The Henry Louis Gates Arrest: The Most Important Victim Is Critical Thinking

[brandork47]

this is a different side of your video productions, and i like it

[TheArtOfTheComment]

@brandork47 Thanks for the comment, Brandon!

[cowgirlmoon]

I think the majority of Americans, pretty well sort this kind of stuff out for themselves, but the politicos will always try to use these situations, for the benefit of their own ideologic, agendas. Use your head, refuse to be spoon fed!

[jaybulger]

I agree, wholeheartedly.

[izzy1985]

President Obama should have apologized.

[luvs2teach00]

He should have kept his mouth shut because he didn't know the facts. When he responded how he did, people considered him only as a "black president" and not a president for all people. When you are a black politician you have to a lot of times appear to be racially neutral. It is difficult for Obama because he experienced racism and bias. His thought process as a black man in American society didn't disappear on November 4, 2008 when was elected president of the United States.

[pabankhead1]

@izzy1985 ATHEIST from under a rock!!

No President Obama shouldnt apologized THE ATHEIST stupid fuckers should apologize!! LIAR!!

An ATHEIST wouldnt tell the TRUTH to save his own life because he was not taught this!! A Catholic is the same as being ATHEISTS. These 2 Religion think its o.k. to be HOMOSEXUALS & have same sex marrigages!!

Wow unfuckinbelievable only in AMERICA

[izzy1985]

I think the president and Gates were too quick to use the race card. Poor judgement in my opinion. Palin 2012 :P

[accordwhippa]

are u joking about palin for president?

wasn't sure if u were being sarcastic or serious

[pnpink248]

izzy1985 should we have waited for him to be shot & 1 week later to discuss this issue?

Palin....is she not the one that said Obama was handsome & married? What a leader?O.o

[izzy1985]

I just don't like the idea of bigger government. I hope Obama's healthcare reform does well though. It seems to have a lot of promise if he can deliver the changes he is talking about. Palin did a lot for Alaska, more than what Obama did as senator, which is one reason I like her. We'll have to see if she decides to run in 2012. That would be very interesting :P

[luvs2teach00]

Why do people always use the term "race card?" Obama or Gates can't use the race card becuase it is attached to them like ID. Black and hispanic are harassed by police officers more than any other group, that is a fact. There is no denying that. I'm sure Obama was stopped and questioned by police officers for no good reason, but we are not allowed to question that because we would be playing the "race card." You want Palin 2012, that is fine, but I you tell me how she is going with race.

[shicago319]

This was interesting but it was so long the point was forgotten. I agree that we do have to look deeper from all sides. I don't think it was as much racist as it was abuse of power. I think that this could have been prevented if the officer followed the unwritten law respect your elders. And if Gates respected authority, but a man has a right to be King of his Castle.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

Thank you for your comment, and, yes, I agree that I could have condensed it a bit. I'm considering taking the video down now that things have developed in significant ways since I recorded this a week ago.

[ThePlaytoe]

Gates has done nothing more than speak out against racism and discrimation. He has also never done anything to harm any white or this country. To condemn him for his acts only support the idea that racism will continue. Wake up, people...this conversation is about "critical thinking"!

[ThePlaytoe]

You guys amaze me. To think that a black person that speaks negatively of whites concerning slavery and discrimination is a "racist". Take responsibility for your acts, change your ways...that would be monumental!

[LizzyxDarcy]

LOL! Check out this video, all you deep thinkers.

"You Could Never Trust White People:" Raw Video of Henry Louis Gates 1994 C-SPAN Interview

[TheArtOfTheComment]

That video provides evidence that Gates is distrustful/hateful/disdainful toward whites. It does not explain how either the holding of said attitudes or the expression of them in an angry tirade merits an arrest for disorderly conduct. Have you read Adam Winkler's recent article on the legal precedent for application of disorderly conduct laws in MA? That may explain why the charges were dropped so rapidly. It's ugly to spew hateful words toward a cop, but I don't think it's necessarily illegal.

[smacomber5462]

If an officer came to my house on a report of someone possibly breaking into my house, I would be thanking the officer for checking my ID to confirm I live there. I would be mad if I told the officer there is no problem here officer, I live here and he got back in his car and left without checking my ID. This case had nothing to do with race until Mr. Gates made it about race. Sgt Crowley was DOING THE JOB HE IS PAID TO DO.

[LizzyxDarcy]

You are right. Simple common sense, something most people lack today. They feel, they do not reason.

