CNN Camerawoman "Not Surprised" by Peanut-Throwing: "People Think We've Gone Further Than We Have"

[highplainsdem]

Source: Maynard Institute for Journalism Education

Patricia Carroll, the CNN camerawoman who was assaulted with peanuts and called an animal by two attendees at the Republican National Convention, told Journal-isms on Thursday that "I hate that it happened, but I'm not surprised at all."

-snip-

Carroll said no one took the names of the attendees who threw peanuts at her Tuesday on the convention floor and told her, "This is what we feed animals." She alerted fellow camera operators, producers and CNN security. The head of the delegation — she was not certain of the state — told her the perpetrators must have been alternates, not delegates.

But Carroll, 34, said that as an Alabama native, she was not surprised. "This is Florida, and I'm from the Deep South," she said. "You come to places like this, you can count the black people on your hand. They see us doing things they don't think I should do."

-snip-

"I can't change these people's hearts and minds," Carroll added. "No, it doesn't feel good. But I know who I am. I'm a proud black woman. A lot of black people are upset. This should be a wake-up call to black people. . . . People were living in euphoria for a while. People think we're gone further than we have."

-snip-

Read more: http://mije.org/richardprince/cnn-camerawoman-not-surprised-peanut-throwing

[avebury]

1. K&R nt

[Voice for Peace]

17. patricia carroll cnn

[russspeakeasy]

31. Couldn't find the sheet concession ?

[nanabugg]

42. One would think that CNN would show more outrage to support one of their own, assuming

they consider her one of their own.

[Baitball Blogger]

2. God love her. I wish I could sit and have coffee with her and compare notes.

Hopefully I can do my part to show her just how right she is about Florida.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. She is so right. Sadly.

I see and hear it all the time down here.
Now, granted, most of the racial attitudes I have heard have been from people over 50, since I rarely run into under 50 age groups.
I was kinda hoping racisim was a dying attitude...until the Reich wing worked so hard to bring it alive again.

[marions ghost]

5. I think you're right

that racist attitudes have been rekindled, taking full advantage of a time of recession. And also playing on the fears of illegals and foreigners taking jobs.

But I also think you're right in that the younger generations are, for the most part, not participating. They're bored by it.

It will die out. But maybe we need the wake up call.

[barbtries]

4. i'm really glad she's speaking out about it.

considering the anemic coverage her network gave the incident.

[Gormy Cuss]

14. I agree, and it's damn convenient that the names of the peanut-throwers aren't public.

So convenient in fact that I'd bet at least one if not both WERE delegates, not alternates.

[barbtries]

20. oh, yeah

they assaulted her, that is a crime. they should not only be identified, they should be charged.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

15. Really.

I can't even describe how disgusted I am by repukes.

This incident---I would call those poop-flinging scumbags "animals", but it would be a smear against all non-human creatures. These pukes are sub-human.

[calimary]

24. Yeah, it's hard. And then they're the ones yowling about how our President is somehow going around

the world apologizing for America.

With behavior like this on display, I think that will be our fate - ALL of us as Americans. We have A LOT for which to apologize to the world. This is only one incident - out of MILLIONS of incidents over at least a few hundred years.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

51. they can't stand respecting anyone but their Führers.

they're like neanderthals---They're only comfortable with those within their tribe. Ug not know you--you ENEMY. Ug smash enemies!

(no offense to Neanderthals)

[VitaMorfin]

6. That's sickening.

[The Doctor.]

7. This has been very interesting.

No one knows who these perps are? No video?

I have little doubt this happened, but it just seems that the torpedoing of Romney is happening at every level.

Not surprised, really.

[highplainsdem]

8. It isn't "torpedoing of Romney" - it's spontaneous combustion by extremists.

They've always been crazy extremists. It's just on display more than usual, at a time when the media is paying attention.

Though I agree it's odd that the names of the perps haven't come out.

I'd guess that they ARE delegates -- though alternates would be bad enough -- and the RNC is protecting them.

[The Doctor.]

45. Taken together,

with the media reporting as they have... it sure seems that way.

[freshwest]

46. +1

[Fla Dem]

22. They were identified and had their credentials taken away.

Others in their delegation who witnessed the assault, quickly indentified the 2 miscreants. They were banned from the arena.

