Keenan Montgomery reflects on being a young black in Wyoming

[ItSucksToBeACSURam]

I may not like the response this gets, but what did Dino say that was bigoted? Look I dislike that dude as much as anyone on this board but I don't see what he said that was so egregious. His comment on Matthew Shepard is 100% correct, that was not a hate crime based on his the deed orientation.

I am not looking for a flaming, just curious why, on a board screaming for equality and open mindedness, a person that expresses his opinion is being trashed....

Have you read any of his previous posts? He's made it very clear he's a bigot. Not to mention he deflected what Keenan Montgomery said by bringing up black on black and black on white crime, insinuating that Montgomery, since he's black, would somehow be involved with those.

Its not bigoted to discuss what he views as a racial disparity never discussed by the majority of Americans...He even provided a link with the facts he used...

And yes I read his messages, he's as vile and terrible as he ever is. Him disagreeing or posing a different outlook on a subject doesn't equal bigotry.

Is KansasCowboy racist or a bigot too? Am I racist because I, as a white man, spent a fair amount of time in the south and was treated FAR worse than I ever have here. Being told "if I didn't leave (a Walmart) the police would be called because there would be a dead cracker" is far worse than anything I have ever heard of here. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, those of us who don't want to be force fed the liberal PC crap aren't bigots, maybe were just people who have had different experiences than perfect Beaver and FromOlWyoming

[fromolwyoming]

I may not like the response this gets, but what did Dino say that was bigoted? Look I dislike that dude as much as anyone on this board but I don't see what he said that was so egregious. His comment on Matthew Shepard is 100% correct, that was not a hate crime based on his the deed orientation.

I am not looking for a flaming, just curious why, on a board screaming for equality and open mindedness, a person that expresses his opinion is being trashed....

Have you read any of his previous posts? He's made it very clear he's a bigot. Not to mention he deflected what Keenan Montgomery said by bringing up black on black and black on white crime, insinuating that Montgomery, since he's black, would somehow be involved with those.

Its not bigoted to discuss what he views as a racial disparity never discussed by the majority of Americans...He even provided a link with the facts he used...

And yes I read his messages, he's as vile and terrible as he ever is. Him disagreeing or posing a different outlook on a subject doesn't equal bigotry.

Is KansasCowboy racist or a bigot too? Am I racist because I, as a white man, spent a fair amount of time in the south and was treated FAR worse than I ever have here. Being told "if I didn't leave (a Walmart) the police would be called because there would be a dead cracker" is far worse than anything I have ever heard of here. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, those of us who don't want to be force fed the liberal PC crap aren't bigots, maybe were just people who have had different experiences than perfect Beaver and FromOlWyoming

And what, pray tell, does any of that have to do with Montgomery and his own experience right here in Laramie? Not the deep south, not some urban environment, or inner city area, but Laramie, Wyoming. And a kid on OUR football team doing nothing more than driving down the street only to have a couple of bigoted pieces of crap hang a noose out their window in front of him simply because he has a darker skin color.

Tell me, PLEASE, what the hell that has to do with black on white crimes or black on black crimes? Unless you are insinuating that Montgomery has been involved in such things, you better have evidence to back that up, because him being black does in no way mean he is a criminal. THAT is my point. THAT is why Dino is still a stupid bigot.

[TSpoke]

As someone who is from Wyoming, who actually went to the University of Wyoming, and has lived in Laramie for several years, I wish you would just shut the f-word up and keep your arrogant and ignorant statements and opinions to yourself Dino.

You are an absolutely horrible representative of Wyoming football, the University of Wyoming, and everything about my state.

You have the right to say what you want, you are going to put on some asinine act to be an internet tough guy and spout some garbage about how Wyoming is your state now, and all that crap, but the reality is, you are a jack ass.
Get off your damn high horse. The kid has his right to say what he wants, he can reflect on his story the way he wants. And the beauty of it is that he can say this regardless of how you view the story.

You're attacking the messenger, not really listening to his message.

Doc/ Dino's not one of my favorite poeple- he went off the deep personal end one time too many, but he's got a point here, and it's in no way an espousal of bigoted views.

