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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMarathon Organizers Respond To Black Lives Matter Plans
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/09/28/marathon-organizers-respond-to-black-lives-matter-plans/The Twin Cities Marathon starts at 8 a.m. Sunday near U.S. Bank Stadium, the new home of the Minnesota Vikings. The finish line is near the Minnesota State Capitol. It’s been labeled “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” but one group has plans to change all that.
The St. Paul chapter of the group Black Lives Matter is planning a protest on Sunday, and leaders say they plan to block the finish line to prevent runners from completing their 26.2 miles. Organizer Rashad Turner says protesters will “become the finish line” blocking the path of runners just about one mile from the actual end of the race.
The group Twin Cities in Motion, which organizes and hosts all Twin Cities Marathon events, released a statement Monday on the matter. Twin Cities in Motion said they are working closely with city officials to ensure the safety of participants, volunteers, and spectators.
Lots of controversy surrounds this planned protest. The Twin Cities Marathon attracts a very diverse group of marathoners, and is one of the major marathons in the US. BLM's plans to block the runners at the 24-mile mark has created a real dilemma for both the participants and for the Minneapolis Police Department. I have mixed feelings about this one. I'm not entirely sure it's a good idea for the BLM protestors to have selected this event for their protest. What will happen when the runners near the finish line and find their path to the finish blocked? I don't think anyone knows or can predict this. I'm worried about the situation.
Anyhow, the article at the link has more information to consider.
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MineralMan
(146,351 posts)in this event, by the way. Last year, there were over 8,000 finishers of the full marathon race in the 2014 Twin Cities Marathon.
Matt_in_STL
(1,446 posts)Well, a marathoner insofar as I run marathons at an average pace (I'll be running Chicago next weekend). After the Boston Marathon bombing, racers have become much more conscious of the lack of security at a race that covers a 26.2 mile stretch of road and probably a bit more cautious of anyone on the roadway that does not belong there. We have lots of security at the major races now at the start/finish but you have to worry about the rest of the race. I am a fan of protesting and general disturbance but I do not think this is the right event for it. So many variables to it, especially when you are dealing with 10,000 people that trained for months, or even a year, just to cross that finish line. Just doesn't seem to be a good idea.
With that said, I'm not going to tell people when and where they can protest so, if this is the hill they choose to fight on, that's their decision. I just worry about the repercussions.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)will be a participant in Sunday's marathon. I think the runners are very concerned about the prospect of a protest that is planning to block the runners near the finish line. By that point in a marathon, all runners are nearing exhaustion as they close in on the finish.
As you say, people have a right to protest. Marathon runners also have a right to participate in events like this one. When rights conflict, the potential for serious issues always arise.
There will be many participants of color in this race, including my work associate, who is Chinese. There are also many international participants of color, among whom will probably be the eventual winner of the race.
It's not really an event where race ever plays any role, either for participants or spectators. I'm puzzled, frankly, by the choice of this event for a protest of police actions against people of color. As far as I know there has never been any discrimination in the Twin Cities Marathon, nor any police actions at the event.
I'm hoping for the best on this one.
ananda
(28,909 posts)I really don't see the ultimate good in this kind of protest.
A better idea might be to ask the runners, people involved,
and spectators to wear BLM initials on their shirts or sleeves
or hats or something.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)However, the disruption should probably target the offending group more directly, it seems to me, than this action will do. I'm just raising the question. BLM will do as they think best, I'm sure. I'm not convinced that this particular action will be of benefit, though, to their very worthy cause. It may, in fact, force a choice by law enforcement. I worry about the choice law enforcement will make, and about a bad reaction from the competitors to being blocked from completing the race.
There's a lot of potential for reactions that will not produce a positive result here.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)a place where people of color are as equal and respected as any place on earth.
Why choose this type of event where people (of every background) who have trained so hard, for so many months (along with their supportive family and friends), will be the recipients of the fall out?
SMH
There's no exploitation in modern marathons, no police brutality, no targeting of black folks (in fact, iirc most winners recently are people of color), no racism or sexism....
Good luck. My husbands a pro athlete and we've also done our fair share of protests. I too believe the repercussions of a BLM protest during this kind of sporting event may not be pretty.
Jesus Malverde
(10,274 posts)Are likely Kenyans.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)
So they're going to disrupt an event most likely to be won by one of their black brethren...
Travis_0004
(5,417 posts)
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)Didn't someone try that in Boston a few years ago? 
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)to this event. The protest has been announced in advance. They're not comparable. Still, the potential for conflict is high, I think. Crowd control is always a high priority, especially near the finish. The number of spectators who show up for this race is very high, and most want to be somewhere near the finish line.
Many people among the spectators are likely to object to the goals of the protesters, I think. I'm not as concerned with actions by the runners as I am about spectators reacting to the disruption of the race. It's going to seriously affect security for the event, which is already dealing with crowd control and concern about something like what happened in Boston.
I hope no confrontation occurs and there is no reason for reaction, frankly.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)in the minds of the people that were in Boston during the tragedy. Surely people realize that people that ran in Boston and qualify for it are going to be running in this event, not to mention friends and family members that were also there on that horrible day.
So yes, it is absolutely a valid point to make. Let's help everyone that was in Boston on that horrific day relive it again.
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)Don't fucking compare Black Lives Matter to the Tsarnev fuckheads. I don't care if you agree with the protest or not, it is simply not the least bit fucking comparable.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)The comparison that is being made is that it will bring back the images of folks running in the event that were in Boston.
Races that are needed to qualify for certain heats and starting positions are certainly going to have people in them that were in the Boston race.
It's not a matter of calling BLM activists "terrorists", it's a matter of the people attending watching, once again, or the people running watching, once again, the finish line being disrupted.
That is going to go over with those folks and friends of those folks like a lead balloon.
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)
lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)In general, I support people's right to protest but there are better places to do it than between me and the finish line of a marathon.
I can predict what would happen.
If you want a successful awareness raising event, distribute gatorade. If you want injuries, stand in the road.
I am quite sure that it's a shitty idea for a protest.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)runners and protesters is high if actual blocking of the route is done. The drive for runners at all levels to finish the race is very strong. I've learned that from my work associate, who takes enormous pride in finishing the race. He's about 50 and usually finishes in about 4 hours, so he's not in the leading group by any means. Still, it is finishing that is his goal.
