Most recent public comments by Carolyn Schmitt https://nowcomment.com/users/5770 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=505730 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=505730 I think this relates a lot to one discussion from a NowComment last week, particularly regarding the persistence of punishment beyond "time served." Alexander's wording of one line, "a system that locks people not only behind actual bars in actual prisons, but also behind virtual bars and virtual walls-- walls that are invisible to the naked eye but function nearly as effectively as Jim Crow laws" reiterates how there are "consequences" for being imprisoned beyond serving time (Alexander 12). Even though Cutty is one individual, by looking at the wider picture, one can see how, as Meg says, "jail time is seemingly a typical part of 'the game.'" I think this reiterates what Professor Williams said in class about us all being a part of the game, in particular through our compliance with the "criminal justice system." But is there another choice? Mon, 04 Apr 2016 13:41:47 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=505721 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=505721 I agree with Meg here. I think it also reinforces how there are more than just "cycles of poverty" through generations, but there are also cycles of institutional discrimination that prevent the improvement of the African American community overall. Alexander does a really good job of showing how African Americans are continually discriminated against throughout American history, which takes the blame off of the "individual" or "family," and highlights how it is the institutions at work that prevent so-called "upward mobility." Mon, 04 Apr 2016 13:28:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=505713 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=505713 We have talked a lot about the emphasis on “stats,” from the police throughout The Wire to the educational system in Season 4, and how the officials are really hard-pressed to improve these statistics. However, when Alexander gives us these “rates,” one has to wonder who (with considerable power) is looking at these statistics and trying to improve the lives of these incarcerated men? We saw Carcetti’s stress over needing to lower the crime rate to improve his image. Alexander clearly sees that incarceration is an issue impacting the African American community, but are politicians looking at these numbers? President Obama recently pardoned quite a few people imprisoned, and I believe just a few days ago he released about 60 people being held on extensive drug charges. But looking at the larger picture, can the “new Jim Crow” be stopped? Mon, 04 Apr 2016 20:40:26 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=505711 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=505711 I found this reading really upsetting, but also uncomfortably accurate. I thought this quote in particular applies really well to the culture at UVA. There were slaves at the University; we praise Thomas Jefferson, yet ignore the fact that he had slaves. Professor Williams mentioned in class that some people refer to UVA as “the plantation;” I took an African American Studies class in Spring 2014 and students said the same thing. I heard my African American peers talk about how uncomfortable they felt here, how they were tricked by the appearance of diversity. I think the shock of hearing these comments is so powerful because the deep racial history at the University isn’t talked about or shown enough. Talking about racial issues isn’t a complete solution, but, like this reading, I think it would help UVA students to face the racial history here. Mon, 04 Apr 2016 21:13:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=480913 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=480913 As discussed in class, there is a harsh reality to the unequal media coverage. But to answer your question, "what makes the story of the death of the cop more important than the shooting of a poor black mother?" I think one component to the answer to this question is that the police are able to publicize and put resources into what they choose to do. As an institution, law enforcement is extremely close (as Professor Williams talked about the "blue wall of silence"). If a police officer, one of their own, is killed, the police can choose to call the local news, for example. To publicize what they find is important (or to cover up or be vague about what they do not consider "important). There are many possible answers to this question, but media attention doesn't stem solely from those producing the media, they are, occasionally, at the beg-and-call of the law enforcement to comply and provide information. Sat, 27 Feb 2016 17:21:26 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=480911 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=480911 I agree with what you say here, that the loss of one's virginity, taken literally, is "predictable." However, it can also be considered a "milestone" in one's life (assuming that joining a gang is the norm). From other readings we have done, and as The Wire demonstrates, ones peer group has the potential to evolve into a "gang." And in Baltimore and other cities, often there aren't employment opportunities, which pushes people to work "underground," in the drug trade. The Wire does show that people (Cutty, Namond, Poot) can leave being in a gang though. What can we make of this? Mon, 29 Feb 2016 12:52:22 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=480910 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=480910 I think it's important to channel our class discussion about what constitutes a "successful" education system. In a similar way, how can one define the "success" of life? I don't think it's fair to say "did Eric have the potential to stick through with school like his sister did?" because his experience with homelessness is much different than hers. I would argue that even for people in the same family, the circumstances are much different. Kozol implies that Eric