Ann Arbor 5th-graders find black doll in tree with chain around neck
Note: This story has been updated to include reactions from parents at Burns Park.
A black doll with a chain around its neck was discovered hanging from a tree on Ann Arbor Public Schools property Tuesday, according to an email from the elementary school’s principal.
Children play outside on the playground at Burns Park Tuesday afternoon. A black doll with a chain wrapped around its neck was discovered in a tree near the playground earlier.
Chris Asadian I AnnArbor.com
District Spokeswoman Liz Margolis said the doll was stuck in between two high limbs in a tree on the east side of the school’s property. She said the position of the doll did not resemble a hanging.
A few of the girls that discovered the doll were black, Margolis said. According to 2010 ethnicity data from the district’s website, fewer than 8 percent of the Burns Park student population is African American. The majority, more than 70 percent, of Burns Park students are white.
Margolis reported Principal Virginia Bell said the pupils handled the incident very maturely and no one was visibly distraught.
Bell said through Margolis that there wasn’t any over-arching issue that arose from the discovery.
“It wasn’t a huge topic of conversation,” Margolis said. “The students were just aware that it was not something that should have been up there and told someone.”
Margolis said Bell was able to remove the doll from the tree.
Burns Park parents who spoke to AnnArbor.com while picking up their students from school Tuesday were universally surprised by the incident.
Matt Thompson, the father of a fifth-grade pupil and another child who previously attended Burns Park, said it was surprising the incident would occur at a school that he sees as very accepting.
“Anybody hanging an effigy like that, it’s very disturbing,” he said.
“It’s very terrible that someone would do such a thing,” he added.
Thompson said school employees care very much about the children and the school’s community. He’s always been happy with the environment at Burns Park.
The accepting nature of the Burns Park community was echoed by other parents as well.
Ann Arbor native Paul Domanski, who has a 6-year-old at the school and plans to enroll another child, said the city is one of the most tolerant places he has ever lived, leaving him stunned to hear about the hanging doll.
“Having grown up in Ann Arbor and then living in other cities, Ann Arbor, despite the perception that Ann Arbor is as bad as other places, is much better than other places (in regards to tolerance),” he said. “And that’s why I’m a little dumbfounded about it.”
One parent, who asked not to be named, called the incident shocking — especially coming on the heels of a meeting with Bell earlier Tuesday that centered on how the various communities at the school are getting the resources they need.
She said the primary question that needs to be answered about the incident is whether the hanging doll was in any way related to the school or an unfortunate coincidence.
Heather Robinson, the mother of a fourth grader at Burns Park, said she was pleased with the school’s reaction.
“The school handled it really well,” she said. “It sounds like they were there right away to take care of it. Unfortunately, being close to the park, these things happen.”
The east side of the elementary's property abuts Burns Park, Margolis said. She added there is no fence separating the playground area from the public area.
She said custodians will walk around the building and check the property this afternoon and in the morning to ensure there are no other concerning items on the grounds.
Thompson said the hanging doll recalled a dark part of American history that is best left in the past.
“It always saddens me to hear about people doing things like this,” he said. “I don’t know what their goal is but I think that, if they think they’re making a statement, they’re really reminding everybody about the ugliness that lives in our souls.”
The following is the email Bell sent to parents:
Dear Parents and Guardians: Today while many of our 4th and 5th graders were outside for recess, a group of 5th-grade students discovered something disturbing in a tree limb on school property. They immediately alerted me and showed me a black toy baby doll in an upper tree limb with a chain wrapped around its neck. The doll was quite high in the tree but it was a disturbing sight to see. The doll was immediately removed from the tree. There were no younger students on the playground and no other students have reported that they saw this as well.All Burns Park teachers have been informed of this situation as well as our Ann Arbor Police liaison officer. We are addressing several of the students who witnessed this incident individually as well as contacting their families. We will also have one of our school psychologists at Burns Park tomorrow for any student who would like additional support or a professional to talk with about this incident.
I know as a community we have absolutely no tolerance for this type of ugly display. It disturbs me that any child had to witness this. I feel confident that no Burns Park student is involved, but rather it is a result of our location so close to a public park. Both school staff and the police will be monitoring the property very closely over the next few weeks.
If you have any concerns regarding your student or questions for me please contact the office.
Sincerely,
Virginia Bell Principal
Kyle Feldscher, cops and courts reporter for AnnArbor.com, contributed to this story.
Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
Emily
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
The fact that this story was blown way out of proportion solely because the doll was black is racism in itself. If society wasn't racist and didn't take races into consideration in situations like this, then no one would've thought more of this than a doll in a tree.
DBH
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
But you seem to contradict yourself. You call the story an example of racism but then state that, if society wasn't racist, not much would have been made of the story. Are you claiming that society isn't racist? If so, that opinion does not match with the facts of contemporary society. Although I think and feel racism has diminished in this country, it has not been eliminated and, given historical evidence through the millennia, probably never will be. So, unfortunately racism still occurs. That is why the doll in the tree IS/WAS a story, as the possibility exists of it representing an act with racist meaning.
James
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
You are spot on Emily.
NorthsideHobbit
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
A few weeks ago I saw a white mannequin hanging from a tree on North State Street (one of the student co-ops). Maybe I should get some counseling!!
UlyssesWrong1
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
Ironically, the response to this story based on these comments seems to be that many are more focused on their own inaccurate and paranoid sense that there is racism against Whites and favoritism towards Blacks instead of being critical of an open display of racial intimidation. How about we speak up about how sad it is that someone would make a mocking and crude display by lynching a Black doll at an elementary school? If it was an elementary school child like I would assume it is, that's especially sad and really reflects how disturbed this child is.