Montgomery's got every right to relay this story and express his views, however, as someone who grew up in Laramie, lived in Las Vegas, and has spent quite a bit of time in a lot of other places, I have to say, it's a bit of a mountain-out-of-a-molehill scenario. I've witnessed far more racism, both blatant and latent, outside of Wyoming than I ever have there. Hell, on a recent visit to FoCo I saw three or four rednecked pickups driving almost in convoy around town flying great big Confederate flags and belching smoke out of their tractor smokestack exhausts.

Fact is, there's always going to be an ignorant element, anywhere you go, but the idea that Wyoming is more racist than other places in the U.S. just isn't supported by either facts or experience.

I don't think the point was ever that Laramie is more racist than other places. Some people are reading too much into that. It was a poem(spoken word) by a black man about his experiences in Laramie. The first part of it was about one day that something happened nowhere did he say it happens all the time or Wyoming sucks so bad. His friend talked about feeling out of place here but he said he didn't think he agreed right before the asshole rednecks pull beside him. I think we all know that this doesn't happen a lot and for the most part (I think) Laramie is a great and welcoming community but the fact something like that happened at all should make us angry(at the racist idiots who would do that)

It was a well written and thoughtful piece by a black man about his thoughts and some experiences after going to school at the University of Wyoming. Nothing more nothing less. It wasn't an indictment on the state or the university. Well written Keenan.

[ItSucksToBeACSURam]

I may not like the response this gets, but what did Dino say that was bigoted? Look I dislike that dude as much as anyone on this board but I don't see what he said that was so egregious. His comment on Matthew Shepard is 100% correct, that was not a hate crime based on his the deed orientation.

I am not looking for a flaming, just curious why, on a board screaming for equality and open mindedness, a person that expresses his opinion is being trashed....

Have you read any of his previous posts? He's made it very clear he's a bigot. Not to mention he deflected what Keenan Montgomery said by bringing up black on black and black on white crime, insinuating that Montgomery, since he's black, would somehow be involved with those.

Its not bigoted to discuss what he views as a racial disparity never discussed by the majority of Americans...He even provided a link with the facts he used...

And yes I read his messages, he's as vile and terrible as he ever is. Him disagreeing or posing a different outlook on a subject doesn't equal bigotry.

Is KansasCowboy racist or a bigot too? Am I racist because I, as a white man, spent a fair amount of time in the south and was treated FAR worse than I ever have here. Being told "if I didn't leave (a Walmart) the police would be called because there would be a dead cracker" is far worse than anything I have ever heard of here. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, those of us who don't want to be force fed the liberal PC crap aren't bigots, maybe were just people who have had different experiences than perfect Beaver and FromOlWyoming

And what, pray tell, does any of that have to do with Montgomery and his own experience right here in Laramie? Not the deep south, not some urban environment, or inner city area, but Laramie, Wyoming. And a kid on OUR football team doing nothing more than driving down the street only to have a couple of bigoted pieces of crap hang a noose out their window in front of him simply because he has a darker skin color.

Tell me, PLEASE, what the hell that has to do with black on white crimes or black on black crimes? Unless you are insinuating that Montgomery has been involved in such things, you better have evidence to back that up, because him being black does in no way mean he is a criminal. THAT is my point. THAT is why Dino is still a stupid bigot.

It has as much do to with KM as it does with our own personal experiences. His experience carries no more weight than Docs or anyone elses. If I wrote a blog titled, "The Plight of the White Air Force Member in Atlanta" would that suddenly lend more credence to it for you? Why is KM's experience the end all be all? The truth is we all have experiences positive and negative. Hell yeah KM's was terrible and abhorrent but get in line. Every person and group of people on this planet is prejudiced against at some point or another. Doc's beliefs, disbeliefs, or whatever goes on in that head of his is his to have. He can voice it, he can talk about it, it doesn't make him a bigot.

His comments on black on black, etc. crime was really two arguments in one. I didn't read that as him implying KM is a thug or a criminal, but that the more alarming statistics are those he mentioned. Now, if Doc goes on to say that KM is a worthless "N" word or thug or anything else actually bigoted then I will join your crusade and we'll smote him on the mountain side. Until then, again, what exactly did he say that was bigoted?