struggles mentally, so for him, perhaps it did seem like the "doors closing all around him." It kind of seems like there is an underlying "American Dream" sentiment, that if you can work hard enough, or reach out for help, you can be "successful." However, this idea is deeply flawed, as American institutions repeatedly fail those that need the most assistance. Sat, 27 Feb 2016 17:01:22 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=480908 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=480908 I agree with a lot of what you say here, especially with the issue of gentrification. Kozol talks about a similar issue, as the families were moved from Manhattan to the Bronx. However, with regards to The Wire, there is some discussion of Baltimore's appearance and status, particularly through Tommy Carcetti. Carcetti is worried about the education stats and debt, as well as the crime stats, because he feels it is a reflection of his work as the mayor. I agree,though, that this mindset does ignore to a great extent the hardships faced by the citizens of Baltimore. Sat, 27 Feb 2016 16:51:44 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=480301 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=480301 In The Wire, religion seems largely sidelined to other institutions. Yet, religious figures are noticeable. Aside from the priest we are introduced to in Season 2, which is a relatively false-application of religion (as Valchek and Sobotka seem to care about the money rather than attending mass), the Reverend who helps Cutty start the gym seems to fill a similar position as Martha Overall. Significantly, the Reverend also uses his own connections to other institutions to help Cutty get through the permit process to start the gym. How else does religion as an institution play a role in The Wire? Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:15:14 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=480300 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=480300 This quote reinforces how, for struggling individuals and families, often not only the blame for one’s social situation, but also blame for not having a solution to the problem is placed on the individual. The structural and institutional forces are often masked. For example, in The Wire, it would be easy for someone to say that the children should go to school and use school as a way to get them off the streets and give them a “resource” to become “upwardly mobile.” This, too, places too much emphasis on the individual, rather than looking at the broader issues that these individuals face. Eric’s story in this reading seems to emphasize that going to school, especially after being homeless, is not the solution. Even if he tried to have “positive thinking,” at certain points, poverty and homelessness have their roots in larger issues than the self. Sun, 28 Feb 2016 15:49:26 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=479005 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=479005 A common thread through The Wire and the readings is how much race and class impact the amount of attention, both from the police and the media, that is given to homicides. One reporter in the Baltimore Sun newsroom summarizes this theme by saying, “Wrong zip code. They’re dead where it doesn’t count. If they were white, you would have had 30 inches off the front” of the paper. As discussed in class, we rarely hear about African Americans being killed, yet when something happens to a white person, it tends to make the news. It seems that there is more attention to crimes against African Americans in the media since Ferguson, but do you think it is equal representation? Or, are only certain crimes (ie. associated with police brutality) publicized, while crimes in poorer neighborhoods remain unnoticed? How does the intersection of race and class impact the media coverage that a situation receives? Mon, 29 Feb 2016 13:52:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=478993 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=478993 Leap’s reflexivity of her personal experience in what she considers a Greek “gang” reminded me Moskos’ quote that “the distinction between a gang and a group of friends is often based more on race, class and police labeling than anything else” (Moskos 76). Despite Leap’s translation of her experience growing up and her longing, at times, to return to “the gang,” Leap and her family are still white, and race matters, both socially and economically. What is considered “white,” has changed throughout history, but it seems that police driving by a group of Greeks on the street would not stop the car, get out and harass them, as the Baltimore police do repeatedly to the “corner kids.” Wed, 02 Mar 2016 14:08:58 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=477839 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=477839 I agree that the peer group does transition significantly in Season 4. However, I think it's really important to look at the factors that led to the eventual "demise" of the initially innocent group of friends. Namond is pressured by his mom to sell drugs so that he can provide for the family since his dad is in jail. It seems from the beginning that he didn't want to be involved, but his mom wants him to be independent (and, to wear the best brands). Michael also takes care of his younger brother, Bug, and needs the money since his mom sells their groceries for drugs. Randy is in foster care and doesn't want to get in trouble, so he "snitches" to the Assistant Principal. These factors (economic, social) had an impact on this "change" in their group. Wed, 02 Mar 2016 12:33:12 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=477829 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=477829 I agree that Omar is a likable character. I think one way to interpret this is through Omar's values. The viewer is exposed to Omar's struggles coping with the death of one of his own in his stickup crew. Further, Omar does not rob or injure civilians, which is why Bunk realizes that Omar didn't kill the delivery lady at the convenience store. I don't think the category of "victim" is really appropriate in the case of Omar's stickups, since they are drug dealers. However, where there is tension in the stickup routine with Omar stems from Marlo's lack of "respect" for Omar's behavior (Anderson 128). Marlo is extremely self-conscious of his reputation, and thus starts a "war" with Omar because Omar robbed his stash, which makes Marlo seem weak. Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:43:41 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=477823 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=477823 Death and murder underlie The Wire, and even though death is a part of life, it seems that for the most part, as students, we aren’t faced with having to cope with death or the risk of dying as often as the characters in the show. Specifically, unlike other characters who are upset and beg for their lives before they die, Snoop is calm and merely looks away from Michael, asking if her hair looks good. Snoop also does not hesitate to kill her victims, unlike Poot and Bodie killing Wallace. As Anderson points out in another part of this reading, where one grows up and the people he or she is surrounded by is important to one’s perception of life outside the neighborhood and thus to their aspirations for the future (Anderson 144). Do you think death is part of the “culture” of inner city Baltimore, where for the most part the youth will not leave the city boundaries? Sun, 28 Feb 2016 18:55:16 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=477820 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=477820 Anderson’s discussion of the stickup directly relates to Omar, and how Omar’s occupation is to rob drug dealers. However, this quote in particular reminded me of Bubs. A few of our readings have touched upon the trend of African Americans and inner city residents in general not cooperating with the police or telling the police what actually happened, despite it often times being common knowledge. Bubs is an exception; he trusts in Kima and McNulty with information in exchange for money or getting off of a charge. Yet, when Bubs repeatedly gets mugged and asks a patrol officer (and then Hauk) for help, his faith, or rather his “confidence,” in the police, is diminished, leaving him to take matters into his own hands. Do you think this event in The Wire serves as critical commentary on trusting the police? Do you think the police would really be able to help Bubs in this situation, or would he be marked as a ‘traitor’ for going against the “code of the street” by talking to the police (Anderson 139). Sun, 28 Feb 2016 20:19:11 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=451820 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=451820 You make an interesting point when you say that people favor entertainment over facts.How does "Making a Murderer," a non-fiction media text, for example, suddenly spark interest in a past crime and (what the creators call) injustice? Like the reading we did last week, the line between entertainment and news is becoming outdated and so blurred that it's almost not applicable. It's important to consider,also, that all media texts are produced. Even so-called non-fiction content like Making a Murderer has creators that pick and choose facts to disclose and a specific way to frame the situation. Can you really ever "wrestle with the facts themselves in their true form" when they are in a media text? Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:37:24 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=451407 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=451407 I agree with what you say here, that dealing in the realm of fiction can spark change. I think fiction is its own "safe zone" whereby creators and writers are not confined to fact-checking but can rather focus more attention on character development, storylines and major events, which combine to create an environment that can reveal both flaws in society and the humanistic nature of characters, and thus motivate change. Granted, change can't happen overnight (as seen in the Wire, where the drug trade continues), but by creating a fictional world loosely based off of reality allows for people to watch a fiction show and better understand issues of urban America. Mon, 01 Feb 2016 12:52:12 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=449017 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=449017 It’s so ironic how for a show about institutions and the barriers and limitations that institutions place on the lives of individuals, that Bowden explicitly gives an example of how institutional pressures essentially forced the Baltimore Sun to open itself up to Simon. Additionally, for a show that separates the characters’ professional lives from their personal lives, this article deeply blurs those boundaries, as Bowden’s opinion of Simon is clear. Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:41:26 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=449002 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=449002 This quote, and this paragraph, encapsulates so perfectly what occurred with the Rolling Stone article last Fall. As UVA students, we know firsthand how dangerous this is, and how many people can be hurt by these types of articles. Sabrina Erdely had a “vision” for the article, and went out to find a story that would help her write the article. Reflecting on the Rolling Stone article in relation to the context of this article: how Simon uses fiction to tell a story, how he doesn’t have to worry about any surprises in his narrative, confirms for me that fiction was the best way to move forward with the Wire. A more recent example is “Making a Murderer,” which claims to be a “documentary,” (nonfiction) yet failed to include all pieces of evidence and does have a pretty clear opinion. That, to me, is dangerous. However, the Wire as a work of fiction based on true events and the realities of urban life is a safe-bet, and a good way to reach an audience without risking journalistic integrity. Mon, 01 Feb 2016 20:50:14 -0500