[505alicious]

Was this even in his jurisdiction? Sounds like it was the Cambridge police depts jurisdiction. ...This whole thing screams set up for Barrack Obama. Gates is one of his friends. Is it any wonder that the interview occured at a health care conference??? If Barrak is successful with his healthcare plan he will be more loved than George Washington. There is alot at-steak out there.

[505alicious]

What kind of cop goes in alone on a B&E in progress???? The dispatcher gave the call to officer 1184r and coincidentaly 52 (sgt. Crowley) is first on the scene and goes up to the door..... now its his word against Gates.... Maybe he went in alone for plausible deniability.

[loverlady100]

PLEASE CONSIDER: The POLICE REPORT stated that the caller told Crowley that she saw "2 black men with backpacks on the front porch". The caller's lawyer has said that she NEVER TOLD CROWLEY THAT!

Someone is lying! How do you explain the difference in the report and the call. Smells fishy to me! this just might have ended up being racist afterall.

[ThePlaytoe]

Also, here's what Crowley allegedly stated in his report: "She went on to tell me that she observed what appeared to be two black males with backpacks on the porch of Ware Street," the report says. "She told me that her suspicions were aroused when she observed one of the men wedging his shoulder into the door as if he was trying to force entry." I hope he actually spoke with someone, must have been the older lady who went to Whalen about it...maybe he mistook her for Whalen. Yeah, that's it!

[ThePlaytoe]

Uh oh! Crowley may have submitted false info on his report! The 911 caller, Whalen's attorney deny having met with Crowley outside the Gates home. I wonder who did he speak with, if any one? Apparently he "assumed" it was the caller...nevertheless, if so, it casts doubt on his version of what happened. O my goodness, the plot thickens!

[DJLOW76301]

great vid

[deefirst]

How in the hell nobody knew who GATES was after this man been livin in this house for dozens of years!? This is racism in the oldest form of white people don't want to live next to african americans.

[LizzyxDarcy]

Oh really! Come now...

[WacheniUshenzi]

This guy is wise. Wise as King Solomon.

[spkbho]

The underlying fact of the matter is that this incident has conveniently come about, now having Obama involved, in an evil plot to deceive the common folk in order to distract the American public so he (Obama) can continue ruining our great country.

[spkbho]

Either way, critical thinking or not, the fact of the matter is that none of you below can really make any comments until you've put on the uniform and faced death day in and day out. Had this idiot, Gates, kept his damn mouth shut and been repectful, then nothing would have come of this. Thats why it's important to respect the very ones who protect us every day, (black, white yellow, brown or whatever color.)

[DJLOW76301]

EVEN WHEN THEY DONT SHOW THE SAME RESPECT?dont you work for us? seems like there should be respect from both/ citizen and officer.ive met officers who were very respectful, loved there community,.....and then ive met those officers with the " you look like a suspect" when hes on a motorcycle pullin me over because im doin 58---in a 55.....im just saying respect works both ways

[samgamgeeisbrilliant]

@spkbho THANK YOU! I feel that police officers are very underpaid and disrespected! I know a couple personally, and they're not the bad guys! Gates could have easily explained his situation and asked for help with his door if he had trouble!

[John88LC]

Sweet video man. More level headed people like you should post on YouTube.

Videos like this are the ones that get people thinking rather than immediately putting them on the offensive or defensive.

[StellaisBack]

Great video.

[ndyt]

Critical thinking? If people used critical thinking there would be no religion in the world. I wish there were more critical thinking in the world.

[LizzyxDarcy]

How deep...

[Bberryman2]

As I watched this video, I kept thinking you would get to your point. Somehow I missed it. All that, to say we should think critically?? What's your opinion on the actual case? Should Gates have been arrested? Was it racial profiling?

[TheArtOfTheComment]

Bberryman2: I don't think I ever purported that my video would address either of your last two questions. I intended this video more as a commentary on the public reaction to the arrest rather than as just another weighing-in on whether or not it was justified.

Since you asked, I feel like he should never have been arrested (now that I've learned more about it). I don't think disorderly conduct should be enforced very widely at all, as long as no one is causing some sort of actual riot.

[Bberryman2]

OK, thanks for your opinion. As for myself, not having been there, I would tend to accept the police account.

[LizzyxDarcy]

Your feelings have nothing to do with critical thinking. Have you considered ALL the facts?

[TheArtOfTheComment]

I'm trying my best to consider all the facts, Darcy.

[LizzyxDarcy]

Hmmm... It doesn't sound it.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

Care to elaborate?