I know that by the 24-mile mark, which is where the protest is planned, runners are weary and often running almost automatically. There's not much energy for avoiding obstacles of any kind. There's a high risk for falls and injuries that late in the race.
lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)The people in places 11 through 3000 might be less tolerant.
It will be a serious clusterfuck and I'm not at all convinced that injuries will be confined to the runners.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)Yep. Probably half of runners in 1000+ are so in the zone of just making it through to the finish are on autopilot, too. They are on their last bit of energy and are pouring on the speed to better their times, and desperately need to replenish their bodies.
You would have to be absolutely stupid to think that you can stand in the way thousands of people that have already ran 20+ miles and believe that it will end well. You may as well try yelling fire in a crowded theater. Except this theater has thousands of people involved.
This is yours truly at the finish line of the first TC Marathon. I look like I am sprinting. I was barely moving. Back at mile 25 it WAS auto pilot. The finish line was pure joy.
No if they do this it will not end well.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)Pure autopilot at that point, running on fumes, but still running to make it 
.
It's a celebration of the human spirit and triumph of will over the body.
Anyone that tries to intercede against that has no idea what running a marathon means to both the runner and their friends and family. They make platitudes about overcoming obstacles, but then seek to place themselves as an obstacle at the 24 mile marker for publicity in front of people that are *doing* not just talking.
I'd have far more respect for them if they joined in the race instead.
Nobody can take the accomplishment of successfully completing a marathon away from you. It embeds itself in your psyche, and you are changed by the fact that you have succeeded at something that requires not just physical stamina, but the emotional and mental will to surpass what your body says is possible.
Anyone that stands between the runners and their goal when they themselves aren't willing to run themselves is a laughingstock.
Puglover
(16,380 posts)I was the fat femmy kid that could not climb the rope. I sent this photo to the gigantic asshole that was my teacher.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)I was a dork of enormous proportions.
I still went on to win the 880 twice despite that.
As an adult, I've learned to appreciate my individual approach to exercise.
Running is one of the most pure sports left with regard to testing your fortitude. In the end, the only person you are running against is yourself.
In the middle you get to have two Knee Meniscectomy's.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)What does that mean ?
Puglover
(16,380 posts)Just a little knee thing that causes great discomfort from running. 😀
That particular horror has not hit me. Finding shoes that don't annoy the shit out of my feet? Well, yes, that is a problem when you wear an extra narrow shoe because you have feet like skis.
Sorry you had that affliction. Has it gotten better since the surgery?
Puglover
(16,380 posts)The 2nd was horrible.
On a good note. BLM has announced it will NOT interrupt runners however will be there. Good for them!
Aerows
(39,961 posts)That kind of crap is not needed, especially at the finish line.
Snobblevitch
(1,958 posts)I was a skrawny kid who finally grew up in high school. As a middle schooler, I could scramble up the rope with ease, but I was still the victim of bullies. I could never run a marathon because I grew to be 6'3" and 240#. My best friend from high school is still my best friend and is 5'6" and 130#. his wife is a gorgeous 5'9" blond. Who we were in our younger years is not always who we become.
sir pball
(4,767 posts)While I'm not a seasoned veteran, New York last year was my half-dozenth run so I had the experience to pace and control the entire distance...I cramped up pretty bad at 20, by the time we hit the last mile I was spittin' mad, still energetic enough to gun it, and most importantly, so full of endorphins that I pretty much felt no pain. I cannot imagine what would have happened if somebody had tried to stop me me...I could have probably punched somebody till the bones were sticking out of my hand and not even noticed.
NEVER piss off a marathoner at the end of a race (even for a good cause), is what I'm sayin'.
Puglover
(16,380 posts)"Looking good! Only 3 more miles!" then 1/4 mile later, "Looking good! Only 3 more miles!" , and 1/4 mile later, "Looking good! Only 3 more miles!"
I finally turned to one of these well wishers and said something like "Oh c'mon, they said 3 miles two miles ago!" I really was hurting and crabby and over it.
I cannot even imagine having someone actually trying to stop me. At that point you would not care if it was Mahatma Ghandi at that point.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)and I seriously doubt any of them will want to stop after running 20 some odd miles to "discuss" the situation.
Many of them will not even be Americans.
This is a ridiculous idea.
Heeeeers Johnny
(423 posts)If so, most (if not all), of those top 10 finishers will be from Kenya, Ethiopia or some other African country.
Should make for an interesting encounter at the finish line.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)including Kenya and Ethiopia...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Cities_Marathon#Winners
Heeeeers Johnny
(423 posts)how important a simple marathon can be to runners from those countries?
I imagine they're viewed the same way basketball, football and baseball stars are viewed here.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)They are trying to qualify for starting positions in other marathons.
It's like interrupting a football game without realizing that it counts toward who will get to play in the playoffs and the Superbowl.
Heeeeers Johnny
(423 posts)meaning North American culture as it relates to sports and sporting accomplishments.
Ask any sports fan or person on the street to name a famous, well known or respected marathoner.
Most will give you a puzzled look, and of those, most will probably reply with 'I have no fucking idea
but it's probably some fucking Kenyan or Ethiopian'.
I have no idea what (if any), cash prizes are awarded to the top finishers, but even if it's a small amount
by our standards, even a few thousand dollars to people from an improvised 3rd world country is
like hitting the lottery.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)Get to meet the royals, get some great cash.
Not sure what the purse is for this particular race, but it is more about the fact that it is a qualifier for high value purse races.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)in each male and female category. $15k to 2nd place, $10k for third place.
More importantly, the pros are running to get a spot for the 2016 Olympic qualifiers. So yeah, there's both the pride of a native African winning, plus the dollars AND the acclaim back home.
So any obstacles at the end of the race would be pretty disastrous.
Here's an article from last years race.
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_26669595/twin-cities-marathon-absence-elite-runners-doesnt-dampen
Welcome to DU!
Aerows
(39,961 posts)
TBF
(32,144 posts)If marathons are the same now as they were in the 90s when I was still running. Dumbest idea ever.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)cwydro
(51,308 posts)Why a sporting event?
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)Many of them are family and friends of race participants. BLM recently protested an NFL game here, and made it somewhat difficult for some fans to get to the game on public transit. That didn't result in any problems, and people found other routes to the game.