A2centsworth
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
noone said anything about lynching. If you read the article it indicates it did not look like a hanging. you are assuming without any factual information it was a mocking of others meant to intimidate. Lets stick to the facts, which of course it is hard to do, since the reporting in the original story is so shabby.
sandalwood
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.
*sad*
AAPS Student
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
Why is this suddenly happening around the world?!? First in Burns Park the doll in the tree with the chain around its neck, then the bomb threat just announced today at Skyline hi (The note said I have a bomb on Friday, I swear) and then that kid that brought that gun to school and shot and killed 3 people who is now being tried and will probably serve a life sentence in jail! This is happening a lot more lately then in past years.
sandalwood
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
I myselve thinks it because parents, and this is just me!! but parents are letting there're kids at to young of an age to get on the internet. Facebook, or any of the rest of the sights. They get on and read what someone else has done and they might think "that would be cool!!" I have friends that have kid's 7, 8, 9, 10... that have an IPHONE, "Ihad to ask my 35 year old son what it was, and even he said it was said that the kids that age were getting phones like that and being able to get on FACEBOOK! I believe the kid's are going by what they see or read where ever they might be reading it. That goes from gun's, to race!!!!
DBH
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.
I think I can understand your confusion and apparent near-despair. However, I do not think these types of reports reflect a fundamental change in the world, as variations of these activities have been happening for years, decades, centuries, and probably millenia. The Internet has made the existence of such deeds easier to report and, therefore, front and center in the consciousness of many of us. I have read reports that the world today overall is a safer place for its people than in any other time in its history, but it is difficult to appreciate that when news organizations publicize primarily negative events rather than the positive because, face it, that is what attracts readership. It is a skewed view of reality. Please don't let it discourage you from recognizing the good in so many people and pursuing whatever righteous path in your life you deem to be appropriate.
sandalwood
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
Black, white, black white, white, black, white, black. I would have thought by know we were thinking past the color thing by now, I know I am!!! I know some black people I don't care to be around and I know some white people I don't want to be around too. And that includes Asian and others too! It doesn't matter the race, what I look at is the personality of the person. But I believe some are picking out the people by color because of what they show on TV. Have you ever watched "COPS" or "BAIT CAR" or other shows like that? I like watching those's shows. But the majority of the people that are arrested are black! And I have to admite I'm thinking that in the back of my head too. But I do know better. So I have to ask, why are we making such a big deal out of a "doll" that someone threw into a tree, and no one is complaining what's on TV?
thecompound
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
I get your point but you don't have to watch "COPS" or "BAIT CAR". One only needs to watch the 11pm news in Detroit, sadly. I wish it were different, it's not fair to any group of people to be judged by their "bad apples".
A2centsworth
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 10:12 p.m.
Why do I say black instead of 'african american"? Because none of the black people I know are from Africa. Most blacks in the US today of of mixed race. So why dont we call them african/french/german/native american americans? The term African American is insulting as it limits the heritage of all who are called that.
thinker
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
There's probably some little neighborhood girl who's crying because her brother or his friends threw her doll up in the tree. This uproar is nuts! Just advertise for the owner and give it back!
Goofus
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
To paraphrase from fine internet trollery everywhere: "[Doll] Pics... or It Didn't Happen."
Goofus
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
ATTENTION CONCERNED CITIZENS OF BURNS PARK! Goofus and Co. are staging a candlelight vigil to protest the mistreatment of plastic dolls of all colors and creeds tonight in the park. Please be respectful of your neighbors and remember that no dogs, alcohol, or people from Ypsilanti are allowed and all infant strollers must be properly licensed and use right of way at all times. Hybrid and electric cars will receive preferential parking spaces, food catered by Whole Foods and Zingerman's...first come first served. Stop the hatred. Erase Cruelty to Plastic Dolls. Take Back Burns Park for Bobos Everywhere!
Roadman
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
I love it! Only in Ann Arbor.
alarictoo
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
It would certainly help, I think, if Ms. Arndt and the folks at annarbor blog did not try to paint the incident as a throwback to KKK lynchings. While accurate, the headline is meant to be inflammatory. "Ann Arbor 5th-graders find black doll in tree with chain around neck" Yes, it could be meant as something ugly. Or, and I think more likely, it is something coincidental. Kids throwing a toy up, using the chain to get better height and distance (yea, physics!!). Just like my friends and I did with G.I. Joes, then shot them out of the trees with our b.b. guns (G.I Joe WAS a soldier, after all). We did have white and black G.I Joes, and all of them got flung up and shot down. There was nothing racially intended in our play, it was simply play. I would be a lot more concerned if there had been a rope noose tied around the doll's neck. That would have been a statement.
KMHall
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.
As we have said many times here, the intention has nothing to do with the fact that it could be upsetting to some students and families.
HeimerBoodle
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.
Given that the school can't know the intent for certain, and that what happens evokes loaded and hateful imagery, I don't see any problem with their response. I'd rather have some "overreaction" (hint: it's really not) than not have kids understand that this could be really hurtful. Even if, as some have speculated, the doll wasn't purposefully positioned to look like a lynching, kids should be taught that those images should never be used, even as a joke. I for one would be thankful if my child got that message, and took it to heart regardless of why the doll was in the tree.
sonya lewis
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
I am struggling to understand all of the commenters who complain that this event is "blown out of proportion". I can only imagine the uproar that would have occured had this incident been ignored. Clearly we have no way of knowing exactly how the doll came to be hanging in the tree - we weren't present when it happenened. Possibly it was thrown up there innocently with no intention hatred. However, regardless of how this happened, it is an image that conjures memories of one of the darkest, terrifying periods of our recent history. The fifth graders who discovered it correctly recognized that this sight was disturbing and worthy of reporting to an adult. The principal was right to address the situation promptly, and to underscore that images that suggest hatred will not be tolerated in our community. I applaud her swift and definitive action.
