A social media photo of West Point cadets raising their fists in defiance is stirring controversy among West Point alumni.
The photo shows 16 black female cadets dressed in their West Point uniforms raising their fists in a black power salute on the steps of their barracks.
The black power salute was popularized by the now-defunct Black Panthers civil rights group.
West Point officials have launched an investigation. Apparently, unauthorized protests are discouraged on the campus. It wasn’t that long ago that women were banned from admission to the last bastion of white male privilege.
The NY Daily News notes that “several offended readers sent the photo to the Army Times on Wednesday, upset that the women violated the policies.”
“We can confirm that the cadets in this photo are members of the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 2016,” Lt. Christopher Kasker, a spokesman for West Point, told the Daily News in a statement. “Academy officials are conducting an inquiry into the matter.”
John Burk, a former soldier turned motivational coach and fitness guru, posted the image on Facebook where it went viral. He accused the 16 females of aligning themselves with the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
A few seniors have anonymously are defending their actions on the Yik Yak blog.
“It’s a really touchy subject here. We can get kicked out of West Point, or forced to repeat years for what is called a ‘respect board,’” the anonymous source told the blogger. “They can be given just for making someone upset, so no one wants to get kicked out of college and lose their commission over something like this.”
UPDATE: Loyal reader GIJoeJones, who says he is a West Point graduate, shared his insightful thoughts on the controversy:
I am a West Point grad from ’00 who frequents this site and I will say that this isn’t looked on favorably because it will be seen as confrontational and or divisive in an environment where so many efforts have been made to accommodate black cadets. They go out of their way to get black students admitted to West Point, and then they really protect us while we are there. I was a new cadet 20 years ago and I can tell you that racism was crushed whenever it reared its head.
The main problem is that this is a political statement, a strong one at that, and one that raises the question are you being mistreated at West Point? If you are, what’s going on? If not, why did you take this picture at West Point in uniform with other cadets.
The second issue is that it appears to put their race and identity out front, in an organization where we are taught to see beyond that and form meaningful friendships across racial lines.
It’s just going to rub a lot of people the wrong way.
#RESPECT
Reminds me of the first time I saw a sister in a Blue Angels uniform…
#GOGIRLS #THEYGRADUATINGSO…….EH #BIGGERFISHTOFRY #SALUTE
SMH of course their going to make an example of them. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and he started a fire by planting in the media’s head that it is wrong to SUPPORT BLM. So what they were in their uniform making a stance so what!
I thought the fist up, meant Black Power, not Black Lives Matter. I learned me something on TUH-day!!
I support them, just wish they hadn’t given them any ammunition to try and mess with their graduating status. Hopefully, they have supportive parents who will encourage them to stand up for what they believe. I know if it were my child, I would be right next to them black fist raised.
What year are we in again? I swear its like the world is moving backward in regards to race relations. It’s pitiful.
So they would prefer that they were doing a twerking video or fighting?
Love it.
I thought the issue is that those who are in the military aren’t allowed to make political statements while in uniform.
It’s so sad that these young women can’t show homage to their history. One can only imagine what they went through while here in this historically racist institution; to now having to go through this foolishness.
^^^^THIS!!!!!!!!
But a confederate flag hangs on political buildings in some states and on the houses of some military personnel. This is a fist pump aka Black Power, but I can see how people will get offended.
But the military has a really strict code of arms, i.e. the Trump supporter who was dishonorably discharged from the Marines for berating skinfolk. He wasn’t even in uniform but still was disciplined.
They don’t have to like it but they will respect it
Initially I was going to keep it light but this is frustrating. The media and the oppressive powers want to constantly show negative, degrading images of ppl of color. However, when barriers are broken and statistics are defied they want to somehow negate and make excuses (Affirmative action, special cases). NO….there are educated, successful ppl from ALL backgrounds, classes and races.
Wow all that hard work down the drain because they wanted to follow Beyoncé and be trendy.
But what about the military people who have the confederate flag flying at home? Do they get discharged?
I can’t.
I ride with you, but that’s different. In a way, you still can rock the flag. You can NOT make a political statement in uniform. You can’t even display that much PDA in uniform.
According to them, being black and proud is unlawful. No hate or discrimination required. They just want you to be ashamed.
HE was ignorant and VIOLENT!
Remember the story I posted about the boy who showed his wiener in the photo, all charges were dropped. No one would file a complaint.
They need to leave these ladies alone and worry about bigger fish they are frying.
Probably wasn’t notable enough to be offensive…
Hmmmmmm….
Whoever has a ‘problem’ with the picture can build a bridge and get over it.
It’s unfortunate. A rule was broken, and they will make an example of these queens.