In this case, however, both runners and spectators have a fixed route that can't really be changed.
Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)Fraternal Order of Police conventions
Civil disobedience blockades of police stations or government offices
Or if they want to get personal, the homes of certain bad cop police officers
For example.
I suppose the logic of disrupting this event is to get wide attention for the cause, and it undoubtedly will, but I suspect much of it will be of the "Boy, what a bunch of assholes" variety.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)covered by the media, and there will be a large police presence for the event. The problem is that Marathons of this size have huge popular support and people are generally very supportive of the runners in these long, grueling races. Marathons are apolitical events, and attempting to politicize one seems like a bad idea to me.
ellenrr
(3,864 posts)a bank or Wall street itself. People who are half-way social-justice minded would be sympathetic to anyone disrupting a bank. Most of us know they they are crooks!
Or groups that target a CEO's house, and picket outside, calling attention to the CEO.
People can draw the connection. -^
I think re the marathon people will be scratching their heads wondering what the connection is - bec. there is none.
except it is an occasion to get attention, and I guess BLM is thinking 'all attention is good', but I don't think that is true.
hack89
(39,171 posts)geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)In this case, people will be rooting for the cops to remove the trespassers
ripcord
(5,553 posts)hifiguy
(33,688 posts)You are absolutely right.
Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)It's like BLM hired the KKK to think these things up.
Major, major bummer.
WillowTree
(5,325 posts).......to get the attention of those who are responsible for their grievances.......and don't care.......about their grievances or the runners. Brilliant.
What passes for logic with some people boggles the mind.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)lots of publicity. Back in my anti-war protest days, that was always a plus when planning actions. However, I can't imagine that we'd have ever had a protest at an event like this. I'm sure we all would have seen it as non-productive for our goals.
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)This will qualify.
arcane1
(38,613 posts)But I don't see how ruining this for the runners is going to accomplish anything.
I know some will say there's no such thing as an ineffective protest, but I disagree. And this is more than just a protest.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)I hope they reconsider.
djean111
(14,255 posts)What popped into my head was that black people can be punished all of their lives for just being black.
In worse ways than not finishing a race. Not saying this is a great place to disrupt, but nothing else seems to even be noticed.
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)........who have been punished for being black sympathetic to the concerns of their punishers?
I didn't think so.
Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)as the runners are struggling.
But this is putting out the REVERSE message. Instead of trying to make the parallel between the efforts of the runners and the efforts of civil rights campaigners, they are putting across an entirely different message.
joeybee12
(56,177 posts)People train for years for these...let's make it a miserable event for them. Oh, and Liz Warren, I don't recall MLK trying these stunts.
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)If they really wish to do something about this, I don't suggest an actual protest.
They can stand on the side of one of the major roads that the race goes through, and provide support to the runners via refreshments, and perhaps even other paraphernalia.
To disrupt a sporting event such as this, particularly running events, which is one of the most inclusive groups I have ever been a part of seems ill-advised.
They could actually raise awareness to their issue, without actually doing any sort of disruption.
Just a thought and suggestion. Good luck on both events.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)I believe the reason for choosing the event is more publicity-based than anything else. It's covered heavily in the local media, so some of that coverage will go to the protest. The more disruptive the protest, the more coverage.
I get the concept, but think it is misplaced by choosing this particular event. Reaction to the protest is sure to be almost universally negative among those affected. That includes participants, spectators and even those only mildly interested in marathons. I'm a veteran of protest movements, although I no longer participate actively. Weighing public reaction has always been part of protest planning. I'm just not seeing where the positive reaction will come from here.
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)Hopefully they would reconsider.
Facility Inspector
(615 posts)what's that?
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)Facility Inspector
(615 posts)I think they believe that there is "no bad PR."
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)Though wouldn't stop them if they did. I just think it is not the best idea... (as an understatement)
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)
msongs
(67,498 posts)MineralMan
(146,351 posts)They have very valid goals, indeed. I can't fault them in any way for what they're trying to achieve. I'm questioning the wisdom of this particular protest, though. Maybe it will work out OK, but it could easily backfire badly.
I support BLM's goals 100%. I want them to succeed very much.
HooptieWagon
(17,064 posts)So apparently the motivation to disrupt the marathon is ego and self-promotion.
Facility Inspector
(615 posts)aside from shameless self-serving promotion?
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)If that's so, nothing I say will be of any use, but here you go:
Obviously their goal is to raise awareness of the fact that far too many people of color have died or been severely injured at the hands of the police for no just reason. They've stated that goal again and again. Until people stand up and force the police to stop doing that, the goal will remain valid. Clearly such things happen far too often and the problem needs to be addressed and the unjust violence stopped. It's a solid goal, and one that has support from people in all walks of life and of all colors. It has my support.
I'm only questioning the wisdom of this particular action. I don't think it will be useful, and believe it has the potential to create the opposite effect from what is intended.
Facility Inspector
(615 posts)accomplish those goals?
hifiguy
(33,688 posts)and it will get them a LOT of bad will.
ripcord
(5,553 posts)To people supporting the cops who arrest them?
randome
(34,845 posts)A solid goal would be to have body-cams on cops nationwide. Or investigations into similar revenue traps as in Ferguson, MO.
'Raising awareness' is what OWS did. And you see where they are now. No posts in the Occupy forum at DU for going on 4 months now.
Does anyone still want to say they are only getting stronger? They aren't. They marginalized themselves. BLM will follow the same progression unless someone steps up to give them leadership and solid goals.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]The truth doesn’t always set you free.
Sometimes it builds a bigger cage around the one you’re already in.[/center][/font][hr]
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)many places. Raising awareness gets violent police behavior against innocent people of color into our daily news on a regular basis. Raising awareness is a goal that is very worthwhile. It's the first step in getting action when minority rights are involved. Without awareness, nothing happens.
The parallel you draw between OWS and BLM is only partly applicable, I think. BLM is an extension of a long, long fight for equal rights that goes back to before the Civil War. Raising awareness has always been a part of the civil rights movement. Without awareness, nothing occurs. OWS was only recently visible. It survives, but not in its original form. What will finally emerge from OWS is still unclear, but there are interesting offshoots from it that are better organized and more focused. Will they still be called OWS? Perhaps not, but the concept of the 99% continues, and awareness is being raised.