And I may very well have missed, when did Doc say, "Keenan Montgomery is a criminal."

[DocHolliday]

I wish Kennan Montgomery well, however, he's not special, he's not unique, and I found his 'poem' to be somewhat of a grandstanding type of a move.

As to the official spokesman for all things Wyoming...in reading your prose and considering the language and hostility you employ, I believe there is no finer ambassador to our great state than you yourself, your theories and verbiage make that clear.

As for myself?

My opinions and comments are as relevant as anyone else's on this board - or anywhere else.

Arrogance?

Bigoted?

I'm sorry but I respectfully disagree.

And you may disagree with me some more.

That's your right to do so.

P.S. For those willing to refer to me as a 'bigot' I'll not argue the point. The fact is that we are all bigoted in some ways. Full disclosure and honesty must compel us to acknowledge this...to deny it is being untruthful with ones self. However in light of the Montgomery situation my comments/opinions are not 'bigoted', merely a reflection of what I see as a grab at self attention for the athlete -- as well as my chaffing at the extreme double standards applicable to racial discussion and the realities of the world at large.

[Wyovanian]

As someone who is from Wyoming, who actually went to the University of Wyoming, and has lived in Laramie for several years, I wish you would just shut the f-word up and keep your arrogant and ignorant statements and opinions to yourself Dino.

You are an absolutely horrible representative of Wyoming football, the University of Wyoming, and everything about my state.

You have the right to say what you want, you are going to put on some asinine act to be an internet tough guy and spout some garbage about how Wyoming is your state now, and all that crap, but the reality is, you are a jack ass.
Get off your damn high horse. The kid has his right to say what he wants, he can reflect on his story the way he wants. And the beauty of it is that he can say this regardless of how you view the story.

You're attacking the messenger, not really listening to his message.

Doc/ Dino's not one of my favorite poeple- he went off the deep personal end one time too many, but he's got a point here, and it's in no way an espousal of bigoted views.

Montgomery's got every right to relay this story and express his views, however, as someone who grew up in Laramie, lived in Las Vegas, and has spent quite a bit of time in a lot of other places, I have to say, it's a bit of a mountain-out-of-a-molehill scenario. I've witnessed far more racism, both blatant and latent, outside of Wyoming than I ever have there. Hell, on a recent visit to FoCo I saw three or four rednecked pickups driving almost in convoy around town flying great big Confederate flags and belching smoke out of their tractor smokestack exhausts.

Fact is, there's always going to be an ignorant element, anywhere you go, but the idea that Wyoming is more racist than other places in the U.S. just isn't supported by either facts or experience.

You're damn right I'm attacking the messanger.
That huge piece of poop gives the rest of Wyo fans a bad name. I don't care what message itself is, we can discuss that outside a sports forum.
That ignorant bigot is the only one on here with a radio show where he is not only allowed to but paid to spout his worthless garbage. So I don't want him associated with my state or university.

Well, fortunately, in our country, for the most part, you're not allowed to tell others what or who they can associate with due to your opinion of them. They used to do that all the time in the Deep South up until the relatively recent past.

Take a good look in the mirror, Beav', if you want to see what it is you so rabidly accuse others of doing...

[BeaverPoke]

As someone who is from Wyoming, who actually went to the University of Wyoming, and has lived in Laramie for several years, I wish you would just shut the f-word up and keep your arrogant and ignorant statements and opinions to yourself Dino.

You are an absolutely horrible representative of Wyoming football, the University of Wyoming, and everything about my state.

You have the right to say what you want, you are going to put on some asinine act to be an internet tough guy and spout some garbage about how Wyoming is your state now, and all that crap, but the reality is, you are a jack ass.
Get off your damn high horse. The kid has his right to say what he wants, he can reflect on his story the way he wants. And the beauty of it is that he can say this regardless of how you view the story.

You're attacking the messenger, not really listening to his message.

Doc/ Dino's not one of my favorite poeple- he went off the deep personal end one time too many, but he's got a point here, and it's in no way an espousal of bigoted views.

