Cocaine User on the Roosevelt Bus
On my bus ride home, three African American males, ranging from early 40s to late 50s, entered the bus. For whatever reason lately, I have taken to sitting at the back of buses. Much to my chagrin, the three guys came to the back and sat right near me. As I began to read, I noticed that the youngest of the men pulled out these mini-tiny plastic Ziploc like red bags. The youngest of the three looked at me as I pulled out my cell-phone to call someone to avoid over-hearing them.
At this point, the youngest of the three talked about his job issues and poured the content of the mini-tiny Ziploc red bags on this card. The content turned out to be this white powder substance. At this point, I was completely floored and scared shitless because, if the powder substance was cocaine these men could have been carrying weapons.
The youngest guy rolled up a dollar bill and started snorting lines of the white-powder on the bus.
Opening up a can of worms…
Scared Shitless??? Little dramatic for my taste. I can understand the uncomfortable feeling but this fear that many people have for certain stereotypes worries me. Maybe you were justified, maybe you should of been afraid, maybe you should of be so scared of the drug users that you should of stood up cautiously and got off the bus at the next stop. (I am being facetious.) But my point is this…I have come in contact with “sheltered individuals” that turn to fear faster than they should. This may or may not be your case, but I want to emphasize my experience. The experience of seeing individuals be judged and criticized before people try to understand their situation.
But here is my question for everyone…was the fear justified?
Opening up a can of worms…
Scared Shitless??? Little dramatic for my taste. I can understand the uncomfortable feeling but this fear that many people have for certain stereotypes worries me. Maybe you were justified, maybe you should of been afraid, maybe you should of be so scared of the drug users that you should of stood up cautiously and got off the bus at the next stop. (I am being facetious.) But my point is this…I have come in contact with “sheltered individuals” that turn to fear faster than they should. This may or may not be your case, but I want to emphasize my experience. The experience of seeing individuals be judged and criticized before people try to understand their situation.
But here is my question for everyone…was the fear justified?
I have three concerns when addressing your posted comment. First when did others get to determine if someone’s fear is justified, a little dramatic for her/his/a person taste, or if someone’s honest reaction resembles that of a sheltered individual. Secondly, how does my experience relate to your concern about judging people before understanding another person’s situation? Thirdly, why do I need to know or care about the *snorters* situation other than that on public transportation these three middle-age black men were likely engaging in illegal actions in a carefree manner?
I have three concerns when addressing your posted comment. First when did others get to determine if someone’s fear is justified, a little dramatic for her/his/a person taste, or if someone’s honest reaction resembles that of a sheltered individual. Secondly, how does my experience relate to your concern about judging people before understanding another person’s situation? Thirdly, why do I need to know or care about the *snorters* situation other than that on public transportation these three middle-age black men were likely engaging in illegal actions in a carefree manner?
i just have a couple of questions/comments. first, what about the impending reality that these three black men were going to sit near you caused chagrin? second, i guess i’m not clear about why you felt that these alleged drug abusers might have had weapons. and, what made you think that they would inevitably show them to and/or use them on you or another passenger, especially when they seemed to be minding their own business? or was the mere possibility worthy of fear?
finally, and this is a more general point about your post, as a reader, i wasn’t sure what you were trying to convey by sharing this observation. of course, i could make some assumptions about you, your stance on drugs, your opinions of these men, etc. but i wonder if you could tell me something more before i develop those conclusions.
i hope i’ve been clear.
i just have a couple of questions/comments. first, what about the impending reality that these three black men were going to sit near you caused chagrin? second, i guess i’m not clear about why you felt that these alleged drug abusers might have had weapons. and, what made you think that they would inevitably show them to and/or use them on you or another passenger, especially when they seemed to be minding their own business? or was the mere possibility worthy of fear?
finally, and this is a more general point about your post, as a reader, i wasn’t sure what you were trying to convey by sharing this observation. of course, i could make some assumptions about you, your stance on drugs, your opinions of these men, etc. but i wonder if you could tell me something more before i develop those conclusions.
i hope i’ve been clear.
I agree with Summer. Besides fear, I don’t know what you think or felt about the “cocaine” users. Why is this experience worthwhile sharing?
I agree with Summer. Besides fear, I don’t know what you think or felt about the “cocaine” users. Why is this experience worthwhile sharing?
Hi all,
I wanted to address some issues that you all brought up concerning my initial post regarding the possible cocaine use on the CTA # 12 Roosevelt bus.
1) When I wrote “my chagrin,” I was thinking in retrospect about what had transpired, but admittedly, I did get uneasy as they sat down. My unease was instinctual in that the three black males were unkempt, overtly leering and there was something predatory in their stares. It made me feel uncomfortable and when the Ziploc mini-bags were presented I became concerned for my safety.
a. I became concerned because of the following reasons:
i. Illicit drug use and culture is very distinct about seclusion, isolation and secrecy (Greg Scott Ph.D Sociology). Thus, I was caught off guard by public use of a possible illicit drug. It (i.e., the break with drug culture norms of ‘shying away’ from public use) suggests that these men might have been in an intoxicated state already and definitely suggests that they were unconcerned with being discovered. Their nonchalance I took to mean that they were prepared ‘to deal with’ being disturbed in their exhibition.