TipTok
(2,474 posts)... you should encourage them to do things that will lead to that end result.
This is guaranteed to fail. Same as those assholes blocking highway traffic.
IVoteDFL
(417 posts)given that I get over this nasty cold in time.
Couldn't have said it any better.
Facility Inspector
(615 posts)and create a groundswell of support.
You don't go to the Dodge dealership to buy croutons.
romanic
(2,841 posts)They did succeed in blocking off some of the traffic to a game in the twin cities, however only 50 or so showed up versus thousands of fans who had other alternate means of getting to the game. They only got local media to cover their little protest and not much else out of it.
Not only is this a flop, it's also a stupid idea especially after runners are still fearful of security from the Boston bombings. BLM needs to get a grip or go home.
TM99
(8,352 posts)I am sorry to say it so bluntly.
If you have a grievance with the government, you march on DC.
If you have a grievance with a company, you march on their corporate headquarters.
If you have a grievance with the church, you march on the Diocese.
If you have a grievance with the police and their over the top violence towards AA, well of course, you march on a Marathon and disrupt it!
This is simply for publicity and attention. They already have that, and frankly it is mixed as to whether it is generating support from those they need to garner support from. And no, negative attention and publicity is not always a good thing!
I am not surprised by this, and I truly expect a negative reaction and response this Sunday.
tularetom
(23,664 posts)You cannot selectively choose which events you are OK with them disrupting.
Quite frankly, it isn't up to you. They will disrupt it if they want to and if you don't like it, tough shit.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)No? Then never mind.
tularetom
(23,664 posts)But I spent a few years in Berkeley (as a student and a reserve with the BPD) during the sixties and I saw firsthand how these things work.
You can't claim to be 100% in favor of their goals and at the same time oppose their methods. Because their goal, at least in the early stages, is to disrupt. They feel they have to do things this way, otherwise people won't pay any attention to them. And they may be right. Back in the day, the hippies eventually won.
philosslayer
(3,076 posts)It's a bit odd to see so many posters basically saying "I support BLM, but but but". What would you have them do? Hold bake sales ?
Aerows
(39,961 posts)Last edited Wed Sep 30, 2015, 10:20 PM - Edit history (1)
to bake sales and poison the cakes, which is exactly what this is doing.
The intention of attempting to stop runners at the 24th mile is exactly as dangerous as selling poison cakes. You do *NOT* want 8,000 people converging at a human blockade.
It is foolhardy.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)stunt
Aerows
(39,961 posts)I don't think you realize that at that point of the race, many runners are on autopilot and near the end of their limits. What do you think is going to happen when 100+ people who are in that frame of mind are abruptly stopped by a crowd of other people?
Do the words trampled, stampede and injuries ring a bell?
Has it occurred to anyone planning this mess that some of the people in the crowds and some of the people in the race were in Boston for that other finish line tragedy?
Is this REALLY what BLM wants to be associated with - a terrorist that bombed innocent people? Because if that is what they are going for, this is going to bring that to a lot of minds that otherwise support their cause. It will appear awfully symbolic to more than a few people.
tularetom
(23,664 posts)"You're either with us or against us".
I was merely attempting to point out to the OP the hypocrisy of saying he was 100% in favor of BLM's goals while he was complaining about their choice of a venue to protest. Guess I could have phrased it better.
It's a stupid idea, and the association with the Boston incident is going to cost them credibility big time. But they don't care what you, I, or the OP believes, they'll probably do it anyway.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)"You can't claim to be 100% in favor of their goals and at the same time oppose their methods
I oppose this method for the reasons I outlined. That doesn't mean in the slightest that I am not in favor of the goals of reducing police brutality, criminal justice system inequality, and profiling of black people.
It means that I oppose people doing something foolhardy that can cause harm to people on both sides of the fence with regard to the situation.
So yes, I can disparage this idea without disparaging their cause.
tularetom
(23,664 posts)I support criminal justice reform, police accountability and the end of racial profiling as much as anyone.
What I am saying to you, and to the OP as well, is that support of their goals is not good enough for BLM. You have to support everything they do, including their choice of venues to disrupt, or you are against them.
If we disagree that interfering with the running of a marathon is a good way to advance their cause, we'll be written off as spineless white liberals and therefore just as big a part of the problem as the guys in the white sheets and pointy hoods. Look what they said about Bernie Sanders.
They are doctrinaire and, more importantly, they are kids. Subtlety is not yet part of their worldview.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)You are quite right.
TeddyR
(2,493 posts)Blocking the finish line at a marathon does nothing to promote their cause and likely turns people against the cause. It is counterproductive and should be viewed as such.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)run in marathons.
Yes, it sounded just as ridiculous when I thought it, but that is what some folks seem to cast it as, so I thought I would lay that out there.
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)I could swear I remember George W. Bush saying something just like that.
Just sayin'.
And of course I can be supportive of their goals and think that this particular activity is more likely to hinder, or at least delay, achievement of those goals. I'll go so far as to say that this idea is short-sighted in the extreme and, yes, patently stupid. I sincerely hope that their leadership will rethink this and plan something, preferably at a later date, that has a better chance of achieving good results for them.
Lizzie Poppet
(10,164 posts)...tends to be "well, okay, then...if you insist on having it that way, then fuck you: I'm against you." Human nature...
TipTok
(2,474 posts)
Township75
(3,535 posts)This will not bring attention to their cause. It will bring anger and marganilize the group without doing anything for their caus.
Instead of protesting at a police station or just holding up signs along the course near the finish, they are going to do this? Rather than being attention to things like Fergueson they are going to make people associate BLM as a group that shuts down marathons.
Sometimes your enemies don't even need to get involved to defeat you....you do all the work for them.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)it can endanger runners that are at near the end of their limits and are just trying to get to the finish line to replenish their bodies. Getting in the way of the front runners isn't going to be the problem.
It's going to be the 1000 coming along behind them in the thick of the competition who are qualifying, etc. that is going to be the problem. Trying to stop hundreds of people whose only mindset is to keep going will not end well for either the runners or the protesters. It's train wreck waiting to happen with similar casualty numbers.
philosslayer
(3,076 posts)Their goal is to raise awareness. You don't raise awareness by quietly playing by the rules. Black lives are more important than someone's marathon time.