A2centsworth
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.
If the "incident" was ignored, it would not have made the news prompting so many people to assume so many different things. How did ann arbor news get a hold of this story anyway? What makes this a newsworthy story? A school principal retrieved a toy from a tree.... WOW, lets all make a big deal about nothing.... and still Johnny can't read....
KMHall
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
Thanks for the sanity. The insensitivity of some of the comments is discouraging.
lumberg48108
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
Still the lead story heh? good for clicks I guess
thecompound
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
Funny how stories critical to aaps/administrators seem to go "poof" very quickly though.
mdp8045
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
This is absolutely disgusting to hear some of the comments of the people of Ann Arbor, and the Burns park community. A few things come to mind as I read what some of you are saying. White privilege, naive, and not wanting to face the truth. The comments from the people in this community are showing why that community is the way it is. Outsiders will never feel welcomed within that community. And I think "tolerance" is a very disturbing word to use. The fact that a doll was found hanging in a tree isn't what's disturbing me anymore... it's the comments, and reactions from the people from within that community that are alarming. You all just don't know, or don't care to know... or know, but prefer to stay inside of your bubble. There are people in southern parts of this country who are being lynched to this day... so this is still a relevant and touchy topic for many people.
ferdcom
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
The doll WAS NOT "hanging".
justcurious
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
Some of us are perfectly aware of "Strange Fruit" and deplore what it means, but this incident showed enormous oversensitivity on the part of the Principal.
genetracy
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
So people in the south "are being lynched to this day"? Really? In the day of instant media, I guess everyone with a cell phone camera is missing the daily lynchings down south. The last lynching I recall was James Byrd in Texas. The two white guys who killed him received death penalties. I think one has been executed and the other has left wing, anti-death penalty groups trying to free him.
thinker
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
One of our kids sent a doll via parachute up in the air once, many years ago, near Forsythe school. It landed in a tree. It happened to be a paratrooper. If it were found up in the tree where it landed, would there be a furor that someone hated paratroopers, and the lines wrapped around its neck meant he was being hanged? This is silly!
HeimerBoodle
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
Right, because paratroopers are a historically oppressed group that suffered vigilante death squads (bolstered by the existing establishment) organized to "keep them in their place". Context is clearly important here - I'm guessing deep down you know that, and if you don't, please learn why. Regardless of the intent, or how the doll got there, the image is incredibly disturbing and offensive. The school was right to address it.
glimmertwin
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
Congratulations Ann Arbor New! The perpetrator(s) got the attention that they wanted - all courtesy of this story.
Will
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:18 p.m.
What kind of chain was it? A black iron manacle around the neck means one thing, a slender gold chain with a little heart, worn around the neck means quite another. Calling it a 'chain' without further qualification seems a little reckless.
lordhelmet
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.
Dr. Bell said one thing absolutely true of liberals but perhaps not how she intended it... "we have absolutely no tolerance......" Other than that, psychologists for the kids? Really? This was such "trauma"? More manufactured outrage from the left. Meanwhile, check out the crime pages in annarbor.com for the price of such pathological "tolerance of diversity".
KMHall
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
No one is manufacturing outrage except over the ignorance of some comments. The school simply acted with respectful caution.
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.
I wonder if we have any historical data with regard to these types of black effigies being placed in and around school properties that are in predominately affluent (and white) districts. My point is that these types of racially charged effigies were common place back in the 70s when 'School Busing' was adopted (and enforced) back in the 70s. So, it would be interesting to see if we this renewed (and disturbing) trend is with tied to perhaps a new mandate such as the newly adopted all day kindergarten program?
McGiver
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 11:01 a.m.
The ugliness that lives in our souls? Speak for yourself, Thompson
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 10:39 a.m.
Oh great, now we have the "practical minded geniuses" decrying a school principal's vigilance! Probably, some of them are in the group which "figured out" that paying $700 K for a rather disappointing phallic artwork for city hall is "bad" and also figured out 1000 ways that sum should have been spent. (coming to about $700 per cause) . Personally, I think Principal Virginia Bell deserves a $700 K bonus for her diligence and vigilance in service to the kids at Burns Park Elementary. I also think some people ought to pursue education on the topic of the power of symbolism - versus the power of snarky comments.
ferdcom
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Typical attitude. Anyone who disagrees with you must be ignorant and uneducated (or per Barney Frank "crazy") because to admit otherwise might mean you were wrong.
justcurious
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
Oh please, talk about an over reaction...I just read it.
motorcycleminer
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 10:21 a.m.
What no grief counselors ...wheres the ACLU when you need them , or perhaps homeland security or Holders henchman ..this could be the beginnings of an underground movement or worse.....Chicken Littles.....
Dave
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 4:31 a.m.
Wow! Way to make a mountain out of a mole hill here people! Way to assume the worst and make this a racial thing when it really isn't. The people all bent out of shape over this are the insecure ones that are quick to slap a label on the race of the doll. Deep down they are the racists. Bringing attention to this issue goes to show how segregated we still are. The blacks cry foul. The whites think it is silly. I guess everyone forgot that the hispanics are a larger minority than the blacks now. Stop being so quick to slap a color on something and THINK you know what happened. It's wrong to assume. It shows our kids just how bitter we are. We're better than that. This is Ann Arbor. It should just be...a doll was found hanging with a chain on it. End of story.
KMHall
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
There are no assumptions being made. The image of the doll could be very disturbing to some students and appropriate measures were taken.
Dave
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 4:25 a.m.
I'm glad they at least called the doll black. It could have been a doll from South America and calling it an African American doll would have been politically incorrect.