Montgomery's got every right to relay this story and express his views, however, as someone who grew up in Laramie, lived in Las Vegas, and has spent quite a bit of time in a lot of other places, I have to say, it's a bit of a mountain-out-of-a-molehill scenario. I've witnessed far more racism, both blatant and latent, outside of Wyoming than I ever have there. Hell, on a recent visit to FoCo I saw three or four rednecked pickups driving almost in convoy around town flying great big Confederate flags and belching smoke out of their tractor smokestack exhausts.

Fact is, there's always going to be an ignorant element, anywhere you go, but the idea that Wyoming is more racist than other places in the U.S. just isn't supported by either facts or experience.

You're damn right I'm attacking the messanger.
That huge piece of poop gives the rest of Wyo fans a bad name. I don't care what message itself is, we can discuss that outside a sports forum.
That ignorant bigot is the only one on here with a radio show where he is not only allowed to but paid to spout his worthless garbage. So I don't want him associated with my state or university.

Well, fortunately, in our country, for the most part, you're not allowed to tell others what or who they can associate with due to your opinion of them. They used to do that all the time in the Deep South up until the relatively recent past.

Take a good look in the mirror, Beav', if you want to see what it is you so rabidly accuse others of doing...

I'm accusing him of being an ignorant racist jackass with a microphone and a national audience. And one who claims Wyoming as his state and team. Aint no mirror that will make me look like that.

[DocHolliday]

The picture I always get of you is that of an entitled juvenile who stomps his feet and holds his breath whenever you disagree with someone -- and who needs to resort to ad hominem attacks based upon the fact that your arguments are steeped in nothing more than emotion and vitriol - as well as a heavy dose of incredible self righteousness.

Who made you the spokesman around here for conjecture and thought?

Who made you the arbiter and the conscience of this board?

When did the moderator of this board christen you with the title of; 'Wyo Nation Board Ombudsman?'

You use the word 'arrogant' quite a bit. Do yourself a favor and look at the way you posture your own self before having the temerity to reference anyone with such a word that you frequently show an inclination to acting out on your own.

Your comments are as relevant as anyone else's and I'd fight for your right to express them (though I disagree with them) - but don't poop upon the comments of others when they're making their own points while then going about your infantile and callow harangue's which are motivated by your dislike of me and nothing more.

You don't like me?

Get in line brother.

I don't seek to be liked - and never have.

I don't actively court approval.

I don't subscribe to 'group-think'.

Get off of your soap box -- parading around as some sage who is filled with wisdom beyond all others.

My statements stand, unaffected by anyone else who disagrees with me and certainly never to be swayed by the artless fashion in which you attempt to retort with your feckless points.

Grow up.

[BeaverPoke]

It started out with a point, and then Dino the bigot once again derails it.

This was supposed to be about a kid's experience here doing nothing more than driving down the street, only to have 2 idiots hang a noose in front of him for no other reason than the color of his skin. That is a horrible thing to happen here, especially to a kid, not that it should happen to anyone, and what does Dino the bigot do? Try and deflect it by saying "Well, black on white crime is a huge thing! He probably did something like that to a poor white person!"

+1

[BeaverPoke]

Yay, nothing like downplaying somebody's terrible experience! "Black people totally do awful things to each other and white people too!"

Here's the thing... I've never been the target of undue attention just for the color of my skin. I'm pretty sure that's something every single African American over the age of 15 can't say, though.

+1

[BeaverPoke]

This thread seriously needs to die a quick death.

This thread made me realize how many racists are on this board. It's not in what people are saying...it's the fact people are saying it.
It's the fact that people are picking out the one racist conflict a black person had in Laramie and are fighting it tooth and nail like it actually affects you. It's the instant victimization of the listener who hears what happened then starts comparing racist encounters. It's not a contest.

Bur it is embarrassing.

[kansasCowboy]

This thread seriously needs to die a quick death.

This thread made me realize how many racists are on this board. It's not in what people are saying...it's the fact people are saying it.
It's the fact that people are picking out the one racist conflict a black person had in Laramie and are fighting it tooth and nail like it actually affects you. It's the instant victimization of the listener who hears what happened then starts comparing racist encounters. It's not a contest.