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)
ProudToBeBlueInRhody
(16,399 posts)Aerows
(39,961 posts)I didn't see the conversation between the two of you, and I suspect philo was arguing on opposite position than you, I just chimed in.
cherokeeprogressive
(24,853 posts)philo was taking the side of the kids and saying it meant nothing at all that the ref had worked 500+ games with no incident or accusation.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)I only discovered about 5 years ago that the offensive and defensive were two different sets of people.
I'm athletic in sports that are not team oriented, like running, golf and martial arts. I compete against myself. I absolutely suck at everything that is a team sport from volleyball to basketball to softball.
Hell, aerobics is a challenge for me.
romanic
(2,841 posts)to prove that black lives are important. All they've done lately is interrupt and talk/scream.
Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)enforce police standards to protect lives, where and when and as possible. It's going to require coordinated pressure to do it.
This is an important cause that should have very strong support, but it seems as if some of these BLM groups have somehow rounded up the world's worst publicity hacks.
This story made me disappointed and sad, and I think it's because the basic issue is so important.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)at the point where they are exhausted and just looking for the finish line is a recipe for disaster.
Interrupting runners looking for the finish line after the Boston Marathon finish line terrorist attack is inexcusable.
Which brain dead individual concocted this plan? Yes, let's disrupt the finish line knowing that some of the people competing on Sunday were there during the Boston tragedy.
Jesus Christ. Let's traumatize people further.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)100% agree.
hifiguy
(33,688 posts)Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)
deutsey
(20,166 posts)She's run several of them (the Marine Corps Marathon the most).
She also trains people to run marathons, so for someone who has never run a marathon, I'm pretty familiar with what's involved in training for one and what an ordeal it is to actually run one.
Anyone reaching the finish line of a marathon after several grueling hours of running has had their physical and especially mental endurance pushed way beyond their comfort zones. Many people are deeply emotional by the time they finish, ranging from euphoria to crying outbursts. A lot of people run marathons in honor of a loved one who has died or is in the hospital, as well.
The potential for a very ugly scene at the finish line should this protest go forward is extremely high, imo.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)Last edited Wed Sep 30, 2015, 06:42 PM - Edit history (1)
Trying to interrupt very determined people at the very last part of their journey to the finish line after months of grueling training and pushing their bodies to the limit is not going to end well.
Everybody running the race has a huge investment: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Interfering with that at the moment of what should be victory and tarnishing it for publicity's sake is NOT and should NOT be supported.
Kurska
(5,739 posts)To risk putting people in danger for a protest.
restorefreedom
(12,655 posts)this will backfire badly
and then when police come to ensure a safe finish for the runners, it will be an ugly scene.
truly a no win for anyone
rockfordfile
(8,709 posts)HERVEPA
(6,107 posts)Hopefully the police will remove them immediately and carefully.
This is not a matter of whether you support justice for blacks.
It's a matter of people being assholes.
Snobblevitch
(1,958 posts)I think most of the cops trying to handle the BLM people were black. The St. Paul PD should do the same at the marathon. I don't know how they could remove them, but something needs to be done.
whomever is making the decisions at the St. Paul BLM could use some help. So far, they don't appear to be gaing much support. It appeqrs their only goal is bad publicity.
Nye Bevan
(25,406 posts)What is the point of pissing people off for no reason?
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)I'm not a marathoner, so I don't really know a lot. I do know that the participants are very diverse, though, so I assume three-point a racist element to it.
tavernier
(12,422 posts)instead of attempting to sabotage an event that is in no way disrespectful or unsympathetic to your cause. And the Boston Marathon will definitely be associated to this impending disaster, especially if people are injured.
Who was the brainiac who came up with this idea?
Aerows
(39,961 posts)and help the cause, not defame it, if they follow your advice and organize a marathon for BLM.
That is a far better way to channel momentum than interrupting a marathon near the end.
That will not end any way well for anyone.
Xyzse
(8,217 posts)lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)sir pball
(4,767 posts)Look at the New York Road Runner's annual Pride Run, which selles out all 10,000 (I think) spots anually, or Grete's Gallop for breast cancer, or the autism run (yes it is a shady org behind it, but most runners, me included, don't know the back story), or or or.
An "End Police Violence" run would do fantastically well here in NYC, given that most all of us are familiar with police brutality, e.g. the NYPD.
tavernier
(12,422 posts)especially when there are people who would prefer to showboat (as in the Sander's takeover) than to present their cause in the best light with full community support and involvement.
sir pball
(4,767 posts)STOP ALL THE RUNNERS!
Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)Because it creates a crowd where it shouldn't be, and it creates real security hazards.
Plus, symbolically it's all wrong - a runner staggering along after 24 miles is a symbol of individual effort, not a symbol of society gone wrong, and blocking that runner looks bad. It's more than a bit hard to get the message about individual rights across when you are harassing individuals.
I hope they reconsider. If they don't, I hope the police do the right thing and promptly arrest any one who attempts to block the course. It's fine to demonstrate on the sidelines, hold signs, whatever. Creative ones, like "Still running the civil rights race," or so forth. That kind of thing. Okay, so I suck at that kind of thing, but I am sure better minds could do better.
If BLM wants to use this event, they should use the intense efforts of the runners as a parallel to the struggle of individuals unjustly abused and subjected to violence at the hands of police, rather than bollix up the basic message by blocking the runners.
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)Even a little. It doesn't need to be a slam-dunk, a half baby-step is still a step.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)who have trained for months, and have already run 20+ miles to achieve their goal of passing the finish line isn't going to advance the cause.
Nor is triggering people, some of whom will without doubt be present, that were in Boston at the finish line.
If they attempt to block the way to the finish line, and there are mass casualties, I don't want to hear "Who could have thought that would happen?"
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)And so I honestly can't say whether or not they have asked themselves this for this event, or what answers they came up with. But from an outside point of view, I can't fathom how this is supposed to further the cause.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)Friends and family members of runners that were in Boston will certainly be present. They aren't going to appreciate another shitshow at the finish line.
The competitors are already nervous about security after Boston, and trying to stop them when they are exhausted, but trying to improve their times at the last few miles is ridiculous.
You don't step in front of 8000 people that have trained, are competing and have already gone 20+ miles and expect it to end well.
That's why I said I don't want to hear "No one could have foreseen the tragedy that happened at the finish line of the TCM."