2) This post objective was to serve as a barometer or litmus test for people’s values. I did not want to posit too much of my own.
Hi all,
I wanted to address some issues that you all brought up concerning my initial post regarding the possible cocaine use on the CTA # 12 Roosevelt bus.
1) When I wrote “my chagrin,” I was thinking in retrospect about what had transpired, but admittedly, I did get uneasy as they sat down. My unease was instinctual in that the three black males were unkempt, overtly leering and there was something predatory in their stares. It made me feel uncomfortable and when the Ziploc mini-bags were presented I became concerned for my safety.
a. I became concerned because of the following reasons:
i. Illicit drug use and culture is very distinct about seclusion, isolation and secrecy (Greg Scott Ph.D Sociology). Thus, I was caught off guard by public use of a possible illicit drug. It (i.e., the break with drug culture norms of ‘shying away’ from public use) suggests that these men might have been in an intoxicated state already and definitely suggests that they were unconcerned with being discovered. Their nonchalance I took to mean that they were prepared ‘to deal with’ being disturbed in their exhibition.
2) This post objective was to serve as a barometer or litmus test for people’s values. I did not want to posit too much of my own.
okay. let’s review a few things from your original post and connect them with the reasons you gave in the end. i think there are a number of things you are not considering.
moreover, i think you overlook some of your own good points.
first, let me say it is totally okay to use cues from people as a means of helping you evaulate your surroundings and make judgments. i am less taken aback by your assumption that these men may have been armed. having said that, the back of the bus is not the best place for you. specifically you. besides, given the history of why black people used to be in the back of the bus, i find it hilarious that your natural inclination has led you that way. and perhaps it is the same inclination that led you to believe that three “african american men from early 40s to 50s” were armed. you have clearly provided a “profile” and judging by the comments left by others you have triggered people in very real ways. something you shouldn’t be so ready to dismiss with academic study. much of this blogging atmosphere exists on anecdotal experience and while they may not suffice in more academic spaces, they carry weight in these settings.
additionally, you assume that because the cta represents a well known “public” space that each person views it in such a light. take a step back and think of the many things you consider private that others don’t and then take another step back and consider the variables that may make that line thin. you’ve already stated that you were in the back of the bus. perhaps out of view to many of the riders? what time was it? were you near the end of the route? the beginning? your statement that people “shy away” is quite possibly true and perhaps we’d all be a lot more surprised were it 5pm in the middle of rush hour on a cta passing by a precinct. but from what you’ve written we have no idea.
as for the overwhelming researched support you’ve provided to buttress your argument, consider the subjects you are describing. first, they are clearly “users” and im sure there is some study out there that says that most low level drug “dealers” and/or users are unlikely to be armed. but maybe not. sorry, at this point i can only recall biggie’s “ten crack commandments” telling me not to use my own product. “number four, know you heard this before, never get high on your own supply.” remember to vary your sources a bit.
as for your litmus test. what the fuck is that? and can you tell me what my values are because i didn’t shriek at the idea of you “witnessing” drug use?
okay. let’s review a few things from your original post and connect them with the reasons you gave in the end. i think there are a number of things you are not considering.
moreover, i think you overlook some of your own good points.
first, let me say it is totally okay to use cues from people as a means of helping you evaulate your surroundings and make judgments. i am less taken aback by your assumption that these men may have been armed. having said that, the back of the bus is not the best place for you. specifically you. besides, given the history of why black people used to be in the back of the bus, i find it hilarious that your natural inclination has led you that way. and perhaps it is the same inclination that led you to believe that three “african american men from early 40s to 50s” were armed. you have clearly provided a “profile” and judging by the comments left by others you have triggered people in very real ways. something you shouldn’t be so ready to dismiss with academic study. much of this blogging atmosphere exists on anecdotal experience and while they may not suffice in more academic spaces, they carry weight in these settings.
additionally, you assume that because the cta represents a well known “public” space that each person views it in such a light. take a step back and think of the many things you consider private that others don’t and then take another step back and consider the variables that may make that line thin. you’ve already stated that you were in the back of the bus. perhaps out of view to many of the riders? what time was it? were you near the end of the route? the beginning? your statement that people “shy away” is quite possibly true and perhaps we’d all be a lot more surprised were it 5pm in the middle of rush hour on a cta passing by a precinct. but from what you’ve written we have no idea.
as for the overwhelming researched support you’ve provided to buttress your argument, consider the subjects you are describing. first, they are clearly “users” and im sure there is some study out there that says that most low level drug “dealers” and/or users are unlikely to be armed. but maybe not. sorry, at this point i can only recall biggie’s “ten crack commandments” telling me not to use my own product. “number four, know you heard this before, never get high on your own supply.” remember to vary your sources a bit.
as for your litmus test. what the fuck is that? and can you tell me what my values are because i didn’t shriek at the idea of you “witnessing” drug use?