Jim Osborn
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
In one of my university classes 4 years ago, students kept referring to a foreign student, man from Africa, as "African American". They got upset when I replied that "he is not American, he is a foreign national from Africa, here on a visa."
bunnyabbot
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:28 a.m.
ha! that reminds me of the time I was in Germany years ago with kids from my highschool German Class. One of the girls I was with totally mortified me in a "Doh" moment, she called a black man an African American. Oh boy. He went off on her. He was British (although he had a Caribbean accent, but none the less British) "I am not African, I am British, and I am sure as H not American!" the same exact senario happened while I was traveling in Canada. The US is probably the only place I can think of that calling someone black is politically incorrect. You don't hear the term African-Canadian or African-Swede or African-Spainard.
Goofus
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 4:23 a.m.
Good reporting would have got us all a picture of the doll.
P
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 5:42 a.m.
Good reporting would have put quotes in their proper context. Or not effectively ambushed parents and suggested to those unaware of the situation that a doll was "lynched", as it were.
aabm22
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
This doll was on the ground in the park over the weekend. It was just a random toy that appeared to be left behind and I did not see a chain on it. Which means it was not brought into this area and put into a tree as a premeditated act of violence. Yes, someone possibly could have done that and meant something by it after they found it (which I agree would be wrong) but it also could have just been kids picking up a toy and putting it in a tree because they thought it was funny to have something out of reach. They may not have even thought about the skin color or anything else. Who knows about the "chain" part, or what that was made of? Was it a real chain? Something just tied on it? A necklace to a girl doll? If it wasn't in a hanging position as stated in the article, why does it keep getting hyped up that it was "hung"? A whole lot of negative comments are now being made based on assumptions about a toy. Also, there are a variety of people that frequent this park; not just the kids that attend Burns Park. Instead of making possible unfair inferences about the tolerance level of the students that go to this school or the families in the area, is it not possible that older kids, college students that often go there due to its location, anyone--could have been responsible and it's not a reflection of how Burns Park students now need some sort of race awareness training? Of course someone who attends/lives there could have in fact done it and meant something by it, but someone also could have meant nothing by it at all. If in fact it was not done out of malice and ill intent, people are now making critical judgements and comments about a neighborhood, demographics of a school, race, and this town---which usually is admired for being accepting of and celebrating different races and diversity--and we should try not to bash one another for possibly one person's bad choice, or nothing at all.
aabm22
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Not that it would have been good if it already had a chain on it either when it was on the ground and wasnt in a tree...but just might be helpful to know as far as purpose.
aabm22
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
You're welcome. I just thought it would be helpful to know we had seen it earlier in the week so people knew it didn't come into the park this way. I wish now I would have looked closer to see if anything was already on it like the chain they're mentioning because it would make a difference to know if it was already something just on it, and then once in a tree it looked very offensive, or if someone found something later on and put it on to make a statement. My kids just left it after noticing it thinking someone just forgot it and would come back. When I saw the article I was surprised and remembered seeing it. I hope nothing was meant by it and can understand why it would be upsetting if it was. It would be nice if they would clarify what was on it that they're referring to as a chain.
justcurious
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:08 p.m.
Ah hah! An eye witness. Thanks!
zanzerbar
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:40 a.m.
Thank You
demistify
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.
Now that we are agreed that racism against African-Americans still exists in Ann Arbor, how about a City Council resolution condemning it. That appears to be more relevant that the previous resolution against Islamophobia. I cannot recall a story about an Arab doll being strung up.
P
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 5:31 a.m.
And most Russians are "Asian", yet "White" at the same time. Further proof that the system of Affirmative Action needs to be scrapped.
Roadman
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
@Dave: Good point. A Melanisian from the South Pacific is black. Arabs and Berbers from North Africa are "African-American" when the immigrate to the U.S.
Dave
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 4:32 a.m.
It's a black doll...not African American doll.
treetowncartel
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:38 a.m.
We should worry more about our president being burned in effigy half way around the globe today. Thisevent is a teaching moment while the goings on if Afghanistan could spark a Jihad unlike anything we have seen before. I do have to say the folowing qoute is somewhat disturbing though. "Thompson said the hanging doll recalled a dark part of American history that is best left in the past"
P
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 5:29 a.m.
Why was the President halfway across the globe? And where was the Secret Service or the military when this happened?? Oh... you meant they burned a representation of him. Big F'in deal. I'd still probably rather have them teach my son than move to Wisconsin... where teachers care more about putting Hitler mustaches on the governor for passing a law cutting their benefits and wages - among best in the nation both straight up and for cost of living - than they do about teaching children. I'll stay in A2 where I can count on a great school system, and I know the area better than Garmin.
Davidian
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 1:46 a.m.
In 5th grade, my class was on a field trip and we saw guts and bloody clothing hanging from a tree from a guy that committed suicide earlier that morning. We talked about it, and that was it. Nobody panicked, freaked out, or over-reacted....and it wasn't a doll on a chain way up in a tree where kids could barely see it. I think we need stronger leaders than this. This over-sensitivity and politicial correctness is just ridiculous. Get a grip already.
A2centsworth
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
thank you Davidian for the reality check.
justcurious
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
You saw that!! I don't think I would ever forget something like that. Must have been awful.
Left is Right
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.
One such incident must be the start of a pattern.
zanzerbar
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
Everyone one needs to chill out. It was probably kids playing and found something and simply threw it up, where it landed in a tree. Oh my gosh, it was a doll that happened to be black. and the chain...who knows where they found that.Chill Out.
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
keepingitreal, Just how many NATIVE Americans were killed in this country, I think the whole story here is blown out of proportion.
KeepingItReal
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 : 5:23 p.m.