[smirkymonkey]

41. I would still expect a formal apology from the RNC for the incident.

It's such a frat house mentality. Just because everyone wasn't involved, I still think there is something about that environment that made the two culprits think they could get away with such a disgusting display of racism and sexism.

[burrowowl]

52. I agree!

[olegramps]

32. What the hell are talking about? Take and enema and clear your head.

[The Doctor.]

43. Get some glasses....

Since when has Fox 'News' reported this negatively about a Republican candidate?

For President?

Given the worthlessness of your post, I don't expect much insight in a response. Best you don't bother at all.

[olegramps]

49. Your ridiculous post has been met with derision. FAUX News is reporting facts? Get for real.

[The Doctor.]

50. Yeah, they do sometimes report actual facts.

Absolutist views such as yours are childish.

I've long since learned to weed out children from my online interactions so as not to waste my time. Thank you for making this decision to ignore another poster so very easy.

[jonthebru]

9. Quite a few years ago

I worked with a Japanese guy, a veteran, who fancied himself a Republican. He always stood by the idea that Affirmative Action was of the past and was a done deal.
Well, my argument sticks, Affirmative action and all forms of equality will never be done with. With all the ignoramuses in the country, it will always be applicable.
"People think We've gone further than we have." I agree.

[Trillo]

10. "no one took the names of the attendees who threw peanuts at her"

So, where are the pics of those folks. Surely someone caught the 'escort out' on camera. That Was NEWS!

[Enrique]

11. it is big news

everything is scripted at these conventions, why even have reporters there? Now here is an actual event, that shows something real about the GOP, and it is being hushed up.

[hamsterjill]

12. That's my question, as well.

The name of the guy from yahoo who made the comment about the Romneys has been all over the press.

[highplainsdem]

13. Link to the story at ColorLines, with a photo of Patricia Carroll:

http://colorlines.com/archives/2012/08/black_cnn_camerawoman_says_shes_not_surprised_by_peanut-throwing_at_rnc.html

[highplainsdem]

16. And from Witches' Brew, with more quotes from Carroll:

http://witchesbrewonline.com/2012/08/brew-exclusive-cnn-camerawoman-speaks-out/

CNN Studio Technician Patricia Carroll was attacked and disrespected at the RNC Convention. Most of the major media outlets did not pick up the story, but we reported it on the Brew’s facebook page! Now she’s sharing her side with Witches’ Brew! Trish described the incident during a telephone conversation from Tampa. She said she was on the convention floor Tuesday around 3pm when she felt something pelt her on her head. She said she couldn’t believe it when she looked up and saw two men throwing peanuts at her. And then Trish said it got worse when they yelled, “this is what we feed the animals!” Trish and her co-workers were stunned. She notified security who promptly removed the men from the building. Trish hails from Alabama – the DEEP south – so she’s seen a lot and has also traveled extensively around the world. She said she was not shocked this happened but doesn’t want to make it about one political party adding, “it’s not exclusive to Republicans, it could have happened anywhere, in Washington, D.C. or even at the Democratic National Convention.”

Trish said everyone including the RNC has been very supportive, but regretfully added, “we live in a world where bigotry and racism exits. Bottom line: it’s not exclusive to the RNC. It’s a world issue.” She then went on to say that living in D.C. sometimes can mimic a bubble because African-Americans are doing so well but when you head other places people are not use to seeing progression so they react, “it’s just what’s happening in the world and I’m a part of it.” Trish recalled numerous incidents in her hometown as well as during her travels to Argentina and Brazil and said it comes down to understanding, “people need to think and be more open-minded.” Trish reminded me that having more black leaders won’t change things, “We haven’t come that far. Black people have been in bondage longer then they have been free. Stuff like this will continue to be a part of the black experience.” This incident didn’t stop her stride though, she continues to work the convention and looks forward to putting this incident behind her. We wish Trish the best of luck and appreciate her showing us love. Remember, you read it here first!

-snip-

[Odin2005]

18. I grew up in the 90s being taught that race was no longer a problem...

...and so the virulent hate being thrown at Obama was personally shocking to me.

