NAACP wants bike rallies to continue

Posted by jifdeng3 on June 9, 2008 at 5:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Who cares what message it sends. Maybe PEOPLE should look at how they act. Black, white, or brown. If, year after year, your event causes problems then expect it to be shut down. I am so sick and tired of the tiptoeing around we have to to because of groups like the NAACP. I am not a racist person, although I am sure I will be accused shortly, but I believe you should be responsible for your actions no matter what shade you are and I am sick and tired of seeing groups like that justifing poor behavior just because of skin color. It's not "culture" to act like a freekin' idiot.

Posted by moonpie on June 9, 2008 at 6:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jifdeng3 my thoughts exactly. Word for word!

This pretty much sums it up a "student was shot to death during the weekend of the Bikefest". We are just supposed to put up with that so not to appear racist? Then I'm racist as I'm not giving that behavior a free pass. That's the black culture not everyone else culture. You put up with that crap we don't have to. Have your bike week in say a town with a black mayor and black city council and black officials then it will be ok what ever you do, they'll be used to it!

Posted by proud2bme on June 9, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have been in Myrtle Beach during both of these events and I have to say, there is a huge difference in behavior displayed by these groups.

Posted by devster on June 9, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's unfortunate that they'll have to cancel both. They cannot just cancel the Atlantic Beach Bikefest without causing a huge disturbance.

Posted by RTC on June 9, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP needs to stay out of this, and let the local officials decide what is best and safest for their community. It's a shame that a few have to ruin it for everyone. I know the rallies bring in alot of revenue, but they need to take a long hard look at the problems that arise during these rallys.
The NAACP is only concerned about the Atlantic Beach Bikefest, but they won't come out and say that.

Posted by justjerry on June 9, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I knew someone who worked in a restaurant bar in Myrtle several years ago and she said that the first year that they were forced to stay open during bikefest was her last working there. Unruly, rude non tipping customers were not worth all of the trouble to her. After that she worked in other restaurants up there and every year when Bikefest rolled around if the place she worked would not let her off she would just quit. She said it was not worth it to deal with a bunch of people acting like jerks that did not tip.

Posted by number1volsfan1 on June 9, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Early, I couldn't agree more!

Posted by theronce on June 9, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought we were being boycotted.

Posted by drp7773 on June 9, 2008 at 9:07 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by LadyTarHeel on June 9, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Early, you are right, the NAACP is not the authority on what is right for black people! They sure don't tell me what's right for me! I haven't been to Atlantic Bike Week since I was maybe 10 and it was getting out of hand then. I don't understand where there is a "racial injustice" here. If black people attending the bike rally wouldn't act the fool, then there wouldn't be any need to discuss canceling or making any changes and in order for the city to not look biased they are going to punish others. Not saying that people attending the Harley rally don't get into trouble, it's just more rampant during Atlantic Bike Week.

Posted by oldglory on June 9, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eliminate testosterone!

Posted by beth1070 on June 9, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just like proud2bme, I have been in MB during both weeks, and the atmosphere is so different. During black bike week there is absolutely no regard whatsoever for public property or local residents. It's like watching a documentary on National Geographic about wild animal behavior. Many privately owned businesses refuse to open that week. It's not a racist issue, it's a behavior issue, and when you act like a disrespectful idiot in public, don't be surprised when people don't want to do business with you.

Posted by Tammie on June 9, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

drp7773, step into the millenium please, your comment reeks of ignorance.

As for the NAACP, there are much more important issues on hand aside from Bike Week. Ignorance knows no color, I could care less if they cancel either one (I dont patronize either).

And my friend Early, you are so right.

Posted by DenmarkVesey1822 on June 9, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see that the Klan meeting is in session again...some of you people on this site are so ignorant.

Posted by outrage on June 9, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

theronce on June 9, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought we were being boycotted.

They are, because of the flag! I guess the bikers don't pay much attention to the NAACP either.

Posted by ln1959 on June 9, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wasn't there a report of death happening during the Harley Davidson rally a few weeks ago.

It don't surprise me that the words are so loud when something happen at the black rally, but a few weeks ago they reported 3 death at the Harley Davidson rally and all I heard was:
My condolence go out to the family. Hmmmmmmm....

This does not excuse the shooting at the black bikers rally. But when you have punks that feel they have to carry around a gun to be tough then thats what happens. It probably was over some female.