Travis_0004
(5,417 posts)I want to see a fair race where the best person wins, with no outside help on hindrance from anybody.
People have trained for years for this race, and I would hate to see some asshole change the outcome.
greytdemocrat
(3,299 posts)These fools better get better leadership. ASAP.
Snobblevitch
(1,958 posts)attempting to get the St. Paul (and Falcon Heights) police departments to react badly to their demonstrations to make the cops lood bad. I do not believe such actions help their cause.
As others have posted, if BLM dod something positive at the marathon, they would still get local media coverage but would also get a positive reaction from the public.
So far, BLM is only doing things that shows they are pissed off. That is understandable, but their actions seem to be pissing people off rather than gaining support for their position.
Edit to add: the Occupy Wallstreet protests seemed to have similar issues.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)while we all continue to ignore the lives of black people.
they should disrupt whatever the fuck they want to disrupt till society pays more than lip service to the lives of black people.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)Not at all. I feel that the risk for everyone is relatively high.
Throd
(7,208 posts)Pull these stunts enough times and the public will just roll their eyes and mutter "oh, it's those dicks again".
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)just like we have forgotten many similar cases.
they have been incredibly successful in not letting us forget, which is their goal
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)What I do see in this thread is quite a few people, including me, who think that doing so is not only unlikely to advance their cause, but could actually cost them support from some sectors. I guess if they choose not to re-think this strategy, we'll find out how it plays out in the end.
Lancero
(3,018 posts)When they have to gall to inconvenience people.
I can tell, many people here wouldn't have survived the Civil Rights era. DUers now would completely loose their shit over how AA's dared to inconvenience white people with their highly disruptive sit in protests.
randome
(34,845 posts)Inconveniencing people can be a useful tactic. Inconveniencing people who have trained hard for months for a specific, personal goal is another thing.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]The truth doesn’t always set you free.
Sometimes it builds a bigger cage around the one you’re already in.[/center][/font][hr]
romanic
(2,841 posts)The sit-ins disrupted white patrons of White-Only restaurants and other establishments that openly discriminated against black people. I fail to see how a city marathon of runners from all walks of life intersect with police brutality and black lives itself.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)TipTok
(2,474 posts)... on the highway.
The price is worth it... As long as someone else pays it...
Lancero
(3,018 posts)It's the entire cause for the protests - That police treat the AA community like second class citizens, and kill them without a care in the world.
The are protesting for police to be held accountable for their actions, they are protesting that their lives to matter. They are protesting in the hope that, one day, the price of encountering a cop will not be their life.
The more people protest against the BLM movement, the more they show that it is a necessity.
TipTok
(2,474 posts)They ignore / dislike them because they are narcissistic and oblivious.
Nothing they've done will get them to their stated goal and even the borderline stuff is negated by stupidity like this stunt.
They don't want allies or a discussion or even to reach their goal ... They want conflict and don't seem to care with whom.
Lancero
(3,018 posts)They've stated their goals. And people ignore them, because they don't give a fuck about the lives of African Americans.
The only way that they can keep the discussion going for equal treatment under the law is if they keep doing protests that will get them into public view.
They've tried the 'don't protest, sit down, and be quiet' method that so many 'concerned' people are saying they should use, and all it got them were filled body bags - A lot of them containing children. No one cares about them, they were silent and out of mind for so long - Is it any surprise that they've had enough of this treatment?
The quickest - And only way - to end the BLM movement is to make it unnecessary. For our nation to finally admit that yes, black lives DO matter, and to start holding murdering and overly-aggressive police accountable for their crimes. A major inconvience for the nation, and how does it respond? "Sit down, shut up"
Still though, as studies have shown - Admitting to white privilege and admitting that racism exists are very hard for whites. I suppose you could say that asking a white person to admit to these things are extremely inconveniencing. So, how to many white people respond? "Stop protesting, sit down, shut up"
The louder people people shout for BLM to stop protesting that their lives do matter, the more people prove that these protests are necessary.
branford
(4,462 posts)they claim to support.
More importantly, when they're ultimately dragged-off by the police for interfering with the marathon, they will be reinforcing the worst stereotypes of the African-American community, all while the vast, vast majority of the American people, locally and nationwide, cheer on the police officers for doing a great job.
Think about the fact that a majority of the people on a Democratic and very liberal forum don't approve of disrupting the marathon. What do you believe will be the reaction of the wider population of Democrats and Independents, to say nothing of Republicans?
You can try to rationalize the ends justifying the means, but when the means are unconnected politically to issue, as is the marathon is to issues of race or law enforcement, it simply become an exercise in extremely counterproductive self-aggrandizement.
The best thing I can say about the idea to disrupt the marathon is that the optics might be slightly better than the widely played video of the BLM march with the participants chanting "“pigs in a blanket, fry ’em like bacon.”
http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_28900127/if-black-lives-matter-disrupts-twin-cities-marathon
Lancero
(3,018 posts)That black lives matter, in public view.
They don't want to be swept under the rug anymore.
As for what people think, well from what I can see here, many Democrats share the Republicans desires - Both sides are wanting the uppity black's to sit down, shut up, and accept the status quo.
Edit - Some comments I pulled from your linked article
[img]
[/img]
[img]
[/img]
It's comments like these that prove the necessity of their protests.
branford
(4,462 posts)Interrupting the marathon will not prove that black lives matter to anyone, as many in the BLM movement clearly realize as evident from the cited article and many others.
This is not the 1960's, and BLM is not protesting against a segregated marathon. Accordingly, what it will prove is that certain self-appointed leaders of the purportedly aggrieved African-American community are willing to disrupt the lives and safety of innocent people unconnected to the pertinent civil rights issues. To a great many across the political spectrum, if that is the community making the demands, many might sadly perceive that those lives really are not worth much, and certainly not the expenditure of any political capital. The police officers dragging the disrupters away to the cheers of the crowd and nation couldn't ask for a better pr visual.
With each stupid public stunt like the "pigs in a blanket" chant and now trying to ruin the marathon, support for aggressive law enforcement will actually increase. If the cycle results in greater attempts by groups like BLM to disrupt the lives of innocent people or violence against police officers unconnected with abuses, as has been seen recently across the country, police will become more aggressive still, all with the approval of a willing and often enthusiastic public.
