Scaring whitey via ‘flash mobs’
The out-of-control teens who terrorized parts of the Country Club Plaza Saturday night were mostly black youths. Stating it that factually disturbs some people, who would rather use euphemisms such as “urban” youth or some such words. Sometimes I would agree with that; other times I wouldn’t.
This is one of those cases.
As experts decide what to do this weekend, they need to better understand why black youths gathered so quickly and in such numbers at Kansas City’s most pleasant, historic and important shopping area. The kids who showed up Saturday night came from schools that included — but were not limited to — Raytown and Westport highs, according to police. Both schools have high populations of black students.
And, as of Monday, at least one principal of a local high school was urging his teachers to be on the lookout for any plans by students to gather again this weekend on the Plaza.
Why are the black kids going to the Plaza?
I certainly don’t have all the answers, but one obvious reason: That’s where the crowd of mostly white adults hangs out.
And the youth know their presence will be disturbing to people who aren’t used to seeing so many black kids in one place.
The Plaza is also relatively easy to get to from the urban core (it’s not the Legends way out in KCK or Zona Rosa way up in the Northland).
There will be plenty of adults working feverishly this week to determine what actions should be taken this week should another large, out-of-control gang of youth show up on the Plaza.
Part of their duty ought to be looking at why black youth would want to be there.