College students in Morgantown, West virginia witnessed an event yesterday that caused them to set fires, pull down streetlights and cause additional property damage worth thousands of dollars. The students also threw bottles and rocks at police officers, who attempted to contain these riots. Pepper spray and tear gas were eventually used to disperse the crowd.
What was the catalyzing event? West Virginia University’s football team delivered a 41-27 upset win over Baylor.
Tearing up communities appears to be normal behavior among WVU students. Last year, the student body celebrated their football team’s upset win over Oklahoma State with—riots. A CBS Sports article covered last year’s odd post-game ritual while using the headline “West Virginia fans celebrate win the only way they know how.”
St. Patrick’s Day is also a violently memorable time at WVU.
Here’s one more Saturday riot: New Hampshire’s annual Keene Pumpkin Festival turned into an episode of flying bottles and flipped cars yesterday, with more than two dozen people injured. Riot police and extra medical staff were called to deal with the situation.
I’m not even sure if the Keene crowd had an excuse for rioting that was anywhere near substantial as a football game victory!
Notice the term that CNN used to describe the Keene rioters—rowdy.
I can’t help but reflect on the demonstrations in Ferguson, Missouri over the summer after a police officer shot and killed Michael Brown.
CNN never branded the predominantly Black crowds assembled in Ferguson as “rowdy,” but I definitely remember the word “rioters” used.
The sad part is that many people do not notice how the delivery of news can change—depending on who is in front of the camera…
song currently stuck in my head: “my babe” – otha turner & the afrossippi all stars
mentalunrest.com 