Citizen and P: You guys just don't get it do you?
P
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 5:23 a.m.
Are we counting native Americans who died in the war of 1812, the Civil War, and WWII?
a2citizen
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:16 a.m.
Really. And +350K white guys died for the Union in the Civil War.
Annie
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:09 a.m.
I am a mother and live in Burns Park. Call me crazy, but I am not at all alarmed. Has anyone ever been to the Heidelberg Project in Detroit? There are all kinds of things hanging from trees there. White dolls, black dolls, stuffed animals, shoes, clothes...there it's called art. Perhaps it is one of the projects the city is working on? LOL (tongue-in-cheek). As a sidenote, does anyone else find it curious that everyone is referring to the doll as "black"? Not "African" or "African American"? The doll itself isn't black...it's brown. And I bet the kids told the teacher that there was just a "doll" in the tree and when the teacher investigated, he/she found it was a "black" doll. Kids don't typically notice different races...and the bigger you make the issue, the more the kids are going to think that this IS a big deal. They are not congnitively ready to deal with race issues. I really hope this wasn't made out to be a big deal to the children....
P
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 5:21 a.m.
"Black" is the CORRECT term. "African American" has been PC, but is horrifically incorrect for many people who are of the same skin color. Furthermore, why is it "African American", but not "Asian American", and "European American"? Why do we feel the need to define things based on race? Because of people like Fred Phelps and Al Sharpton who are living in 1960? To my knowledge it wasn't made out as a big deal to the children; my son certainly made no mention of it - and he's a talker. So I figure it was kept among the staff, as it should have been. Which is exactly what I would expect from Dr. Bell and the teachers at Burns Park.
A2centsworth
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
Why do I say black instead of 'african american"? Because none of the black people I know are from Africa. Most blacks in the US today of of mixed race. So why dont we call them african/french/german/native american americans? The term African American is insulting as it limits the heritage of all who are called that.
a2citizen
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:13 a.m.
Annie, my seven-year-old thinks "blacks" have brown skin. I haven't bothered giving her the PC explanation. I get a chuckle out of the innocence of her observation and wondering who she is going to (eventually) upset.
RUKiddingMe
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
The really worrisome thing here is that this story is not a joke. I sometimes send things to friends/family that are humorous in a "can you believe this town is like this" way, but this one I kept to myself. It's just too embarrassing.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
Why no outrage for the sneakers? Someone clearly has a hatred for sneakers in this town, yet one doll gets hung and everyones up in arms.
Left is Right
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
Sneakers mark where one can obtain drugs.
RUKiddingMe
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:01 a.m.
They're never BLACK sneakers.
Bulldog
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 11:37 p.m.
I'm wondering what Glen Singleton and his group would think of this? Perhaps we could pay them to consult with Burns Park.
Sandra Samons
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
In my mind the term tolerance (as quoted from the article) implies that you simply put up with something (usually because you must). Acceptance is a somewhat better term, but still implies a degree of magnanimity on the part of the one who is doing the accepting. Maybe if we started to use the term appreciate in reference to diversity incidents like this would become things of the past. After all, diversity does truly enrich our culture for ALL of us.
P
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 5:12 a.m.
tolerant adj 1. able to tolerate the beliefs, actions, opinions, etc., of others 2. permissive 3. able to withstand extremes, as of heat and cold 4. (Medicine) Med (of a patient) exhibiting tolerance to a drug Synonyms: broad-minded, liberal broad-minded adj 1. tolerant of opposing viewpoints; not prejudiced; liberal 2. not easily shocked by permissive sexual habits, pornography, etc liberal adj 1.a. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry. 1.b. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded. 1.c. Of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism. 1.d. Liberal Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political liberalism, especially in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. 2.a. Tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor. 2.b. Generous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes. 3. Not strict or literal; loose or approximate: a liberal translation. 4. Of, relating to, or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education. 5.a. Archaic Permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman. 5.b. Obsolete Morally unrestrained; licentious. Tolerant/Tolerance seems appropriate when you compare it to its synonyms, no? Certainly accepting/acceptance is befitting as well, but tolerant is hardly "willing to put up with a nuisance" as you seem to suggest. Your suggested definition could be more accurately defined as "apathetic intolerance" where one does not like the situation, but is not motivated to put forth the effort to change it. That term could be applied to up to 76% of female voters nationally, based on the last election cycle.
Jeff Gaynor
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
@Major: "Color Blind" Burns Park? Really? I live in Burns Park. Don't see too many People of Color around here. Is that what you mean?
P
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 4:56 a.m.
As a Burns Park parent, I can tell you for certain that although the surrounding neighborhood is predominantly white (my child buses in, but has friends there) the school teachers, staff, and students have not shown any signs of racial preference. Of all of the schools I have been associated with in my life, it might be the most color-blind. Which, in my opinion, is incredibly high praise in this day of Affirmative Action where we treat minorities as if they need an extra helping hand in everything they do by giving them bonus points, instead of giving them the extra educational opportunity that would actually be beneficial.
A2centsworth
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
I think it has to do with housing prices. Not everything is a race issue.
Fred Ferrett
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
If this is considered newsworthy, then let's bring up Madonna Constantine, Tawana Brawley or Crystal Gail Mangum shall we? I'm fed up with MSM stories such as this that are designed to create controversy where none exists. You want to report the story then do so after the "investigation" likely reveals it was nothing more than a prank by a child member of the very race that this paper claims is being targeted.......
A2centsworth
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.
