West Point is investigating a photo that shows 16 black female cadets in uniform displaying raised fists outside a U.S. Military Academy barracks.
“We can confirm that the cadets in this photo are members of the U.S. Military Academy's Class of 2016,” said West Point’s director of public affairs Lt. Col. Christopher Kasker in an emailed statement. “Academy officials are conducting an inquiry into the matter."While many details are unknown about the photo, the image has been shared widely in military circles, with claims the women are supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
The raised fist is a symbol associated with Black Lives Matter, although it’s been used for centuries to symbolize resistance by a number of groups, from labor unions to suffragists to socialists to the Black Panthers.
The official Black Lives Matter website describes itself as a “chapter-based national organization working for the validity of Black life. We are working to (re)build the Black liberation movement.” It was created in 2012 following the death of Trayvon Martin.
Army Times received the photo Wednesday from several readers who are concerned the women violated Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces. The policy provides a list of political do's and don’ts for service members and cautions against "partisan political activity" when in uniform.
John Burk — a motivational coach, online firebrand and former soldier — criticized the image Wednesday via his fitness website In The Arena. He said the women may run afoul a section of the policy that says troops may not “Display a partisan political sign, poster, banner, or similar device visible to the public at one’s residence on a military installation, even if that residence is part of a privatized housing development.” His post on Facebook was shared more than 1,200 times, which helped to fuel speculation and raise concerns.
An email requesting comment from Black Lives Matter leadership was not immediately returned.
8. "anything blackfolks do will get tied to that movement" In response to Reply # 6 Thu May-05-16 12:06 PM by Selah
the same way Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are/were our leaders
there *always* has to be a singular boogeyman
you know that
to the point though, the pic *COULD* be seen as them making a "political statement" while in uniform, depending on intent (vs. somebody leaking it to get them in trouble). Either way i've seen considerably more egregious violations. i think the "violation" probably boils down to: who exactly is offended and how much power do they have?
I also if they get anything more than a handslap (reprimand and a reminder maybe), it could very much become a problem. funny how fragile "support our troops" (or troops in training) is really
12. "unless someone with power says so" In response to Reply # 10
*I* don't think its offensive (I think its the dopest thing i've seen in a while) but I also live in this world where whitefolks are scared and chomping at the bit for any kind of "we still run this" getback
18. "I'd argue that it's more of a statement on social issues than political...." In response to Reply # 8
>to the point though, the pic *COULD* be seen as them making a >"political statement" while in uniform, depending on intent >(vs. somebody leaking it to get them in trouble).
There's really no political movement or policy that they can legitimately attach it to. I'm eager to see how both sides play this.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79620 posts
Thu May-05-16 12:23 PM
16. "which is exactly why they are under investigation" In response to Reply # 15
anything that makes us look powerful is a problem
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
21. "dope pic. ... BUT... based on what I've been told about military & " In response to Reply # 0
things related to cultural, racial, regional, etc. affiliation and symbolism related to those affiliations....it's a violation to display those affiliations in uniform. The whole purpose fo the uniform is make all troops equal.... at least aesthetically...
I ain't saying i AGREE.....but i'm saying... it's a pretty well known fact...
Disclaimer, i've never been in the military.... so .... there's that.
Personally...again...I think it's dope...but at the same time I think the contradictions in their actions are pretty obvious and could very well be seen as offensive by the folks that buy into what the US military stands for and what image members of the military are supposed to present to the world.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
24. "Indeed! I believe that's a similar offense not tolerated..i'm sure it do..." In response to Reply # 23 Thu May-05-16 01:43 PM by FLUIDJ
don't get the same attention though.... well....NOW it might...but indeed it hasn't in the past. And I frequently see that flag displayed on stickers of cars parked on the military base that I commute through on the way to work every morning....
The fact they're only cadets according to the article probably means they are going to get trained even harder since they are getting extra attention for the picture while I'm guessing they should be playing a more humble role according to your overall point.
Sounds like they are going to pay some price for that photo even if they aren't officially punished for it.
Cool photo though, the symmetry with the swords was a great touch. I wonder how long they've been training for.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.
33. "the article mentions the only possible claim relates to political" In response to Reply # 21
affiliation. And raising a fist doesn't denote any political affiliation.
>things related to cultural, racial, regional, etc. >affiliation and symbolism related to those >affiliations....it's a violation to display those affiliations >in uniform. The whole purpose fo the uniform is make all >troops equal.... at least aesthetically... > >I ain't saying i AGREE.....but i'm saying... it's a pretty >well known fact... > >Disclaimer, i've never been in the military.... so .... >there's that. > >Personally...again...I think it's dope...but at the same time >I think the contradictions in their actions are pretty obvious >and could very well be seen as offensive by the folks that buy >into what the US military stands for and what image members of >the military are supposed to present to the world. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >y'all can commence to dog-piling me now....
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
Only thing that could possibly implicated from my five minute search is maybe 670–1(1) with reference to political activity.
But I am like you, I am not in the military or versed on the topic. Open to be proven wrong.
>Until West Point actually speaks on it...and makes their >action public...this is all just typical media bait tactics. > > > > > >"Get ready....for your blessing....."
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79620 posts
Thu May-05-16 01:59 PM
29. "Foxviewers will be angry, MSNBC will think it's silly" In response to Reply # 27
this has been going on for a while now.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
37. "Reposting what my ex army folk posted about this." In response to Reply # 0
This does not qualify as "partisan political activity". By DoD definition, partisan activity --For purposes of the these rules, political activity is defined as an activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office or partisan political group. Black lives matter is not a political party nor do they support any particular partisan candidate --to my knowledge. This picture is no different than the "other" West Pointers flexing muscles in photos or sticking their tongues out in celebratory fashion. The only difference here is that the WOMEN pictured are BLACK and there are some folks that simply do not like that. I've never seen this many in one class-- it's making "them" uncomfortable and I like it!!
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
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