[kendagriff]

Critical thinking...Most burglars in the process of committing a crime will answer the door when law enforcement shows up. If the officer did in deed inform Gates that he was responding to a burglary in progress, and Gates informed him that he lived at the residence, why should Gates be grateful for being considered the primary suspect. "Mr. Gates did you report the burglary in progress?" I haven't seen the police report; was this question asked?

[TheArtOfTheComment]

The police report indicates that the arresting officer met neighbor Lucia Whalen on the street before talking to Gates and was informed that she was the one who had called the police.

[fturner92]

Man Shut the fuck up! This video was a boring waste of time.  Don't take it personal

[TheArtOfTheComment]

I won't take it personally. Have a good weekend.

[oeppevnvpeb]

u knew who this guy was before this happened? aren't you special! u are so tuned in! an author of over a dozen books with numerous appearances on pbs, and yet somehow you have heard of him! u had nothing new to add to this issue. u are a boring f%%k who needs to stfu!

[TheArtOfTheComment]

Thank you for being a friend!

[wordverificationsuck]

If the police showed up at my address to protect me from intruders, I would say, "Thanks!"

There is nothing more to it than that!

[neuregreg]

you can always want critical thinking when you have never experience what prof gates went through or any other african people go through. look at the history of africans being shot for apparently not following instrution> yeah I know you would tell me stick to the facts, how can I stick to the facts when you are denying the facts?

[LONEWOLF3288]

fuck the blacks what do you think use native americans have went through you don't cry for us do you, hell we was shot for the fuckng sport of it by the white an the black man,

[kendagriff]

Lonewolf most blacks are still waiting for their acre of land and mule. They took your land from you, and took us from our land. We are both victims in one form or another. Oh and by the way I'm Black and Native American. STFU :)

[bburks1]

You dumb fuck thay gave your native american people their 40 acres and a mule. We didnt get shit,

[bburks1]

True . The bufflao soldiers

[hanoitwin]

kiss that black ass.

[7jerryv7]

What is happening:

Conclusion----->Facts

What should happen:

Facts------>Conclusion

Why? People do not want to wait and gather information but talk and get their opinion out there.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

Exactly, my friend. Exactly.

[wmsprez09]

I believe this whole hing is a clash of Ego's. Mr. Gates is a very important man. He thought he was above his type of thing. No one Black is above this. I'm not saying the cop is a Racist. But it's a fact, Cops, black or White think they are better than everyone else until they are exposed.

[LatinTaco4u]

I agree with that part where you said "maybe the cop did a bad thing, since he is only human". Now what about Henry Gates. Is he or is he not only human like the rest of us?

Could it be possible that he was also having a bad day and was behaving out of the ordinary like most human being would, despite he a scholar an all.

Thinking critically does not mean focusing on one side and in this case the cop, but the WHOLE thing. But I do get what your trying to say in the video though.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

Yes, it's possible that Gates was having a bad day and being disorderly. I stated above that we should consider this as a highly specific incident, the sociological dynamics of which may or may not align with any observed cultural patterns.

[dsom8]

What surprises me is that no one has suggested that Prof. Gates had formed a prejudicial opinion of white police officers. I think he should consider *himself* guilty of racial profiling. If the concept has any validity (and I have my doubts), it certainly has to cut both ways.

[AnthonyNews]

i agree 100%..well said*****

[motelcalifornia]

People have a pervertedly competitive attitude about race. They actually think somebody can win the...competition.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

That's a pretty profound comment. I will have to think about that...

[gtonline]

I do think police have the right to enter a home where burglery is suspected. I don't think Gates should have been arrested, even if he was arguing with the cop. I'm suspicious of the neighbor who called the cops in the first place. I would know if I lived next door to Henry Louis Gates, and I would recognize him if I saw him.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

I was a little surprised that the neighbor would be that hasty to call the cops too. I live on a busy urban street, and I even tend to (at least) recognize the faces even when I don't necessarily know everyone by name in the adjacent houses.

Thanks for your thoughtful comment.

[ThePlaytoe]

Reilly...I appreciate that very much! I agree that Gates was apparently uncooperative (thus wrong, or culpable). To that end, as a black person, I understand his response. Was it racial profiling? Again, I think its not just for Crowley to determine, but also Gates. In discrimination, you don't have to prove intent but a "pattern"...correct? And the pattern, I believe exists...no fault of Crowley. I think by arresting him, however, he furthers the profiling case.

[reillyjrcm2000]

Part 2 of comment- That said, I am not going to say the officer was right either. Because I and other members of my department agree, that arresting him for disorderly conduct, or even at all, was not appropriate. My understanding of disorderly conduct...he did try and follow with it....but it was still a big stretch. If it would have been me, I would've directed Mr. Gates where to go with any complaint he had and left it at that.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

It's great to hear the perspective of a police officer on the matter. Thanks for your service and all you do. I know it's gotta be a very challenging job in so many ways.