If you effectively want war to get attention, enjoy your very fleeting fame, because it's a war the African-American community call ill afford and will surely lose.
Police abuses are getting more attention than ever in our increasing digital age and reforms are steadily, albeit slowly, being implemented. I hope BLM doesn't continue to squander or reverse all the public goodwill and political momentum with juvenile, self-absorbed and downright dangerous antics.
Lancero
(3,018 posts)The AA community has been doing that - And as I said, all it got them was filled body bags, many filled with children.
You say that they are wasting good-will with this protest, but what good does goodwill do if no one actually talks about their plight?
People want this pushed under the rug, and they don't.
You're ignoring one of their goals - To ensure that they don't get pushed to the side anymore, like they have in the past.
branford
(4,462 posts)or racial issues, particularly where such disruption is a risk to public safety and will engender greater support for aggressive policing, is not even remotely equivalent to "sit down shut up and hope things change."
We do not live in some binary world, and using your own earlier reference, such thinking clearly along the lines of "you're with them or against them" is precisely the mindset of many Republicans and their politics of division. If you cannot see something so obvious, despite the overwhelming lack of support for disrupting the marathon even here on a entirely Democratic and clearly liberal forum like DU, there's not much I can do to convince you otherwise.
Attention seeking essentially for its own sake, no less potentially very dangerous activities, will not change anything, and more importantly, risks losing popular and policy gains already achieved and creates unifying and horrible public relations images that will be used against the entire African-American community (as certain BLM leaders have acknowledged).
If BLM activists cannot find very public targets to protest that are actually connected to racial discrimination and violent policing, they are either being totally disingenuous and using their cause as cover for their real goal of violence and disruption, or they are so politically foolish and tone deaf that they are willing to sacrifice the larger peaceful African-American community on the alter of their own self-righteousness and narcissism.
Lancero
(3,018 posts)About how their real goal is violence.
If you can't see that equating BLM with terrorists - Which a number of people here have done recently - and saying that their real goals is to stir up race violence are Republican talking points then there's not much I can do to convince you otherwise.
branford
(4,462 posts)People who disagree with you, including nearly everyone who's commented here and on related threads concerning the plan to disrupt the marathon, are not DINO's, spouting Republican or Fox talking points, etc. In fact, as I stated before, the "with them or against them" ideology you continue to proffer in defense of BLM is the product of the very right-wing groups you attempt to associate with your numerous critics.
You have obviously decided that anyone who will not support any plan offered by BLM (including some actual activists with BLM!), no matter how counterproductive, dangerous or self-defeating, is against the goals of improving race relations or reforming law enforcement. This is ludicrous. Good luck with your ever decreasing circle of allies and increasing political failures.
You are also free to espouse the "all attention is good attention" mantra, but don't be surprised when ridiculous and dangerous antics result in the loss of support not just for BLM, but for all civil rights groups and policies benefiting the African-American community, and the very law enforcement you want to reform continues to be hailed as heroes to much of the public, including Democrats.
Lancero
(3,018 posts)If BLM activists cannot find very public targets to protest that are actually connected to racial discrimination and violent policing, they are either being totally disingenuous and using their cause as cover for their real goal of violence and disruption, or they are so politically foolish and tone deaf that they are willing to sacrifice the larger peaceful African-American community on the alter of their own self-righteousness and narcissism.
As I said, if you can't see that this is a Republican talking point, well, not much I can do to convince you.
branford
(4,462 posts)The have publicly stated that the plan to disrupt the marathon is no more.
You were defending conduct that even BLM eventually realized was foolish and self-destructive. Blindly defending anything that BLM proposes is intellectually lazy and why such stupid ideas receive attention in the first place.
I imagine that liberal Democratic supporters of police reform and related matters, including elected officials, told the local BLM activists that their support would end and they would be completely on their own both politically and with the police if they engaged in such dangerous and counterproductive activities.
Lastly, read all the threads about the BLM plan to protest the marathon. The members of this liberal Democratic forum were overwhelmingly against the idea for a litany of reasons. If you honestly believe that we were espousing "Republican talking points," I suggest that your own ideas and perspective are well outside of those here and of the vast majority of the Democratic Party.
gollygee
(22,336 posts)you'll see that I don't think blocking runners is a good idea, but I don't like seeing a group of privileged people critiquing BLM all the time. Protesting is messy, and this would have been messy, but people are generally OK with messy protests that stand up for their own rights, and less OK with messy protests that stand up for other people's rights.
branford
(4,462 posts)If these ideas come frequently, so should the criticism. People or groups are not immunized from censure because they purport to represent a disadvantaged group, and a critique is not wrong just because it comes from people who may be privileged.
I, too, would like to see certain law enforcement reforms and an end to racial disparities in the criminal justice system. If I believe that BLM actions will actually make these goals more difficult, I will certainly speak out, and you and most others here agree that that disrupting the marathon would have been dangerous, hurt the overall civil rights battle, and made the police heroes.
The issue is not whether any particular protest is "messy," but whether it can accomplish legitimate goals. There are ample targets of protest that are relevant to the BLM struggle and that could garner publicity without being dangerous or gratuitously harm innocents unconnected to the pertinent issues and who may otherwise have been politically sympathetic.
Ruining the marathon may have been appropriate if the race somehow discriminated based on race or explicitly raised money for political or commercial organizations that support discriminatory policies. Without anything close to these factors, if BLM had proceeded with their plans, at best they would have been seen as nasty jerks, and if anyone was injured, they would be considered unrepentant violent criminals.
If the goal is to prove "black lives matter," than the leadership of such organizations become models, and they should not encourage lives that much of the population, including Democrats, find abhorrent.
TipTok
(2,474 posts)... and as long as they are in the news they are 'winning'.
The reality is that this will indeed make the news and people are going to be rooting for the police.
You know why? They'll be doing the very definition of their job and removing folks who disrupt and make life harder for the average law abiding civilian. Folks who attack people in a vulnerable position for their own benefit.
BLM will be even further back than when they started and they will deserve it.
I also predict that they will act all surprised when it does't work out the way they want and will claim that it's racism instead of applying a little self awareness.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)but to those that are familiar with large races such as this one, attempting the block athletes that have trained for months, some trying to qualify for other races and starting positions, paid for the privilege of running in the race, have sponsors for various charities and will most certainly involve black lives running in the damn marathon, it isn't amusing.