My point is most of you aren't concerned about the crime, but just the fact that the NAACP stuck there noise in it again.

Posted by devster on June 9, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

allwoman: I guarantee there are black Harley riders and white "crotch-rocket" riders. The only way it is segregated is based on the type of bike you ride, not the color of your skin.

It's about cultural and age differences between the two types of riders. Normally the Harley guys are old bearded men with their LOUD Harley's making a bunch of noise (that's a stereotype).

The "crotch-rocket" bikers tend to be younger and are more into the drinking, wheelie-hoppin', rubber-burnin' shenanigans that cause a different type of and a more unsafe disturbance.

I think both bike weeks have been going on long enough for Myrtle Beach residents and businesses to decide based on their own personal experiences.

Posted by bagballa on June 9, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like some run down ill figured white women getting jealous. White folks are just uncomfortable around that many black folks, thats just the way it is. It gets worst when they don't have control over us, not like in the old days huh???
A couple decades ago there would have been fire hoses and German shepherds all up and down myrtle beach to control the "problem", reading these comments is like reading the newspaper from the Boycott era. I don't blame you, I blame your parents for passing the ignorance into another generation.

I went this year, only thing that seemed out of the ordinary was the extremely beautiful African American peoples in peace.

Posted by bagballa on June 9, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lol, scared 5hitless.

Posted by 051683 on June 9, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

what happend to the NAACP South Carolina Boycott. Please tell me that its still going on.

Posted by lou9 on June 9, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There has been more trouble with bad behavior during the black bike week than with the Harley bike week. If you don't believe it just ask the local law enforcement and restaurant owners. If a private business owner wants to refuse service to ANYONE he should be allowed to do so.

Posted by KidYendor on June 9, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Any business that wants to close during these two events should be allowed to close without fear of discrimination suits. They can put up,"Gone on vacation, see you next week!" signs. This goes for hotels, restaurants, clubs, stores, anything. This will stop unpopular rallies.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on June 9, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So, if I understand bagballa line of reason correctly, I can:

1. Still blame my parents for whatever problems I might have.

2. "Peoples at Peace" are those who shoot each other over a gang name, sign, or street corner. Hate to see them at war if this is there idea of peace.

3. "Hooked on Ebonics" worked for him.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on June 9, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Reckon I need to check my spelling. Should have been "their", not "there".

Posted by beth1070 on June 9, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Many of the privately owned businesses DO close during the second bike week. A relative of mine is an attorney in Georgetown who represented several small family owned businesses several years ago when threats of lawsuits were tossed around for discrimination to these businesses for closing during black bike week. All of these businesses were able to prove through P & L statements that the damages they suffered in previous years far outweighed any revenue brought in during that week. Talk of lawsuits quietly disappeared and these business owners continue to keep their doors closed during the second week. Vendors who come in just for the week don't have as much at stake because all they own is merchandise and a table. When the week is over they don't have to pick up the tons of trash, repaint any walls, or replace broken windows and doors.

I think the residents and business owners of MB should be the ones to vote on this issue. They are the ones most affected by both rallies.

Posted by eyfigueroa on June 9, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EARLY: "F--- the NAACP. It does not represent the all the black folks, only those looking for pity. Let the businesses make up their own mind as they have done for the last 15 years." Absofreakinlutely!

"Again, a lot of this has to do with the age differences in the people who attend the rallies. Old farts like me usually hit the Harley week and young bucks full of piss and vinegar hit the Atlantic Beach rally. I don't care what color you are, you put that much testosterone, alcohol and drugs into a condensed area, it spells TROUBLE!"

Absofreakinlutely!

Posted by ed52 on June 9, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

man i love the stereotypes . i have noticed a few of you have a clue of what is going on. If you seperate the rallies by time slots, it will help you see the problem. Both rallies have great people.they are spending money ,riding, eating ,shopping and just having a good time. 10 or 11 oclock they go in. Now the rest of the crew comes out . the behavior from midnight until -- is where the trouble comes from .
At harley week the bad behavior is mostly in bars , therefore not seen.
At bbw its in the open . then the cars with the 24's come join in . folks they are still just having fun. BUT ,now add the naacp to the equation with their threats of law suits and intimidation .With the mbpd's hands tied ,the problems begin.

Posted by CaptPete on June 9, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

National hotel chains say they can't close during the black bike week because it would hurt their image. They are pressuring the city to go ahead and close both bike weeks.

