The Jena Six

Not sure how many know about the Jena Six but it is an issue that is a sad commentary on race relations and general humanity in the state of Louisiana.

The Jena Six refers to six black American students being charged with attempted 2nd degree murder in Jena, Louisiana. Unfortunately the events leading up to these charges shed a disgraceful light on many people in the town of Jena and like-minded people all across these United States.

Amazingly enough, the issue here begins with a tree. There apparently exists a large oak tree at a high-school in Jena that is unofficially reserved for white kids to sit under. In an attempt to break-down an absolutely ridiculous standard several black students decided they too should be allowed to sit under the tree. Their attempts to do such were met with criticisms in the form of nooses hanging from the branches of the tree. That's right folks, in the year 2007 we still have such simple-minded people in this world. People who instilled in their children values that made the kids believe nooses hanging from "their" tree was an appropriate response to black kids wanting to share it.

The students who perpetrated the act were found out and the principle of the school recommended expulsion for their acts. His recommendation was trumped by the superintendent who instead doled out a punishment of a three day suspension explaining that, "adolescents play pranks."

Several events ensued including a black student showing up at a party and being beat up by white students, an altercation between black and white students at a convenience store, and a white student showing up at school with a loaded shotgun (I strongly suggest reading this blog to get a better picture of all of the events). Events climaxed (at least so far) with a white student being severely beaten by six black students (several of whom were previously troubled) who continued the assault even as he lay unconscious on the ground.

The legal ramification of all of this? The white student who brought a loaded gun to school was released on $5,000 bond (not sure of the charge) while the six black students involved in the beating of the white student stand charged with attempted 2nd degree murder.

My intention here is not to blame one side or the other or to declare anyone "right" or even "more right." No, my intention is to blame both sides and to put special blame on the parents of all those involved. My recounting of the events is at best third hand and is lacking many details that can be found elsewhere. However, it is sufficient enough to show the problems in human relations we still face as a nation. Hanging nooses on a tree because black kids wish to sit under it is unacceptable. Resorting to physical violence because you were slighted by another individual is unacceptable. All of the events are reprehensible and appalling.

What should be done? I do not believe anyone should go to jail here but I believe there should be punishment. If it were up to me, that damn tree would be cut down and every student, black and white, involved in any of these incidents would together pick up the trunk and carry it around the town of Jena for a week. If these sad souls can't learn to live together in peace, at least make them to tired to fight.