whether the source printed, televised or online media, and more than half the titles are talking about how Obama was wrong or how Gates was wrong.
Crowley arrested a cantankerous old man with bad legs on his own front porch because the officer didn't like his tone. Why is it that so many idiots are saying Crowley's the one who deserves the apology? What the hell are you morons thinking? Does Gates really need to be sodomized with a plunger like Abner Louima or beaten by four cops on video like Rodney King for you morons to believe the officer was in the wrong?
Obama was right to call the arrest stupid. This has been repeated a thousand times but "protect and serve" does not mean "Respect my Authoritah!"
Lawrence Brooks Hughes -
7/25/2009
Here again you have an PC elitist (Obama) rushing to judgment based upon the race of the persons involved. While the alleged crime was not as serious as in the Duke lacrosse team affair, this blunder will be remembered longer because it was committed by the President of the United States.
Owen Baynard -
7/25/2009
It appears that the cop did nothing wrong. I can't understand why the President involved himself in this case unless he had an axe to bear. This is not a case of bigotry, it is a case of not showing respect and consideration for a constitutional officer of the law. Is this why Sotomayor - who considers herself a wise latina female capable of judging others better than a white man would be was nominated as a supreme court judge? We already know how Sotomayer's ruled in the case of the firefighters.
It is shameful that we forget Dr. Martin Luther King's famous words of "I have a dream that a man will be judged by his character instead of his color".
Jstrate -
7/25/2009
Two wrongs don't make a right! My speculation. Gates was tired, perhaps ill, and in a bad mood because his door was stuck when he arrived home. Then another annoyance. An officer arrives at his home, and he loses his temper. The officer overreacts and instead of exercising administrative discretion as a "street level bureaucrat" and telling Gates to "chill out," and instead of leaving the scene, makes an arrest! People make mistakes. Cut both of them some slack!
Shawn -
7/25/2009
I agree that the incident with Dr. Gates involved racial profiling, but not by the Cambridge policeman. Dr. Gates was racially profiled by his neighbor.
Yes, if I were a black man I probably would have thought that the policeman’s actions were racist. In truth, it’s normal operating procedure for many police across the country. If these over-testosteroned adrenaline junkies in uniform feel slighted in some way, they will often abuse victims and cook up bogus charges. Dr. Gates is fortunate that he appeared to be wealthy, or the officer probably would have beaten him up.
Dr. Gates was perhaps agitated (most people would be under the circumstances) and yes he may have treated the officer with disrespect. Here is the news flash: that’s not illegal!
Why couldn’t the officer have provided an apology and given his name and badge number to Dr. Gates, as requested, after he confirmed that they had barged into his residence based upon a false accusation? His inflated macho ego wouldn’t allow it.
But when it comes to race, as a white guy, I suspect the police would have treated me the same way under the circumstance (they have!), but my neighbor would likely have never made the call to create the incident.
jeanene briggs -
7/25/2009
Police acted properly - I would be glad and proud to have them patrolling and protecting my neighborhood. Shame on Gates for his abusive behavior - no excuse for someone of his standing in the community.
Mark Larkin -
7/24/2009
Iam a black police officer presently the rank of sergeant also. Once Mr. Gates showed his ID the officers present that was proof enough that he was the homeowner. Knowing that Mr. Gates was irrate officers should have cleared the scene if was as his own residence. I think race was definitely a factor.
Patricia -
7/24/2009
I think the policeman should be reprimanded. He was WRONG. I'm white and would have been mad too if a cop got in MY FACE - IN MY OWN HOME. The cop should have showed A POLICE BADGE or ID immediately. There are lots of impersonators, I would fear for my saftely. If Mr. Gates had been WHITE, the cop would not have given him crap !!!
Shawn -
7/24/2009
I agree that the incident with Dr. Gates involved racial profiling, but not by the Cambridge policeman. Dr. Gates was racially profiled by his neighbor.
Yes, if I were a black man I probably would have thought that the policeman’s actions were racist. In truth, it’s normal operating procedure for most police across the country. If these over-testosteroned adrenaline junkies in uniform feel slighted in some way, they will often abuse victims and cook up bogus charges. Dr. Gates is fortunate that he appeared to be wealthy, or the officer probably would have beaten him up.
Dr. Gates was perhaps agitated (most people would be under the circumstances) and yes he may have treated the officer with disrespect. Here is the news flash: that’s not illegal!
Why couldn’t the officer have provided an apology and given his name and badge number to Dr. Gates, as requested, after he confirmed that they had barged into his residence based upon a false accusation?
But when it comes to race, as a white guy I suspect the police would have treated me the same way under the circumstance (they have!), but my neighbor would likely have never made the call to create the incident.
Susan -
7/24/2009
It was the officer's job to respond to the call -- and I'd sure want police to question ANYONE of any color or gender who looked like s/he was breaking into my house. And if it were I, I wouldn't be an ass and immediately accuse the officer of racism. I've been the "other" in other countries and cooperation is the surest way to diffuse a situation. An in-your-face response is NOT.
Tony G. -
7/24/2009
gates is gaming the system, he is adding fuel to the flames and purposely trying to start a race war. For gosh sakes this is 2009 not 1969, times have changed and Gates needs to grow up. Now he will likely pay some random African American to claim the officer harassed them also, this man is sick and the liberal media and CNN just love letting him get satisfaction. You know CNN enjoys this, they got Sharpton doing radio shows and they get extra attention for Black in America 2. The African American officer who also arrested gates with Crowley said that Crowley did NOTHING WRONG, and gates overreacted.