Posted by preachlove on June 9, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe that every business in that area has a right to close if they are not comfortable or feel threatened by the clientel. As for the bikers, the Harley crowd does tend to be older and the Bikerfest does tend to younger. This is not a race "thing". The younger crowd does not handle their "juice" as well as the older crowd.

The NAACP needs to quit with trying to make headlines and focus on black male on black male killing, crime, drugs, economic empowerment and more results based education programs.

Undoubtedly, the black male dilemma is getting ridiculously more dangerous. And quite simply, the younger crowd, black and white, have no respect! Some kids are just thugs and lack home training.

BLACK JAMES ISLAND PARENTS BEWARE!!!! My son just graduated from James Island Charter High school on Sunday, walking proudly and feeling good about receiving his diploma, when a group of North Charleston black males accosted him and his cousin for absolutey no reason because they had a "beef" with someone else from the school. My son stands about 6' and is very muscular, so of course they resorted to geting a pipe from the trunk of the car.

I thank God that a caring woman at the graduation saw what was going on and quickly put my son and his cousin in her car and drove them to their car. These thugs absolutely did not care that there were hundreds of people walking around at the graduation. I have to tell you, those punks were lucky I was nowhere around and I'll just leave it at that.

I have moved on from Ravenel's statement; the man is suffering mentally from his ignorant statements. I have moved on from the confererate flag; that flag is not stopping me or my family as "Americans who happen to be black" from trying to achieve anything we want in this great country. No matter our problems or divisions, we are still the greatest country on the face of this earth.

I plan on continuing to help my community and not just trying to make headlines.

Posted by 051683 on June 9, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am deeply saddened to see that obvisously the NAACP boycot is over. How could we let this happen, and how can we get the boycott enacted again?

Posted by eyfigueroa on June 9, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

preachlove: your statement rings true for many of us of color in South Carolina. I truly wished that the NAACP, Push Coalition and other Black "leadership" would embrace that same sentiment.

Posted by drp7773 on June 9, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Naacp makes as much sense as a naawp (not clan) all my life I have heard that we should not see color in people but we should see skill, ability, the person but now all we hear is black this and black that, we all know Obama is the first Black, shouldn't we now say he is the democratic choice instead of bringing race in. Race will always be an issue as long as the left wing media keeps inserting it in every story possible, as long as the Naacp keeps running their mouths in all the wrong directions just like the kkk did, just like Jackson,wright, sharpen etc. Several of these folks and orginizations dont even pay taxes and then they hold companies hostage for buyouts. Race will always be an issue when all states, counties, cities etc still have the quota (afirmitive action) in place. Race will always be an issue till people step up and take responibility for their actions this includes how they raise their kids, put respect, morals, common sense back into peoples lives. Time to get down off my soapbox..

Posted by jammer on June 9, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I only have one question, why is it that most black people never tip and they are always rude and expecting to be waited on hand and foot in restaurants etc??? just why???

and don't tell me I'm stereotyping because we all know I'm not... even black waitresses don't want to wait on black people because they'll run you ragged and won't tip worth a crap if at all

I've had many family members work in restaurants for decades, most of them around the lowcountry at one time or another, and it's still the same thing today as it was years ago... blacks want to be treated like masters and will not tip

if you just started tipping like the white people do and don't leave a disaster for other to clean up behind you you would be welcomed everywhere with open arms... is that just too much to ask????

money and how you treat the people where you patronize is why this is all coming down, if you think otherwise you're not thinking at all and you will suffer for it... the owners of those places will find a loophole to keep you out sooner or later

send a white friend into any of those places and ask them to explain the difference in the two bike weeks and see what you hear... they won't flat ou tell you because they don't want a lawsuit, but it's your own doing...