Ann Arbor seems to be famous for its oversensitivity to color. Not everything is a race issue. Not every occurance is an insult to any certain group of people. I think this kind of treatement is patronizing to the black community, and I am shocked and surprised the black community does not think so. Things like "african american parents day" at school, only further sets apart the black community. (Why not simply Parents Day?) There is truth to the idea that pointing people out by making them "special" in some way, continues to perpetuate the concept that they are not equal. This was simply a childs toy tossed into a tree. How many times have we seen sneakers tossed up onto a phone wire? Does that mean someone is being threatened with dismemberment? Of course not. Let's get real people.
A2centsworth
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
@justcurious. On yes, in the ann arbor school system they actually have an African American parents day,.... not a parents day... As it was explained to me by an african american principal of one of the elementary schools in town, that African American parents day is held to encourage the african american parents to come to the school on parents day to view the kids work, etc. I do not understand why this particular race needs a special day just for them. When I asked, when they were having a parents day for the families of my race, I was told they were not and I was welcome to come to the African American Parents day. I arrived at the school for the first and only time I went, the place was packed and only 2 african american parents showed up. Another ridiculous way Ann Arbor creates separation of the races and by focusing on the african americans of this town, continues to show them as separate and different not equal. When those in charge continue to tell a subgroup that they are special and different, everyone else comes to look upon them as secondary to the rest of the groups. It is an insidious way those in charge can maintain their superiority. The baffling thing is why do the African Americans in this town put up with being singled out and made to appear inferior?
justcurious
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
You're response seems the most valid so far in reading this. "African American Parents Day"??
KeepingItReal
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
I hope this is simply a case of a kid tossing something into a tree and I wish that kid would come forth to end this controversy. Unfortunately, race continues to play a significant role in the live of people in this country and while I think its admirable that one wish it didn't unfortunately that's not the case.
Major
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.
This is an overreaction to a non incident. I can understand the concern, but this is..I live there...Burns Park for crying out loud! Probably one of, if not the most, "color blind" neighborhoods in town!! Willing to bet my rusting ice skates it was simply kids playing, boys being boys no doubt!
Major
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
Michigan Man, it has not slipped, sans the dark shadow of "PC" anyway! This is a very good example of the paranoia, mistrust and general waste of time it brings. Burns Park is still Ann Arbors little jewel!
Michigan Man
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
Major - I also grew up in Burns Parks years ago (50's + 60's) and attended Burns Park. I thought everyone in Burns Parks was racially progressive, enlightened and politically correct. Please do not tell me that the quality of living in Burns Park has slipped?
bunnyabbot
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
I find it funny that the story was updated to include quotes from parents picking up their kids from school. Were the parents approached and asked a specific question or lead to believe the doll was "hanging" (like lynched?) I say this b/c a few parents seemed to immediately assume this was an effigy hanging and shocked b/c Ann Arbor or the school is so "tolerant" (of what black people?) some people get all upset about a (black) baby doll hanging in a tree yet they don't get upset knowing the fact that millions of (black) babies are murdered every year under the guise of "reproductive rights"
P
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 4:50 a.m.
The parents were approached by annarbor.com "reporters" when picking up their children. At least one parent I know for certain had not seen Dr. Bell's email, and was led to believe that rather than simply hanging in a tree by a "chain" (more than likely a necklace) that it was a rope or something similar and was intended clearly as a racial effigy. As a former journalist, I was absolutely appalled by: a) the conduct of the "reporter" in his "assault interview" tactics. b) the fact that the reporter gave suggestive facts to parents in order to get a race-related reaction about what likely was not a racial incident at all. c) the use of parents' quotes out of context. But hey, that's what happens when you shut down a professional newspaper and replace the staff with a bunch of college students who can barely be called bloggers. It's a good thing they changed the name, because www.annarbor.com is a disgrace compared to what the Ann Arbor News was - for both content and editing.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
I started to type thousands every year (in the US) but actually typed in millions (world wide) and hit submit before editing completely.
DBH
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968), U.S. clergyman, civil rights leader. Strength to Love, ch. 4, sct. 3 (1963).
KeepingItReal
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
I'm clearly making an assumption here, but I suppose that except for a "few of the girls who discovered the doll were black," all of adults who initially investigated this incident were white. "Bell said through Margolis that there wasn't any over-arching issues that arose from the discovery." Principal Bell, if those kids knew something was not right about this incident, then you adults should also. While I can understand the parents in that neighborhood feeling that they are very accepting, ask some kids from Hikone Housing what their experience has been.
djacks24
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
If the doll was white, this wouldn't even be a story. It would be just a doll hanging from a tree.
A2centsworth
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
djacks24: it is called reverse discrimination, a very popular thing in Ann Arbor.
DBH
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.
@MIKE, thanks for the clarification. It's not that the doll is being discussed as a victim (it is, after all, an inanimate object), it's that the doll MAY represent or symbolize a chapter in American history during which blacks were disproportionately unjustly killed by white lynch mobs without deemed legal justification. As a form of carrying out a legal death sentence, more whites than blacks may have been hanged (and I would appreciate a reference from you showing that, if true), but that possible fact really is next to meaningless unless you include what percentage of whites vs. blacks were hanged. I doubt a greater percentage of whites than blacks were hanged at any point in our history but, if you have information that shows the contrary and supports your initial reply, I would very much like to know of it. Since we do not know what the motivation was of the person who wrapped the chain around the doll's neck and put it in the tree, the incident could be assumed to be innocent and, therefore, simply more or less ignored, or it could be assumed to be a deliberate representation of something left open to interpretation. Given the well-known past history of lynching blacks in this country, if the incident of this doll was meant to portray something by the person who put it in the tree, the association with lynching would not be unreasonable in my opinion. Clearly, since I am not the person who put the doll in the tree, I do not know what the motivation was, and no one can. But to assume and act as if there was no malicious intent in this act is as naive as assuming that it's a certainty that there was. Malicious intent is a possibility and rightly should have engendered the actions undertaken by the principal and the discussion on this site. It's not silly.