Dear alexb,
It is a pleasure to see that you have finally had a change of ‘heart’ and are participating in the Black Youth Project Blog.
While reading your response, I grew excited, because I expected a good exchange of ideas. Unfortunately by the second paragraph of your response, I was confused in what you were attempting to do. I will, however, pose a few questions about your intent, comment on what I found grossly upsetting, and then, close it out with positive feedback.
You know I love you and respect your acumen for strategy, Alexb. As a result of having that respect, I am going to assume that this response was strategic. You felt weird about entering into this new space as the new (original) member? Therefore you out of closeness to me felt my loyalty would go unfazed by your “comical” response. This response was meant more to garner back black blog points (say that three times fast), than it was to provide logic and constructive criticism, right? If so, I am less confused about your efforts. I hope for both our sakes that in the future garnering back black blog points will not be so costly in the logic department.
I had several issues with your response:
Issue number one: (SITTING IN THE BACK OF THE BUS) I understand that in comic routines and in person with a crowd of people making-fun of someone to distract from their comment is often times okay. In writing it is called making an ad hominem attack which is a logical fallacy and the sign of poor logic skills (i.e., not a good look). Ad hominem attacks are nothing short of tacky but if that is your style “play-on playa.”
Issue number two: (PUBLIC vs PRIVATE) Public spaces are often times able to be defined in relation to the person. The problem here is that number 12 bus is a part of the Chicago Transit Authority, and it is understood as a public amenity meant for a specific purpose (i.e., convenient transport). I have another litmus test or barometer for you (and everyone): If you had sex in a space (within USA) that is commonly understood as a public space, property of the City and there is a high probability of you being arrested if found, then it is fair to say that is a PUBLIC space without regards to outliers beliefs, but again I say “play-on playa.”
Issue number three: (CARRING WEAPONS vs BEING ARMED) I remember writing and the blog shows that I was afraid of them having weapons. I did not speak to them possessing arms or having guns. Obviously, you took the word weapon and created arms, but that reflects on your values not mine. I did however have a more general fear of them having in their possession any kind of weapon (e.g., from knives to guns).
Things, I found to be good points: I like your idea about giving more context, but those points were made by Summer and Ainsley, but I appreciate you asking them in more concrete ways. I think you have a very valid point about “triggering people in very real ways.” Obviously I do that quite well in fact (wink).
Dear alexb,
It is a pleasure to see that you have finally had a change of ‘heart’ and are participating in the Black Youth Project Blog.
While reading your response, I grew excited, because I expected a good exchange of ideas. Unfortunately by the second paragraph of your response, I was confused in what you were attempting to do. I will, however, pose a few questions about your intent, comment on what I found grossly upsetting, and then, close it out with positive feedback.
You know I love you and respect your acumen for strategy, Alexb. As a result of having that respect, I am going to assume that this response was strategic. You felt weird about entering into this new space as the new (original) member? Therefore you out of closeness to me felt my loyalty would go unfazed by your “comical” response. This response was meant more to garner back black blog points (say that three times fast), than it was to provide logic and constructive criticism, right? If so, I am less confused about your efforts. I hope for both our sakes that in the future garnering back black blog points will not be so costly in the logic department.
I had several issues with your response:
Issue number one: (SITTING IN THE BACK OF THE BUS) I understand that in comic routines and in person with a crowd of people making-fun of someone to distract from their comment is often times okay. In writing it is called making an ad hominem attack which is a logical fallacy and the sign of poor logic skills (i.e., not a good look). Ad hominem attacks are nothing short of tacky but if that is your style “play-on playa.”
Issue number two: (PUBLIC vs PRIVATE) Public spaces are often times able to be defined in relation to the person. The problem here is that number 12 bus is a part of the Chicago Transit Authority, and it is understood as a public amenity meant for a specific purpose (i.e., convenient transport). I have another litmus test or barometer for you (and everyone): If you had sex in a space (within USA) that is commonly understood as a public space, property of the City and there is a high probability of you being arrested if found, then it is fair to say that is a PUBLIC space without regards to outliers beliefs, but again I say “play-on playa.”
Issue number three: (CARRING WEAPONS vs BEING ARMED) I remember writing and the blog shows that I was afraid of them having weapons. I did not speak to them possessing arms or having guns. Obviously, you took the word weapon and created arms, but that reflects on your values not mine. I did however have a more general fear of them having in their possession any kind of weapon (e.g., from knives to guns).
Things, I found to be good points: I like your idea about giving more context, but those points were made by Summer and Ainsley, but I appreciate you asking them in more concrete ways. I think you have a very valid point about “triggering people in very real ways.” Obviously I do that quite well in fact (wink).