A Mugging on Lake Street

A veteran investigative reporter looks into his own beating and finds himself confronting harsh and lingering questions of race

Hate crime or boredom attack, my injuries are the same. One thing about being hated, though—you have an identity. You’re a member of a distinct class who is important to the attacker. If you are attacked without reason, you’re nobody— you’re of no importance whatever. Mulling this over makes me question the whole notion of prosecuting hate crimes. Why is a racist thug more dangerous than the man who just feels like beating someone—anyone—up? ... Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala
Tags Help
Subjects: World, U.S., Business, Living
Topics: Racism, Law, Youth, Crime, Black
Member Tags: black:dupe
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Posted by: Posted by Kaizar Campwala - Sep 9, 2009 - 2:47 PM PDT
Content Type: Article
Edit Lock: This story can be edited
Edited by: Kaizar Campwala - Sep 9, 2009 - 2:47 PM PDT

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Taylor Bernal
3.0
by Taylor Bernal - Oct. 27, 2009

This topic is always a sensitive one. It can be hard to talk about a "racist" action without making assumptions about the people who committed the crime. He attempts to get the opinions of others, however, I feel that it is a bit one-sided due to his personal experiences.

See Full Review » (11 answers)
Sydney LaCour
2.5
by Sydney LaCour - Sep. 21, 2009

Ther piece is well written in the sense that it is a narrative of a personal encounter, but is only presented form a singular perspective. It doesn't explore both sides of the potentially race fueled attack on the reporter. Based heavily on personal opinion and experience.

See Full Review » (4 answers)
Tom Schreier
3.5
by Tom Schreier - Sep. 21, 2009

It is difficult to say yes because he wrote the article about an event that he does not remember. Although he is focused on what constitutes a hate crime, it would have been nice if he would have gotten ahold of one of the "Samaritians" and got a more complete story.

See Full Review » (11 answers)
Lauren Anselmo
3.8
by Lauren Anselmo - Sep. 21, 2009

I believe it is quality journalism because the author is using a personal experience to portray effects of racism.

See Full Review » (19 answers)

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