On Friday 21 Nov 2003 10:03 pm, you wrote:
> So I wont add to the list...I will say that I have a daughter...NDA...23 yo
> college student.  Who happens to drive a Mustang GT Convertible.  Shes
> stopped all the time...so I have to disagree Its not a black/white thing.
> She drove a Hyuandi for 7 years and was never stopped.  Had the Mustang for
> 3 months and has been stopped 3 times...from illegal lights..which she
> didnt have...to running a policeman off the road 2 hours earlier...which
> she didnt do...to just stopping her for the Hell of it.  My NDA 17 year old
> son drives an Neon R/T...hes pulled over even more than she is...for no
> apparent reason...

You are right Betty, its not just a black/white thing, however what you are
describing above is the police reacting to perceived stereo types. A 17yr old
male driving a Neon R/T = up to no good.

Stereo types exist because they are a form of 'lazy thinking', its a form of
short hand, you don't have to think too hard if you compartmentalize
everyone into nice neat pigeon holes. But, if you happen to belong to a group
which has a widespread negative stereo type it means odds of success are
stacked against you. We all rail against the negative stereo type of being
disabled when searching for employment, but it seems we employ the same
'short hand thinking' to other groups in society.

Stereo typing people also has a self fulfilling element, "Disabled people are
not as good employees as the TABs (if they were there would be a lot more
disabled people in employment)".

> If you or I were faced the charges that Michael Jackson faces...DYFS would
> have been to our homes and taken our children away.  He spent what an hour
> at the police station?  My brother in law got stopped last week in NYC for
> making an improper turn...and actually spent the night in jail...handcuffed
> and shackled...with people charged with murder.  Jackson is back in LV.
>
> I believe in the Innocent until found Guilty thing as well.  OJ got off?
> Did that make him innocent?

Afraid it did. I may not like the guy, I may wish the justice system was
nearer perfection, but it would not be fair to treat him as guilty after his
acquittal.

> Something to think about for sure...
>
> Have a great weekend...
> Betty

Cheers

Deri