Posted by jammer on June 9, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that being said, the black people at atlantic beach are finally starting to police themselves and things are looking up little by little... but you need to move a little quicker with it

one dude gets shot, too bad so sad n condolences for the family but thst's no reason to shut it down... people get shot n killed here nearly everyday at times

I was there, back in the early 80's if I remember right, when the Hell's Angels and Pagans broke loose into a giant fight during bike - back when we only had one bike week and it was just once a week - and there was a lot more people heading to the hospital from guns/knifes/fists etc etc than several black bike weeks put together... then we learned to police ourselves just as the blacks are learning now

it's on a learning curve until people realize that other's perceptions of them is really up to them, and they start settling down

Harley week is sponsered by dealerships, not white people... and there are a ton of black people on Harley's and Harley clones during that week, it is not a White Week... it's a Harley Week

more black people buy Harley's everyday, one of the dealerships in Columbia is owned by a black family

but back to reality, tip better and clean up after yourselves and both bike weeks will last forever... if you don't they are doomer, plain and simple

Posted by jammer on June 9, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

back when we only had one bike week and it was just once a "year"

should have proofread and used the spell checker.. lol

Posted by Girleygirl on June 9, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I only have one question, why is it that most black people never tip and they are always rude and expecting to be waited on hand and foot in restaurants etc??? just why???

That's a question you have to ask to the people that don't tip. Not all black people can answer that question.

What we can start doing is bringing a whole bunch of kids in the restaurant like white people do and leave all the soda cracker wrappers and mess on the floor and leave $2 tip from a family of 5.

BTW I am being sarcastic because you are sterotyping ....just like I did to prove a point.

Posted by DontSpamMeBro on June 9, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a thought: Everyone make it a point to spend a day at each rally next year. I guarantee that you will see a marked difference in the behavior, cleanliness and respect to the locals between Harley week and Black Bike week.

The NAACP knows what's up. In order to keep the NAACP from coming down on the locals because they want to do away with the abusive and disrespectful behavior of Black Bike week, they proposed shutting down both. Once again, in the name of political correctness and for fear of being labeled (wrongly, I might add) as racists, they have to punish the folks that cause the least problems, too. Way to go for not falling for that trap, NAACP. You are good for something, after all :)

Posted by burton on June 9, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jammer, no need to even comment on your statements; they are racists. I have been to several Black Bike Weeks and had a great time. Stop lumping all black people into one category!! By the way, there are usually a lot of white girls there too. Poor Jammer, I know you didn't want to hear that. LOL

Posted by jammer on June 9, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

girleygirl and allwoman what I typed may seem like I'm stereotyping but I'm not, you two are obviously some of the exceptions

I've heard it too many times for too many years from waitress of all races that most black people don't tip, not all but most... and like I said, I have even personally heard a black waitress I knew well that worked at the CrabHouse on JI try to turn down tables with black people because most don't tip and will run you ragged... and have heard the same from countless waitresses over the years in many restaurants around here

like I said I have family and friends that have worked in nearly every restaurant in the lowcountry, and that's spanning over 40 yrs up to now... all of them and thier coworkers say the same thing

that isn't racist, it's fact... with the exception of a handful here and there

burton you can have all of our trash if you want... no girl white or black worth her weight is going to spend the weekend with her a*shole pointing in the air for everyone to see while riding all over MB ... those are the girls none of us wanted... lol

Posted by jammer on June 9, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

put it this way, I've heard it so much that I conciously pay attention anytime there is a black group in a restaurant that I pay attention to see if they tip or not... low and behold most don't, and many that do leave such a small amount it's an insult... tips are 15-20% depending on how well the service was, not 1-2%... lol

look around and watch, you'll see I'm right

Posted by burton on June 9, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jammer, glad to see that you did a scientific study over a few years to support your accusations. There are some classy ladies that do go to Bike Week and don't "ride all over MB with their a*shole pointing in the air." You have never been to Black Bike Week so you wouldn't know that. You see I haven't commented on White Bike Week because I have never been there. Please speak what you know and not what you "heard" or "assume." Again, stop lumping all black people into one category. That is the tell tale sign of a racist.

Posted by jammer on June 9, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

burton how exactly do you suppose I know that the black bike is finding it's way and learning that it needs to police itself if I've never been there?

you make several unfounded assumptions and insults, sounds classy to me... lol

I complimented your race by stating that they are learning that they have to start policing themselves and are doing better with it even in light of the shooting... did you read that?? of course not, all you saw was a whitey with "crackers" all over the table and you thought he was insulting you.... lol

I've been to both dude, your trying to blow smoke up the wrong hole... go back home and try again

the supposed "white" bike week had it's growing pains too, it's been around many more decades to straighten things out... I do believe the black week is on track for the same changes, I merely gave some advice you don't wish to hear that will help you people out enormously

but of course you don't wish to learn from those that were there before you so go ahead and keep making the same mistakes so you can keep getting the same results... zilch

I've been riding/racing motorcycles for 40 yrs, all kinds and at hundreds of events... I do know a little about this situation

Posted by burton on June 9, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I only have one question, why is it that most black people never tip and they are always rude and expecting to be waited on hand and foot in restaurants etc??? just why???"