[daligirl519]

19. I am not at all surprised. . .

and am even a little surprised at how shocked people are. I have seen and experienced a number of incidents of this type throughout my life.

I remember in the early 90's when I was an undergraduate, I worked part time at a hospital as a secretary. In my senior year, I was offered a graduate assistantship at a very good school, free tuition and also a salary. One of the doctors, a young cardiology resident, just could not stand it. He harassed me constantly and tried to infer that I was getting something for free because I am black. He would sneer and laugh at me, saying that I wouldn't be able to cut it. He just could not accept that I had received this honor, and he couldn't let it go until I complained to one of the senior doctors who put an end to it.

It is horrifying, I know. I hate that she had to deal with that. But she holds her head high, and that's the appropriate response. I have a feeling maybe that detective work on someone's part might expose the culprits.

[ailsagirl]

23. It saddens me that you're not surprised

And what happened to you is such an outrage. I keep thinking of that hideous photo of the men who were 'on trial' (in the 60s) for either lynching a black man or blowing up a church. I forget which, but the point is, it was a horrifying crime. I think I saw it in Life magazine. At any rate, there were at least three men who were laughing and eating popcorn during the so-called 'trial.' Of course they were let off. I've never forgotten that ugly black & white photo.

Thank you for sharing your story.
mj

[ailsagirl]

21. Ruminations

First of all, I am glad she spoke out and that her lovely photo was included. I still wish DU as a group could somehow convey our sorrow and regret that this ugly incident happened. Not all white people are like this, though it saddens me deeply that there are so many racists out there. I can't even comprehend how terrible it would be to have complete strangers vent their hatred on me because of my skin color. I am deeply saddened and ashamed when I hear about something like this and wish I could reach out and express my feelings.
Dear Patricia, I am so deeply sorry.

[calimary]

29. Me, too, Patricia. You are a hard-working professional and you deserve respect - at all times.

Funny, though, Patricia is exactly what these judgmental assholes are belching about - SHE'S got a job at which she works hard every day and earning a paycheck and doing quality work, building a career and a reputation as a professional camera operator and technical specialist, and being a contributing member of society. As a retired newsperson myself, believe me, I KNOW how hard the camera crews work! Could it be that the nut-throwers' hatred of her is because she's more living proof of how wrong they are? She's the living breathing embodiment of their LIES, abject IDIOCY, bone-marrow-deep prejudice and RACISM, sheer INHUMANITY, and embarrassing SMALL-MINDEDNESS. I bet they assume they're better-educated than she is, too. Oh, excuse me, black people are just lazy moochers, correct? That's what we all know to be true, isn't it? Wink-wink. WHAT? This one isn't? But, but, but... what about our theory that black people are just lazy moochers? Damn her then!

Wonder how many of THEM in that convention center among the melanin-deficient are mooching off the system even as we speak? After all, what about all the studies and statistics that show most welfare recipients are white?

And add that to another undercurrent I bet some of this human backwash in that convention center is thinking also - HEY! Why is SHE taking a job that a good Christian white man should have?

Well, the hell with them!!! I wish we knew the names of the nut-throwers. Lying racist weasels. Well, they can hide from us. But they can't hide from The Big Guy Upstairs. He knows exactly who they are.

I also feel bad for those of us who thought, presumed, hoped, or were taught, that racism in America is a thing of the past. I myself dared to think that, when Barack Obama was elected President, then and there we had direct evidence that racism in America was a thing of the past. Man, was I wrong! It just gave all the racists license to act out, uglier and more flagrant than ever. And the republi-CON party embraced them and gave them respectability. They ALL publicly shame and disgrace America to all the world, with every breath they take.

We can all take a lesson in true nobility from Barack Obama, and from Patricia Carroll, too. Thank Heavens that there are people in this country like them - who can serve as a counter-balance to the madness we see on display FAR too often, here in the 21st Century.

It's just literally dizzying! I mean - we're IN THE 21ST CENTURY forcryingoutloud!!!! This Troglodyte thinking is STILL alive and well at this late date? Unbelievable. Astounding! Disgusting! Deeply embarrassing! And downright sad.