Bur it is embarrassing.

Really? I've yet to read anything racist on here. Just like you and I, Keenon gets to voice his displeasure of an encounter he had. You feel for the guy, while I say, "Ehh, it goes both ways." That's not racist. I work in a severely racist environment everyday. Where whites, blacks and Mexicans hate eachother to the point of racial attacks, racial gang related activity. I have to enforce law and policy, and when it goes against an individual, I'm considered "racist" when I have to enforce these with individuals of another color or race. Nothing could be further from the truth. I want to see these individuals become productive citizens that succeed in life. What I don't like is seeing what I saw in St Louis. Where these individuals are productive citizens, succeeding in life, and they still treat other races wrong or with malice. That is racist. There is nothing bigoted or racist about what has been said here.
This does happen to be a forum where people get to voice their opinions. Whether you agree or disagree, there is no need for personal attacks, like you've done with Doc, just because you don't like him.

[ItSucksToBeACSURam]

This thread seriously needs to die a quick death.

This thread made me realize how many racists are on this board. It's not in what people are saying...it's the fact people are saying it.
It's the fact that people are picking out the one racist conflict a black person had in Laramie and are fighting it tooth and nail like it actually affects you. It's the instant victimization of the listener who hears what happened then starts comparing racist encounters. It's not a contest.

Bur it is embarrassing.

There hasn't been ONE racist comment on this board. You're being just as vengeful and inappropriate as you're claiming every one is. You're the only one trying to censor the narrative here. You are entitled to your opinion but so is everyone else. And until there's actually something racist said you're on your own.

[LanderPoke]

I think this thread needs to be moved to a different forum.

[DocHolliday]

I think this thread needs to be moved to a different forum.

Well of course it does, after all, the people here are allegedly adults and talking in frank and candid terms about race and its impact, unless leaving a comment as a bleeding heart sympathizer, then and only then should we take this thread and move it a more 'appropriate place'.

However if we all in unison play to the 'woe is Keennan crowd', then of course the thread is in its rightful place.

You often here people claiming that they wish to have transparent dialog when it comes to racial parameters, yet the fact in my mind is that they really do not. Unless of course one takes a position on their stools of ever lasting repentance.

[LanderPoke]

I think this thread needs to be moved to a different forum.

Well of course it does, after all, the people here are allegedly adults and talking in frank and candid terms about race and its impact, unless leaving a comment as a bleeding heart sympathizer, then and only then should we take this thread and move it a more 'appropriate place'.

However if we all in unison play to the 'woe is Keennan crowd', then of course the thread is in its rightful place.

You often here people claiming that they wish to have transparent dialog when it comes to racial parameters, yet the fact in my mind is that they really do not. Unless of course one takes a position on their stools of ever lasting repentance.

I get that you all are passionate about this, but I came here to read about UW athletics, the University of Wyoming, and maybe some off-topic things, but nothing as heavy as racism. If I want to feel like crap about the world I'll read Fox or CNN, just don't want to see it here, too (on this particular forum). What can anyone do other than treat others how they would like to be treated?

[Wyovanian]

This thread seriously needs to die a quick death.

This thread made me realize how many racists are on this board. It's not in what people are saying...it's the fact people are saying it.
It's the fact that people are picking out the one racist conflict a black person had in Laramie and are fighting it tooth and nail like it actually affects you. It's the instant victimization of the listener who hears what happened then starts comparing racist encounters. It's not a contest.

Bur it is embarrassing.

What's embarrassing is your complete lack of critical thinking and mouth-foaming zeal to judge and label. The University of Wyoming is supposed to educate young people to rise above such simplicity and convenient thinking. Right now you sound like a citizen of Salem, Massachusetts circa 1692, or a couple of guys named "Joe" in the middle of the last century.

[DocHolliday]

I think this thread needs to be moved to a different forum.

Well of course it does, after all, the people here are allegedly adults and talking in frank and candid terms about race and its impact, unless leaving a comment as a bleeding heart sympathizer, then and only then should we take this thread and move it a more 'appropriate place'.

