New Jersey Anti-Violence Activists Brawl During Anti-Violence Rally

Bogey Wells10 years ago

We all say things we don’t mean. I told her I loved her. She told me to put on pants and get the fuck out of her bushes. She didn’t mean what she said. The cops didn’t quite understand that it was all a misunderstanding, but in my heart I knew the truth. A restraining order is only a piece of refined tree, after all.

A similar misunderstanding seems to have occurred in Newark, N.J. (an absolutely vibrant and thriving city) when two groups of anti-violence activists starting beating the shit out of each other during an anti-violence rally.

From NJ.com:

A skirmish broke out between rival activists on the steps of City Hall Wednesday during what had been intended as a demonstration against violence in Newark.

Police were called to the scene after a small crowd began arguing over escalating violence and the city’s attempts to curb it.

…

It soon evolved into an intense face-off between Jackson and Muhammad, which then erupted into a skirmish between members of the two camps. At one point, Barnes put his hands around Muhammad’s neck and pushed him to the ground.

On the surface, this reeks of hypocrisy. Two groups against throwing ‘bows and gunning each other down start fighting over the issue of violence? Jesus. You have to look past the surface, though. This wasn’t a prime example of hypocrisy and stupidity that couldn’t be made up by even the most legendary fiction author and is only seen in ridiculous fringe groups within our society. No, this was entirely a misunderstanding.

You see, these two groups were merely displaying to the public what can happen when groups of people are unsure how to interact civilly with one another when a debate is started. As we see, their incredibly believable demonstration shows how easily everything can get out of hand. Absolutely superb acting. Toss in a hit song or two and we can take this show to Broadway. Bravo.

In an interview after the event, Ismail said he hoped his group’s message would not be lost due to the physical altercation.

Do as I say, not as I do. The message of champions..

[via NJ.com]

Image via South Park Studios