The Bite – January 2014
The Knockout Game The Manufacturing of Hysteria By Mark “Six” James For the record, I despise the senseless violent assaults commonly referred to as "the knockout game." Unlike most games there is no sport or fun attributed to these violent acts. I hate anytime cowards choose to inflict violence upon innocent often defenseless people. Contrary to what some would have you believe this game is not new? It has been practiced for decades by Whites, Blacks and people of various colors all over the world (United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Russia). It has served as rites of passage from gang initiations to secret introductions into hate groups to simple assaults by misguided thrill seeking youths. While the assaults are real, so is the often biased and unbalanced reporting which continues to contribute to the manufacturing of the hysteria which is often being driven by those with ulterior motives and often divisive agendas. Race baiting, fear mongering and consistently sensationalizing events, often distorts the judgment of seemingly rational people who are often culturally neutral in their observations and actions. Despite statistics, logic or common sense, fear is a huge motivator. You have a greater likelihood of being struck by lightning than you do of being a victim of the knockout game.
The Bite – “The Knockout Game”
However one person assaulted is one too many. We have seen Blacks, Whites, Browns, Yellows, Jews, Gays and many others senselessly attacked for no reason other than being at the right place at the wrong time. The common denominator in all of the attacks is a lack of moral fiber and a predatory mindset by the attackers, and innocent people with no sense of situational awareness. So, I would like to offer some precautionary advice on how to avoid becoming a victim. Maintaining Situational Awareness While you cannot control the mindset or actions of another you can control your sense of awareness when out in public. Learn to take the ear-buds out of your ears so you can stay attune to environmental sounds and be able to hear someone walking up from behind you. Open your eyes and observe the reflections in store windows or off of shiny cars when you walk down the street to notice someone closing gap on you from the rear. Be mindful of people whose actions may be triggered off of yours or people invading your personal space, etc. If you find a group of youths walking in your direction and you feel uncomfortable don’t be ashamed or afraid to casually step into a retail establishment as if you are browsing for merchandise to allow the youth to pass. If the situation dictates you must walk past the youths, don’t walk on a similar line. Remember distance is your friend, as it increases your reaction time.