Pissing all over the hard work of months in training to finish the race and the disappointment that those running for charity and their charities that will be disappointed by is not conducive to public support.
Have you ever run in a race yourself? Doesn't have to be a 26.2 miler. Even a 5k will do. At the near end of the run is when everybody pours on the determination and the speed to improve their times. Standing in front of hundreds of people in that frame of mind is a disaster waiting to happen.
My wife runs marathons, I doubt she would find it "enlightening". I have been at the finish for more than a couple of them, it will cause big trouble.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)The Kenyans, the Ethiopians, and the white elite runners too.
So they'll be stopping someone from receiving a paycheck.
It's just wrong.
polly7
(20,582 posts)We were both so determined to finish, I swear we'd have crawled between the legs of anyone standing there to get through. I understand their need and right to protest at a highly-visible event, I just hope they reconsider exactly how they'll do it .... there could be sooo many getting hurt.
Darb
(2,807 posts)Just wondering how we can make that happen.
lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)Happily, I'm not indifferent. I want acceptance of the BLM message and I want the runners to finish unimpeded and uninjured.
TipTok
(2,474 posts)... just cause?
How convenient...
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)sir pball
(4,767 posts)Because blocking even able-bodied runners from finishing a marathon that I know firsthand they've poured a year or more of effort into, and many of whom will count that finish as a major life goal, is certainly in the same sport as kicking the parapalegic in the 100m dash.
Might not be the same league, or even concept (think American rugby vs. New Zealand), but definitely the same sport.
So, you a fan?
gollygee
(22,336 posts)isn't really the same thing as an oppressed group disrupting a general event.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)so yeah, they would be getting in the way of the disabled as well..
There are in fact, specific divisions at virtually all marathons, half-marathons, 5ks, Ironman events etc. for the disabled.
A couple links as examples...
https://www.tcmevents.org/rules_of_competition/
http://www.baa.org/races/participant-information/athletes-with-disabilities.aspx
gollygee
(22,336 posts)riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)by pointing out that BLM would indeed be targeting members of "an oppressed group", the disabled at the TCM.
Because they participate in that marathon (and pretty much every other sporting event) as well.
gollygee
(22,336 posts)Protesting at a general event that includes everyone, including members of oppressed groups, is not targeting an oppressed group.
riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)melman
(7,681 posts)gollygee
(22,336 posts)I was pointing out a faulty comparison.
Shankapotomus
(4,840 posts)If BLM thinks these kind of tactics are so effective, why not direct them at the main perpetrators of the injustice, such as the police departments and police unions that have expressly been their physical and vocal opposition?
Seems to me BLM is busy picking horrible targets (like civil rights democrats and marathoners) except the police and police departments that are actually ending black lives.
TipTok
(2,474 posts)Much better to cause problems for someone who can't do anything about it or is in a weakened state from having run 20 plus miles...
Same goes for the guy stuck on the highway 30 cars back and about to lose his job because narcissists are blocking the road in the name of a cause.
Waiting For Everyman
(9,385 posts)
But you can't tell them anything because they already know it all. So "proceed" (as Obama said in the debates).
I just hope nobody gets injured because of their stupidity.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)That's a given.
Darb
(2,807 posts)Jussayin'.
Snobblevitch
(1,958 posts)who interferes with the runners will be arrested.
melman
(7,681 posts)They absolutely should be.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)Said they won't be blocking runners. It looks like the issue may have been resolved. I hope so.
Snobblevitch
(1,958 posts)They could do something educational and constructive, but that's not what they want. They could positive publicity, they choose to not do so.
Glassunion
(10,201 posts)Puglover
(16,380 posts)I have done two one of them being the first TC in 1983. And I can tell you trying to stop someone who has trained for months at mile 25.2 will not end well.
I so hope they don't do this.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)So, no.
Puglover
(16,380 posts)No matter. My question was rhetorical.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)My error. It has been a few hours.
Puglover
(16,380 posts) tularetom
(23,664 posts)These guys are painting themselves into a very small corner.
I understand their motivation - nobody is paying much attention to them now, so maybe if they disrupt a few well publicized events, they will show up on the public radar screen.
But a marathon? So soon after Boston? If there is the slightest negative incident at this event, Black Lives Matter will remain on a shitlist with most of the American people. Especially if the media report it in an inflammatory manner, which they are almost certain to do.
They can wise up or become a very small footnote in the history of political protest in the US.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)portion of the corner to paint themselves in.
ChazII
(6,207 posts)to raise funds for medical research - check post #168. BLM can demonstrate at the Expo that might be held the days before the race where runners pick up their numbers and shirts. These expose have all sorts of items for runners and anyone can come and purchase things from shoes, to clothes to anything else a runner might want.
In the meantime would it be possible for teams to be formed to bring awareness to BLM? Such as the teams that run for a cause?
Lil Missy
(17,865 posts)Good way to alienate people. And does nothing to help their cause.
gollygee
(22,336 posts)But on the other hand, protests are messy, and it feels icky for a bunch of mainly privileged people to sit and complain about how an oppressed group protests. I love how people complain about peaceful protests on one hand and then talk about how MLK did everything the right way on the other. This is the same as a sit-in, or marchers or picketers blocking access to a road or a bridge. Protests are inconvenient. That's the point of them. When people are convenient, they get ignored.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)are running for prize money that they support their families with.
And very often they channel their earnings into helping the desperately poor of their countries.
So it's OK to take food out of the mouths of their children and their communities?
randome
(34,845 posts)..."A lot of people will be there. Let's go!"
[hr][font color="blue"][center]There is nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it.
Nothing.[/center][/font][hr]
bluedigger
(17,091 posts)The average marathoner has very little left in the tank, physically and mentally, by the end of the race. Expecting them to react predictably to a course disruption is unrealistic. This will create nothing but bad publicity for BLM.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)They knew it was a stupid thing to do.
MineralMan
(146,351 posts)I've been following it. It's a good thing that some agreement came about.
cwydro
(51,308 posts)It would not have worked out for them.
romanic
(2,841 posts)The number of protestors was roughly a 75-100 (far less than what was seen in the Twin Cities this past year). Aside from a march in the streets to the marathon and a "die-in", there wasn't much that really happened. There did seem to be some solidarity between the runners and marchers which is encouraging.