Are white people fearful when people of color wear certain clothing, such as a h

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   pagesvoiceposted 10 years ago

   Are white people fearful when people of color wear certain clothing, such as a hoodie?
   
   In view of Trayvon Martin's shooting death, do you believe white people fear people of color who are wearing hoodies?  I thought about this today as a white man who was wearing a hoodie as I walked into the grocery store.

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   Sooner28posted 10 years ago

   I believe so.  That case is extremely tragic and makes me sick.  A gun toting nutjob decided to try to become a vigilante, and ended up killing a 17 year old kid.  He wasn't even arrested! 
   
   It seems like the social pressure on the police department may actually have an effect though!

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   Charles Hiltonposted 10 years ago

   Back when I was young, a hoodie was worn to keep us warm, but, the criminal behavior associated with rap culture has made many people apprehensive about those who wear them. And even though the mainstreaming of rap culture has led to the wearing of hoodies---in most cases---to be more of a fashion statement rather than something more sinister, people still react to the stereotype rather than the reality.

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   BizGenGirlposted 10 years ago

   No. I believe it's a minority of hue-less folk who actually fear other human beings of various cultural heritage, whom may be wearing hoodies. It's just that the news doesn't show how well everyone gets along, it doesn't make for good headlines.
   
   Not that there isn't any racism or profiling in America predominately from the color-less side of things. Though it's generally only those of a secluded upbringing that still hold such intolerant and anti-diversified fear based views.
   
   And, being of the color-free variety myself, I can personally say that it doesn't matter what color a persons skin is, some people just look creepy in hoodies, lol. =P

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   Credence2posted 10 years ago

   Unfortunately, it is more common than most people would like to admit. Even for those that do not express alarm openly, these fears and insecurities operate at the subconscious level. But the fear is nothing new and has there long before hip-hop or hoodies

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   clairemyposted 10 years ago

   I dont think the colour of the skin should be the issue here but the fact that some clothes are worn almost as a uniform by certain groups in society. And it is this that can signify whether others should be afraid or not.

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   buckleupdorothyposted 10 years ago

   Not that I've noticed, but I am sure there are folks who are. In most cases, though, I'm reasonably sure that any fear isn't only located in the individual wearing the offending garment. It's also a question of how uncomfortable the potential racist is in his or her surroundings. I imagine fear levels would be much higher if the person was alone in an unknown area after dark - and maybe nonexistent if they were in with friends in a familiar area.

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   ImKarn23posted 10 years ago

   LOL...now you're starting trouble, D - good for you! Hoodie Shmoodie! We're scared of white boys in hoodies too, aren't we? This is just an angry, pathetic, racist who is desperate to feel power over others - a bully, if you will! And these  people are the angriest, ugliest racists - out looking for trouble! Also - who gives a gun to a guy ousted from the police academy and with criminal charges in his past? God Bless America!

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   Mmargie1966posted 10 years ago

   Absolutely not.  Attitude, courage and confidence are secret weapons to keep from being randomly attacked.  Of course nothing is full proof, but who wants to make an extra effort to attack someone who will fight back?  People of all races, ages, and sexes have those who behave in this manner.  And those who do, prey on what they perceive are the weak.
   
   My advice would be to treat everyone the same, and always be vigilant, confident, and on guard when you are not home. Clothing doesn't make a person more or less likely to attack you.

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    carterchasposted 10 years ago

    I don't think it has much to do with the race of the person wearing a hoodie.  It is more about the circumstances.
    
    If you have your most of your head and face covered up (and hands in the hoodie pockets), then you probably look like you're up to no good.  Having said that, it doesn't justify the killing of Trayvon Martin (or anyone else).
    
    I tell young people the old saying, "Clothes Make the Man".  If you dress like you're from the slum, then people will treat you like you're from the slum.  If you dress in a shirt and tie, then they will treat you like a business man. 
    
    This has nothing to do with race.  My black, high school teacher said it (I never saw Mr. Addison at school without his suit on).  Marva Collins (famous educator) said it, others say it.  I say it.  CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN !
    
    The way you dress indicates your social status and preferences.  Every time I see a teenager with those pants that are hanging I say to myself, "Don't you know how you are branding yourself?" 
    
    If you still think it is about race, consider this:  Three years ago (while riding Amtrak), I started the trip wearing a T-shirt. When I asked if they accepted credit cards in the dining car; they acted like I was a pariah. Before going to supper, I changed into my suit; when they asked if some people would like to sit with me (this is common on the train), they said, "Would you like to sit with this GENTLEMAN?"
    
    Need I say more?

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    SpanStarposted 10 years ago

    The reason we can't get past racism is because we do not want to deal with it. The issue of racism is an ugly one, an uncomfortable one but one cannot treat gangrene was an aspirin. We will place the problem of racism on having a bad day, not understanding, external dress-(hoodies) but it absolutely, positively cannot be racism!  Racism exist and it will continue to be so until we stop pretending like it doesn't.

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    Squirrelgonzoposted 10 years ago

    I would say it depends on the person, not a person's skin color.

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