However if we all in unison play to the 'woe is Keennan crowd', then of course the thread is in its rightful place.

You often here people claiming that they wish to have transparent dialog when it comes to racial parameters, yet the fact in my mind is that they really do not. Unless of course one takes a position on their stools of ever lasting repentance.

I get that you all are passionate about this, but I came here to read about UW athletics, the University of Wyoming, and maybe some off-topic things, but nothing as heavy as racism. If I want to feel like crap about the world I'll read Fox or CNN, just don't want to see it here, too (on this particular forum). What can anyone do other than treat others how they would like to be treated?

I see, okay, well while I disagree with your feeling I can respect what you say, however there is one thing that I must ask you.

Why did you not post these feelings immediately upon seeing the title of the thread when it first appeared and the content of what the thread was all about?

Why not then - why now?

[LanderPoke]

I think this thread needs to be moved to a different forum.

Well of course it does, after all, the people here are allegedly adults and talking in frank and candid terms about race and its impact, unless leaving a comment as a bleeding heart sympathizer, then and only then should we take this thread and move it a more 'appropriate place'.

However if we all in unison play to the 'woe is Keennan crowd', then of course the thread is in its rightful place.

You often here people claiming that they wish to have transparent dialog when it comes to racial parameters, yet the fact in my mind is that they really do not. Unless of course one takes a position on their stools of ever lasting repentance.

I get that you all are passionate about this, but I came here to read about UW athletics, the University of Wyoming, and maybe some off-topic things, but nothing as heavy as racism. If I want to feel like crap about the world I'll read Fox or CNN, just don't want to see it here, too (on this particular forum). What can anyone do other than treat others how they would like to be treated?

I see, okay, well while I disagree with your feeling I can respect what you say, however there is one thing that I must ask you.

Why did you not post these feelings immediately upon seeing the title of the thread when it first appeared and the content of what the thread was all about?

Why not then - why now?

Well, I think I was gone for a day or two then it all blew up. And I don't think I've ever actually seen racism (I'm from Laramie, there were quite a few kids of Mexican or other Latino heritage and only like four black kids, but we all got along just fine imo and were friends) or met anyone who is actually racist so this whole thing makes me mad, as well as make me look like a racist by association. I think Wyoming is probably one of the least racist places out there from what I've seen in Laramie and Lander, limited experience/perspective, I know. See, now I am getting sucked into this black hole

[DocHolliday]

I think this thread needs to be moved to a different forum.

Well of course it does, after all, the people here are allegedly adults and talking in frank and candid terms about race and its impact, unless leaving a comment as a bleeding heart sympathizer, then and only then should we take this thread and move it a more 'appropriate place'.

However if we all in unison play to the 'woe is Keennan crowd', then of course the thread is in its rightful place.

You often here people claiming that they wish to have transparent dialog when it comes to racial parameters, yet the fact in my mind is that they really do not. Unless of course one takes a position on their stools of ever lasting repentance.

I get that you all are passionate about this, but I came here to read about UW athletics, the University of Wyoming, and maybe some off-topic things, but nothing as heavy as racism. If I want to feel like crap about the world I'll read Fox or CNN, just don't want to see it here, too (on this particular forum). What can anyone do other than treat others how they would like to be treated?

I see, okay, well while I disagree with your feeling I can respect what you say, however there is one thing that I must ask you.

Why did you not post these feelings immediately upon seeing the title of the thread when it first appeared and the content of what the thread was all about?

Why not then - why now?

Well, I think I was gone for a day or two then it all blew up. And I don't think I've ever actually seen racism (I'm from Laramie, there were quite a few kids of Mexican or other Latino heritage and only like four black kids, but we all got along just fine imo and were friends) or met anyone who is actually racist so this whole thing makes me mad, as well as make me look like a racist by association. I think Wyoming is probably one of the least racist places out there from what I've seen in Laramie and Lander, limited experience/perspective, I know. See, now I am getting sucked into this black hole

See, now I am getting sucked into this black hole

The above made me laugh out loud in my office here! Thanks for the much needed levity this AM