[reillyjrcm2000]

Part 1 of comment-Well. I like to think I am more down the middle. My opinion, (and being a police officer myself), is this. I actually accessed and read the police report online. I don't believe it was racial profiling. I believe that responding to a entry call, and according to the report, not the first call at this address. Upon arrival, (according to the report) Gates was not coming off cooperative, but arguementative, which if there may be a burglar, is not a good idea.

[ThePlaytoe]

Finally...I believe the shocker for Gates was that he perceived Crowley as approaching him in that "type cast" manner. A lesson for Gates, however, is that he must realize that until the racial image of blacks is redeemed every individual black will face this...including Oprah, Mike Jordan, etc. Gates said he may do something on profiling, he should do something to address the more broader idea of black image, and the gov't and edu systems should fully support him.

[ThePlaytoe]

Cont'd...The reality is that blacks have been "Type Cast" by America (gov't & Edu). It's like those who meet a movie star and ask them to repeat a line from one of their movies, not realizing that person has other talents, interests and capabilties. They can't fathom how they might be offending that actor. I'm black, but recently dated an asian woman, we talked a little about black history. She asked, "Why do most blacks talk as if their history begins as a slave in America?" So true!

[ThePlaytoe]

Rob, indeed you raise a great point about critical thinking in this country. You have apparently read works by Gates and perhaps others on black history...thus your balance on this matter. Too few whites (and blacks) know anything except what the media has allowed to be shown. Critical thinking requires a knowledge of both sides, as you've indicated. They say Crowley taught race sensitivity, but he didn't know who Gates was...isn't that questionable?

[TheArtOfTheComment]

That certainly is worth questioning...and I am glad that you've taken the time to really think this case through. Thanks for the comments, ThePlaytoe.

[WestsideProductionz]

awesome vid, rob.

brought up some really important points and i respect ya.

well done.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

Thanks for commenting, broseph!

[originaldelta]

Very balanced indeed,which is what is lacking in pretty much all discussions on this issue on the left and the right.Yes,I am always very suspicious of law enforcement,but I think what happened here honestly is egos getting in the way of cooler heads but having said that I don't think a white harvard professor would have been treated this way,the officer might have let his subconscious take over his reality here,plain and simple

[TheArtOfTheComment]

I applaud your measured thinking here. I posted this video because so many people seem to be simplistically saying, "This is just another example of racial profiling," or "This is just another example of elitist professors," or "This is just another example of indignant black people" or other such overgeneralized reactions. In reality, this was a highly SPECIFIC incident with details that are worth scrutinizing and thinking about before any of us jump to any conclusions.

[studentdotcom]

Really interesting and great video. I am generally quite liberal and think that Blacks always get screwed and harrassed by the cops. But in this situation, I was very sympathetic to the police officer. Based on what I have seen, the policeman did what he was supposed to do and Gates pulled the elitist Harvard thing on him and flipped out unreasonably. This was most certainly not an example of a policeman engaging in racial profiling.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

One thing I'm beginning to learn about our country as i get older, Jeff, is that--black or white, conservative or liberal, elite or powerless--we are all Americans. And I think we can look at this incident as a moment to divide ourselves further based on uninformed reactions or we can instead look at it and unite around our ability to give everyone a fair shake and think things through. And I think the latter is the only way toward unity.

[studentdotcom]

Well as I say, I am very sympathetic to the way Blacks are treated by law enforcement in this country. And I would like to think that a dialogue on this stuff is helpful for all.

[RogCBrand]

Hey Rob! It's been a while!

It sounds so much like the typical situation where you have a "celebrity" and they have a fit because they are being treated like an ordinary person. How often do we hear about some Hollywood/Sports/Music celebrity gets out of control because they think the police need to treat them on some whole other level. I figure it was a situation where he could have remained calm, even laugh over being locked out & people thinking he was breaking in, instead of being a jerk.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

Thank you for weighing in with your thoughtful words. I really respect you.

[RogCBrand]

:D Thanks Rob! It was a great vid and I have tons of respect for you! You made great points!

I think in our society there is something above racism- celebritism, where being rich and/or famous puts a set of people above all others, where they tend to expect and get special treatment, when the law should be blind and treat all equally!

[Nichwyto]

not the kind of rap i was looking for but... atleast you speak about other problems. good for you.

[TheArtOfTheComment]

I appreciate that you took the time to watch it. And I should add that there will be more rap videos soon. =)