MIKE
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 6:34 p.m.
DBH, I said that more White Humans have been hung than Black Humans in the entire history of this country. That includes horse thieves, bank robbers, murderers, etc. It's possible more Blacks have been lynched, but unless you're claiming this doll is the victim of a lynch mob, it's irrelevant. It's also silly that we're talking about a doll being a victim.
DBH
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
@MIKE, where did you see the use of the phrase "lynched mobbed?" Lynch mob is a noun, not a verb. Were you referring in your comment from yesterday (to which I replied with the reference) to more white DOLLS than black DOLLS were hung? If so, where and when are you referring? If not (the terms whites and blacks usually are used to refer to humans, as in the comment immediately preceding yours (which uses the word "hung" by the way), and to which your reply seemed directed), then I don't see what point your reply to mine is trying to make. During the half century mentioned in my reply, the lynchings were usually done by hangings though, technically, lynchings could be carried out by some extrajudicial manner other than hanging. Lynching is, however, commonly understood by most as being hanged without legal sanction.
MIKE
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
DBH, I said hung, not "lynched mobbed" (whatever that is). Go look it up again. Unless you're saying this doll was a victim of a "lynch mob"?
Stupid Hick
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
djacks, is it not obvious to you that a black doll hanging is as much a symbol of archetypical American racism as a burning cross? Let me put it another way: if a black doll were found in a toy oven on the playground it probably wouldn't be news, but if a Jewish doll were found in an oven it might be. Because it would be symbolic.
DBH
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.
@MIKE, yes it would surprise me. There are "2805 [documented] victims of lynch mobs killed between 1882 and 1930 in ten southern states. Although mobs murdered almost 300 white men and women, the vast majority (almost 2,500) of lynch victims were African-American. Of these black victims, 94 percent died in the hands of white lynch mobs. The scale of this carnage means that, on the average, a black man, woman, or child was murdered nearly once a week, every week, between 1882 and 1930 by a hate-driven white mob" (ix). See <a href="http://www.umass.edu/complit/aclanet/USLynch.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.umass.edu/complit/aclanet/USLynch.html</a>
MIKE
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 11:41 p.m.
Would it surprise you to find out that more whites were hung than blacks?
KeepingItReal
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
Look at the history of Blacks in this country, hanging an lynching. Over 5,000 Blacks were hung in this country after the civil war until the early 60s. Your comment is a good example as to why race dialogue is useless.
Major
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:22 p.m.
djacks24, you're not being "PC". I hear you, but you won't get anything but deleted here, I'm surprised your comment is still up!!
djacks24
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
My point is, why would it not be disturbing if the doll was white?
KMHall
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:09 p.m.
Of course, but what is your point? It being black makes it disturbing.
KMHall
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
The intention of the person who put the doll in the tree isn't what matters. What matters is the possible effect on the students. The effect is not simply the immediate reaction, but also what ensues as it gets talked over by the students and their friends. We are obligated to create and maintain a safe environment in the schools and we are talking about emotional safety as well as physical safety. A school has to get ahead of a story which would be reported to parents and friends and which would easily become distorted.
MiMominA2
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
The Principal was right to address it with a letter to the parents. If my child came home with a story of a doll found with a chain around its neck I would like a little more information and to know that the school was taking it seriously. And the fact that they do share an OPEN park for recess I think the parents are owed that much. As a former parent of a Burn's Park student (one who did not live in the neighborhood) the dynamic there is very different. The racial mix up is by design not by chance. I never really felt welcomed into the "click". I also felt like a less then when they would offer summer tutoring for just the bussed kids in the summer held at the apartment complex's club house for that "extra attention". To get back on topic if this type of incident went without mention I think you would have some very angry parents. Now on the topic is this newsworthy. I don't really think so.
A2centsworth
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.
and then there would be those that would complain if there was no extra attention.
local
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 11:41 p.m.
MiMominA2 I appreciate your honesty about Burns Park. I think in any neighborhood school, these dynamics are in place. I liked your pigeon holed comment, I think the address and the extra "things" they might do make it even worse. I guess if they are going to offer it for those at one address, they should offer it for all. Does seem kind of... can't think of the word!! I think you get it!
MiMominA2
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:50 p.m.
I am not saying I did not feel welcome by the school or the staff. And some parents were nice and spoke at functions although many did not. It was clear though that most of the parents knew each other well and spent time within that social circle. Our socioeconomic and social circles were quite different. Now don't get me wrong first and foremost is my son's education so when moving to the A2 area I was very happy to hear he was going to such a high performing school. But the social aspect was not something I anticipated. After moving to the West side our experience has been totally different. As far as the summer program my son did not participate. He is very strong academically. But I am sure it benefited those who needed it. Just sort of felt like we were being pigeon holed due to our address if you get what I am saying.
local
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
Agree, the district has set up a situation at Burns Park where as an outsider you might feel this way (group of kids bussed in from multiple apartment complexes). With that being said, I am sure there were many opportunities for you to volunteer your time and to become part of the school community. As for the summer work time with the kids, was it valuable for the kids? As for wanting to know, I would want to know, but I think it might be blown out of proportion a bit.
Bulldog
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:09 p.m.
Interesting perspective!
A2centsworth
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
It would appear that there is so little newsworthy stories happening that irrelevent goings on seem to be making it into the news, rendering annarbor.com nothing more than another facebook.
Roadman
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.
I will chalk this up to an immature prankster or pranksters rather than hard-core racist elements in the school system. I think the principal has blown the matter out of proportion and all the publicity this has gotten is unwarranted. How many times have we seen racist slogans on rest room room walls in schools? It is important to point we do not know who is responsible for these acts so the principal's quote "I feel confident no Burns Park student is involved" is both self-serving and presumptive.
