West Point Cadets' Raised-Fists Photo Sparks Investigation

[sheshe2]

A photo showing 16 African-American female cadets raising clenched fists has sparked controversy at West Point’s elite military academy.

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The raised fist, which has long been a symbol of unity for African Americans, is also associated with the Black Lives Matter movement.

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Defending the young cadets is Brenda Sue Fulton, a 1980 West Point graduate, former Army captain, and chairwoman of the U.S. Military Academy’s Board of Visitors.

“When I spent time with these cadets and heard them tell their stories and laugh and joke with each other, there’s no doubt in my mind how much they love West Point, they love the Army and they support each other,” Fulton told the Army Times.

She tweeted out a different photo of the women without raised fists with the caption, “THIS. Fearless, flawless, fierce. Ready.” That tweet was then retweeted by Patrick Murphy, acting secretary of the U.S. Army.

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“I would not have re-tweeted the raised-fist photo because I am well aware that our culture views a black fist very differently from a white fist,” she said. “I knew it was their expression of pride and unity, but I am old enough to know that it would be interpreted negatively by many white observers. Unfortunately, in their youth and exuberance, it appears they didn’t stop to think that it might have any political context, or any meaning other than their own feeling of triumph.”


Read More: http://abcnews.go.com/US/west-point-cadets-raised-fists-photo-sparks-investigation/story?id=38979948

[Number23]

1. I love BOTH pictures

[sheshe2]

3. I do too.

Strong Fierce and Beautiful.

[sheshe2]

19. Women have been raising their fists their entire life.

Solid-fucking-darity!

When we walked for our vote. When we walked for our freedoms. We asked for equality. When we asked for the rights over or bodies.

Our Bodies Ourselves. Us.

Number23, I am a privileged white female. I have it bad, you have it worse. I guess we just have to do this together. Sisters.

[MADem]

2. I think the Angry White Guys who tried to make something out of this will be disappointed.

That tweet was then retweeted by Patrick Murphy, acting secretary of the U.S. Army.


Right on to former Army Capt. Fulton--she is one of the "grounded in reality" voices re: this non-issue.

[sheshe2]

6. Hey MADem.

Angry White Guys are always disappointed.

Thank you Patrick Murphy and Capt. Fulton, agree these young ladies are awesome. It was only an issue because their fists were black.

[pkdu]

4. STRIKINGLY powerful pictures , both.

[marble falls]

5. These are the best of the best, they're our future and our future leaders. Both of those picture ...

are fine by me. I'm glad they're where they are, doing wonderfully well. G*d bless them all!

[littlemissmartypants]

7. Ancient symbols can be scary. Like Anat, war goddess.

Reasons education is a good idea.

Congratulations to them for the outstanding achievement! They are lady rock stars, imo.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anat

[sheshe2]

8. You are back!

So good to see you.

Awesome image, I thank you LMSP!

[littlemissmartypants]

13. You're welcome! Thank you!

Isn't the story of Anat great?

[sheshe2]

16. Bloody...

But great.

Not sure why you were away. Glad you are back.

[littlemissmartypants]

34. .

[NBachers]

9. Somehow, I feel like I'm looking back at these photos from some time in the future.

Fierce
Courageous
Warriors
Leaders

This is our history. It's happening now.

[sheshe2]

11. NBachers!

Hey.

The images. So powerful.

Under investigation my ass. Their fist is black and it is down right beautiful.



If it was white boys doing it, then it would be applauded. Black girls? No.

I like your post...

Fierce
Courageous
Warriors
Leaders

This is our history. It's happening now.

Luv ya.

[NBachers]

14. Thanks, Sheshe2! I'm glad we're bumping into each other again. Let's make it a habit.

[sheshe2]

24. Ha!

Good to see you too NBachers.

[Solly Mack]

10. I think both photos are fine.

And I am well aware of DA rules on the wearing of uniforms and political statements.

I don't see either photo as a political statement. I see women taking pride in themselves.

[sheshe2]

12. "I see women taking pride in themselves."

Women...Black Women.

Thank you so much Solly Mack!

[Solly Mack]

15. And that is the part that angers some people - Black women celebrating themselves.

The first time I saw the photo it made me smile. It's a great photo and one they will cherish for years to come. Their own future daughters and sons will take pride in that photo.

To think how far women have come. To think how far black women have come. (and overcame)

Ugly-minded people needing to tarnish everything with their hate. I will never understand why people waste so much energy hating. It's pointless and serves no good purpose. It's an emotional investment that just doesn't make sense. But then I guess haters wouldn't be haters if they understood that.

[brer cat]

20. "Black women celebrating themselves"

That is the problem right there. How dare they!!! These women are among the very, very few to ever have this opportunity much less complete the rigorous program. A moment of celebration, of shared unity in their accomplishment, is not only appropriate and expected, it is respectful of the institution itself: their pride, confidence, and fearless resolve is what West Point is supposed to produce. As sheshe said, the only thing "wrong" with that picture is that the fists were black; no one would have noticed if the fists were white.

Haters got to hate, but they are the problem, not these women.

Good to see you Solly...I hope you are continuing to do well!

[Solly Mack]

25. Exactly. Haters are the problem. It's just so simple, really.

Those engaged actions or words driven by prejudice are the problem and never their targets. But so many people try to justify hate by trying to blame the victims of hate. As if they caused their own attacks simply by being, by existing, as who they are.

As if being black, or a woman, or gay means you have to take responsibility for being attacked by those who hate because your very existence has offended their sensibilities.

President Obama, for example. That he was elected set off a deluge of racist rancor and vitriol from haters and not only do they attack him, they feel he deserves those attacks - simply for being a black man who became President.

Thanks, brer cat!

:hugs:

[raven mad]

17. What a dumb, dumb, dumb thing to get upset over.

Yes I watched "those" Olympics live and this little ole white chick was jumping up and down happy and said '"FINALLY!!!" (So did my mom and dad. First year for me in Alaska, 1968 didn't scare me, it encouraged me.

I think these women are awesome.

[FrenchieCat]

18. Love, love that pic!

Period!

[brer cat]

21. Strong, courageous women who met the dragon and slayed it.

They should be allowed to celebrate this moment, not regret it because of a few haters.

Thanks for the thread, sheshe.

[KittyWampus]

22. Powerful photos. And they seem classic, timeless.

[Kind of Blue]

23. Oh no, it's never done at West Point!

And I didn't even bother with the tons of the graduation photos

&cb=816&Maxh=623&Maxw=738&border=0&Q=65
West Point cadets dance to music and cheer on the men's basketball team as they take the court against the U.S. Naval Academy in Christl Arena at the US ...

[underpants]

26. Yeah but that's just 7 examples

Thanks

[Kind of Blue]

32. I know, right? I didn't think

those were enough either

[DustyJoe]

29. Wow

The reactions from some would have you think these young ladies with the moxie to complete military training were doing a nazi salute or something.

[sheshe2]

31. Lol

Thanks, DustyJoe.

[Kind of Blue]

33. It so disheartening to put the girls

thru what's clearly just about part of every culture's celebratory gesture of achievement, victory and solidarity. I'm just glad it's over for them!
"Black West Point cadets will not be punished for raised-fists photo"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/118750892

[Ilsa]

27. Love these two pics! They are awesome!

I feel safer knowing they are part of the Army.

[Iliyah]

28. sheshe2 thanks for the pics!

I'm going to show them to my daughters when they get home!

[sheshe2]

30. Thanks Iliyah...

I hope your daughters love them, they are awesome.

[uponit7771]

35. There are many photos of white male cadets raising their fist in pictures but no investigations

... the person who brought this up as an issues should be court marshaled