[ailsagirl]

35. Excellent post, calimary

I liked "melanin-deficient"
LOL

But I know it really isn't funny. I, too, had naively thought that our country was finally moving forward with the election of Barack Obama. Yes, we could certainly take some lessons from him and from Patricia. Class acts-- wise beyond their years. "True nobility," as you put it. The antithesis of racism.

I'm amazed over how much NERVE those bastards have-- how did they get this far?? I guess we must have been asleep at the wheel, or else thought this hostile takeover by Nazis could never happen to our country. Lesson learned. I've never been so cynical in my life but it's necessary when you're dealing with duplicitous "people." Every dirty trick they've played and more will be coming. I would laugh at the absurdity of this crowd of misfits having a shot at the WH but it's possible. Anything is possible, I suppose, but when I heard that KKKarl was fattening up his superpak... that's when I got that familiar knot in my stomach.

We have to fight-- with every fiber of our being. And, if the worst happens, we'll carry on the best we can. No... we're not gonna take it. We'll fight them at every turn. I've often fantasized about current repukes realizing that they're voting against their own best interests and they're being shamelessly hoodwinked and that one day it would dawn on them (before it's too late) that the right is very, very dangerous and the worst threat ever against the things we hold as true and dear.

If only some of "those people" would see it.

[whathehell]

25. I was surprised, though,

that Ms. Carroll said that she though "this could happen anywhere...at the Democratic Convention, even".

She may be bending over backward to appear "fair" or non-partisan, but I doubt VERY much that this

would happen at the Democratic Convention.

[seabeyond]

27. agreed. nt

[steve2470]

30. +1 nt

[ailsagirl]

36. Same thought here. It wouldn't happen.

[whathehell]

37. No, it wouldn't.

and I wonder if I'm being cynical in suggesting that CNN may have

"asked" her to play the false equivalency card, because it's

such an indictments of the GOP and their Convention.

I guess we'll never know.

[ailsagirl]

39. Guess we won't

Interesting point, though

[whathehell]

47. Thanks...n/t

[ronnie624]

48. Definitely.

It seems odd to me that she would believe such a thing. I have never known a Democrat who I thought was an overt racist. witnessing such behavior at the Democratic National Convention is surely inconceivable.

[seabeyond]

26. "People Think We've Gone Further Than We Have"

only the people that CHOOSE not to pay attention

[wake.up.america]

28. Pretty sad. But, in the long run bigots miss a lot of the beauty and love that life has to offer.

Love to have Patricia as a guest in our house any day.

[atreides1]

33. I believe this

" The head of the delegation — she was not certain of the state — told her the perpetrators must have been alternates, not delegates."

Sure they were...

[dropboss11]

34. success best medicine for racism..not surprised

at the reaction to the camerawoman. A black person should allow incidents like this to push them to succeed in life. There will always be haters whether it be racist whites and others that don't want to see the progression of blacks, or even some blacks against other blacks they they see become successful. Reason so many are so hateful of Obama, they cannot believe a black man can come so far as to be the president. let your haters be your motivators. success is the best revenge.

[Jennicut]

38. Wow, her words just really got to me.

Most Repubs are sick individuals and deep down they are racist at heart. Any minorities in the Repub party are lying to themselves if they think the whites in the party really want them there. They are token minorities only to show off and pretend that the party really isn't racist.
I also had a very good friend in college who was a black man. I saw a lot of racism up close when we would hang out in public places together. Still makes me sick to this day.

[Scairp]

40. I say this all the time

No one ever believes me because they don't get how deeply ingrained racism is, most especially in the south. Imagine going out to have a drink, a person strikes up a conversation with you at the bar but about the third sentence has a racial epithet. I of course flipped out, he got pissed that I was pissed and walked off, which was good because I wanted to hit him. That happened in Florida. Imagine a co-worker pointing out what could we expect the department to be like since it's headed by a (racial epithet here). We are supposed to report that but then I knew what would happen so I just transferred to another job. Also Florida. It's there, it's happening now, this is the way people think and believe and if you are convinced it isn't really, we've come so far, you are naive.

[zonkers]

44. Am I really to believe that no images or records exist to identify

the accused? It seems really odd considering all factors.