Jammer, based on your comment above, who is the one making unfounded statements? "Most black people?" Who are "most black people?" Again, stop lumping all black people into one category. You been to Black Bike Week? When?

Just like you have a minority of white folks that bring shame to your race, we have the same on the black side but that doesn't mean I lump all white people into one category. BTW, I tip based on the service that I get so I guess I'm not "most black people!!"

Posted by JohnS on June 9, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Most food business owners if they had a choice would keep blacks out. They usually are loud and do not tip.

Posted by burton on June 9, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Not another jammer!!! Good night!

Posted by preachlove on June 9, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Allwomen - The thugs were at the graduation just to cause trouble with James Island students.

Jammer - As Burton does, I tip based on service. If the service is lousy, sometimes I will still tip, but believe me, it's going to be a lousy tip. If the service is great, I'll leave a great tip. How's that for you? I've seen many whites and blacks not leave tips, so why are you just focusing on blacks. I've noticed that on most of your post are direct affronts to blacks and YOU DO ALWAYS LUMP ALL BLACKS INTO ONE CATEGORY.

Posted by jammer on June 10, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ok ok so you guys/gals on here for the most part do tip, that makes sense to me... after all you are on here being an active part of our communities and obviously interested in the welfare of all otherwise you wouldn't be here commenting

that alone says your a different kind of people than many, so I'm not surprised that you do tip... but believe me I'm not making this up, go around and ask people you know that work in restaurants... or better yet get a white person you know to inquire so you hear the real uncensored truth

and yes I've been to several black bike weeks, picking up broken bikes for people... some white people do go to that one too

you want to talk about white trash go ahead, I won't call you a racist because you're telling the truth about some one group... I'll probably agree with you as long as your being sincere and truthful... there's plenty to go around

I'm not racist, I don't care for any of the trouble making lowlifes no matter what nationality/race and if you pay attention you'll see many of my post knock white people too...

it's about behavior not race, race only comes into play when it's largely one race doing something like black on black crimes/shootings... does that make me a racist too? even your own leaders realize that isn't racist, it's just the truth

in order to deal with a problem you have to admit it first, and like I said most blacks have already admitted there is/was a problem and they are actively trying to address it... they've said so in their own meetings, THEY said... not Jammer said... lol

and I think they are on their way to a solution, for me to acknowledge they had a problem they admitted too doesn't make me a racist no matter how you try to spin it... they already admitted it, so you guys here can't try to change that into something it isn't

Posted by berthelot on June 10, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Growing up in NMB near Atlantic Beach I can tell you honestly that more people and business owners evacuate because of AB bike week than do major hurricanes. Also, the damage is worse than a hurricane.

Posted by Girleygirl on June 10, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jammer- Let me tell you about my experience before you start taking one side and believe that that is the gospel.

I worked as a waitress from the age of 17-24 and I have seen them all. IMO the ones that usually don't tip are people with unruly kids, college looking students and older people in their 60's. I like working in the smoking sections because IMO they are the best tippers.

I have also been a customer as well and have been sat in a section where I have already been profiled so my waitress is either uninterested, and has an attitude. Yes I will run her tail ragged because she already perceived me as trouble. I won't leave her a tip but I will leave the other waiter a tip that I had to call numerous times to provide the services that I want. So I do tip, I tip the person that welcomes me into their establishment and is ready to work for me. I do not tip the person that saw my skin color and assumed I'm not going to tip them so they provided me with crappy services anyway. They just proved they don't want my tip. So if you are a waitress and you are already on the defensive side when you come to my table, you don't think I can't tell by the vibe you gave me you don't want to wait on me?

What you did Jammer was a sterotype. You assumed that only white people tip and black people don't because of what you heard and one black waitress and that's not true.

Posted by rollo on June 10, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"But former Atlantic Beach town councilman John Sketers said he hopes improvements can be made to both rallies. He echoed the NAACP's concerns by saying that ending the events could "send the wrong signal in terms of race relations.""

Sounds to me like the attendees of 'bikefest' have done that all by them selves.