Goofus
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
Holy over-reaction Bat-Man, sounds like that Principal Bell needs a gentle reminder from the Superintendent not to give publicity to ignorance by publicizing it and sending letters home advertising what happened so that it gets blown way way out of proportion by all the news media.
javajolt1
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
This entire thing is troublesome. "A black doll with a chain around its neck was discovered hanging from a tree" ooook... then someone found a random doll? "The position of the doll did not resemble a hanging" sooo..what is being implied here? Can the 'blackness' of the doll be described in the story without creating ambiguity? Did it 'happen' to be black as some dolls happen to be blue or pink or red? Or did the 'blackness' of the doll indicate the dolls race? Unclear. That's a pretty salient part of this veiled allegation. Finally, whether or not it was what it appears from this story it was not.....there are sick idiots everywhere, why blow something like this out of all proportion? It is probably likely there was nothing nepharious about the incident. But in this culture, we have to jump to the conclusion there was. Sad.
Lola Killey
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
Why is this even in the news? I'll answer my own question. It is in the news because the principal made it a racially divisive issue. The children weren't visibly distraught. If someone wanted to create a disturbing scene for children, that person would have probably done something more graphic. I agree with the person who suggested that this was probably a sibling prank, or something more along that line.
Ally
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
Now the question is how do we get the UofM to respond this quickly?
Former A2rite
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
Oh, for goodness sakes - are people that ignorant around here?! No one wraps a chain around a black (or white) doll's neck and throws it in a tree except for one trying to make a terrible, definitive statement! It scares me to know there are too many folks out here who believe this is a non-issue, let alone think it's something to joke about! If anyone knows anything about history and about what still goes on today in the US with the number of hate crimes and immoral racial/gender acts would realize the huge significance of this display! Stop the ignorance and recognize! P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C people!!!
UlyssesWrong1
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
A2rite is so right. I'm glad to find sanity in the comments section on news articles SOMEWHERE.
jns131
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
OK Henny Penny, take a chill pill and lets sort the whole thing out. Unless Peter is crying wolf again, we really need to look at the children and realize that they are laughing at the adults who are running around thinking o the sham of it all. Time to move on adults, the children have too.
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
I bet A LOT of things scare you.
jcj
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! "Oh, for goodness sakes - are people that ignorant around here?" You answered your own question with your post! Glad your a "FormerA2rite!
ferdcom
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
"No one wraps a chain ..... except for one trying to make a terrible statement". Really?? How about someone (maybe even a fifth grader who wants to stir up some commotion (like e-mails to parents and psychologists coming to school). They'll get more attention throwing a black doll in a tree than a white doll and they know it.
Mike
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Are you serious or are you being facetious? I can't tell. What hate crimes are you talking about? the ones where a gang of black youths beat up a white person and everyone looks the other way? Or do you mean the other way around? Everything seems to be called a hate crime these days but only when it is white on black never the other way around. ANYONE beating on someone doesn't do it because they love them; this whole hate crime thing disgusts me in this day and age. Always looking for a victim and someone to punish.........
bunnyabbot
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
well here you can look at it through historical lenses and take "black doll in tree" (which is stated above did not resemble a "hanging") or common sense lenses of "a doll was hanging in a tree" and the doll happened to be black and happened to not be white. Just because something at one time or another was deemed menacing doesn't mean that everything within general perimeters is menacing all of the time. Or perhaps everything should be generalized or stereotyped or profiled? I thought that is what people were always complaining about.
f4phantomII
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Teaching point: The world is overstocked with idiots
Silly Sally
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
"I feel confident that no Burns Park student is involved, but rather it is a result of our location so close to a public park" How would she know? Kids are smart, and her reaction is exactly what kids would want to see. An alternative is a locakl civil rights group trying to get a "teaching moment" for all to hear. Their very own soap box. Well done. Of course this is not to be tolerated, but are we all making a big deal out of it and giving them what they what, whoever "they" are?
bunnyabbot
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
"We will also have one of our school psychologists at Burns Park" is that really necessary? we saw worse things on the playground when I was growing up and we all turned out fine.
Michigan Man
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 10:07 p.m.
I attended Burns Park back in the 1950's = white boy who lived up by Tappan. Burns Park, to me, was like every other school. Had many a fight on the Burns Park playgrounds, as well as the tennis courts. Sounds like things are about the same?
tdw
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
Ah...but did you ?
Mike
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
It is absolutely necessary..........nuff said
ferdcom
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
Sounds like no one was disturbed except Principal Bell.
DBH
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
@Cameron McClain, wild guesses aren't always correct. Yours was not.
Cameron McLain
Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
heres a wild guess, dbh is a minority, and thinks that they were treated oh so bad
DBH
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
"Exactly, I never knew how much of an issue racism was until I grew up." @djacks24, let me take a wild guess - you're not part of a racial minority, are you?
djacks24
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
"I have noticed one thing, it is always the adults that get hinky and the children just blow it off. Why can't we be as children and laugh the whole thing off." Exactly, I never knew how much of an issue racism was until I grew up.
jns131
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 9 p.m.
I have noticed one thing, it is always the adults that get hinky and the children just blow it off. Why can't we be as children and laugh the whole thing off. It happens and we as adults should too.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
so here it did not resemble a "hanging" and most likely was some kid either threw it up there or climbed it up there in order to tease another child (like a sibling) or they just found the doll and hung in there so it could possibly be found by the owner and the doll just happened to not be white. So we have to send a notice to parents for this? If it did not resemble a hanging would they have done as much if it were a bear, a ninja turtle, a shoe or a balloon? Seems very non issue.