Why can’t We show Black Pride. It was the same reaction to “Say It Loud I’m Black And I’m Proud.” It shouldn’t matter where they are if they are proud to be Black no one should try to take that away from them. This country has this all screwed up!!!
He accused the 16 females of aligning themselves with the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
–
IT’S GOTTA BE A MOVEMENT RIGHT? IT CAN’T JUST BE FREE SPEECH RIGHT??? PATHETIC EXCUSE.
But isn’t the flag a statement of your allegiance aka political?
Meanwhile confederate flags are on every other white bumper sticker in Texas ???
It’s some states flag, so maybe not?
It probably falls under this
“4.1.2. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty shall not:
4.1.2.5. Speak before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.”
I know West Point has bigger fish to fry …
See. But he exposed himself…..but they blk teen boy that received a nude pic from a yt teen girl, gets charged with accepting child pornography. They are 16 and 17.
I thought that too…it used to stand for Black Power…who changed the meaning, I’m thinking Y_T. they always generalized shyt.
How did the picture violate that code of conduct?
It’s all subjective.
He’s yt. That’s offensive enough. Just as something as minute as our “nappy” hair offends them.
I didn’t make the rules. They tell you this before you sign up. Why do you think folks say Uncle Sam will OWN you?
Guess the person who is o ER their hearing.
If they live in military housing, yes.
True…
we gotta stop fonting the same
Then again yall, if they were all yt and holding up the hitler hail, we’d have a fit. Not discrediting OUR blk power, but I can see justalil what they are trying to convey. #blkpowerallday #dontgetittwisted
Exactly! When I was talking to a marine, his fellow brother was going through it, because his estranged wife was reporting every little violation she could find: him wearing a plain white tee in public, being adulterous, even sent pictures of them having sex in positions other than missionary (yep- that’s a rule) to his commander. She was trying her best to get him court martial.
I agree. And I think that is the one thing they can stand on to not get them in trouble. They don’t have have on a slogan-emblazoned t-shirt, there was no explicit caption. All they have is other people’s perception of a hand in the air. So technically, I think they are in the clear.
Again that’s one person’s perspective.
I get it. Just like they say: THE + IRS = THEIRS
They do, they are bored and the girls are black.
Fear of Black people….Y-T can not stand when “WE” have unity…they fear that more than anything…When WE have unity…we are POWERFUL. They like to keep us separate and divided for control purposes….That’s that Old master/slave mentality.
I hope the punishment isn’t too stern.
I agree. The issue is more, did they violate their school’s rules, more than anything.
No political anything while in uniform. Period. Marine got his ass a dishonorable discharge. ..which means no military benefits. ..for saying he didn’t like the President on FB.
Nope, it doubles down on the message!!
I think that’s what it’s going to come down to.
Me too.
LOL. I never thought about that. I remember when I got my first pay check. I was like, “So I get taxes to work and turn around and get taxed to live?!”
In the military, that’s all that matters. You can appeal, but still.
There is a HUGE difference , Black Power is and has always been about civil rights, White Power on the other hand is nothing but evil, violent , hatemongers. Huge difference people! We can’t have anything , say anything , do anything without it being under the microscope. Tired!
<<– Bew told me to put this on.. .I love him.. https://youtu.be/J5SdTeijDhY .. he said listen to dalyrics ….. (see gif)
Dishonorable discharge will have not even getting a job at the buy and bag.
I’ve been trying to told them, Dub.
But this is NOT the full military, just a military school….a lot of these kids don’t even enlist after this. It is a school and these are kids and the rule is not specific enough, which means they can twist it to mean what they want it to mean. Black Power fist is NOT Black Lives Matter……I wish they would stop trying to make things what they want them to be.
It’s unfortunate that an uproar has been caused because it really is a dope picture.
And (some of) US agreeing.
And he was white.
The pic is everything. Agreed
Yeah it was bad form and immature on their part. Take off your uniform if you gonna be do that BS. The military should not be used to push racial divisiveness.
It’s a government-commissioned university so that’s different.
It’s not the full military, yet… but if they’re on scholarship to the US Military Academy at West Point, they’ve signed an agreement to serve in the military for a certain number of years after graduating (4 years minimum, I believe). It’s not just some ‘military school’ as a lot people think. This could affect their military career going forward. I dont think this was a smart move at all.
Yes! It’s not like they have guns, burning crosses or lunch ropes around them in some threatening way. People make news out of air these days.
well…if Y-T were holding Hitler hail…that’s more of a negative connotations…..were as black fist raised means UNITY than violence. then again, Y_T puts a negative spin on any form of unity BLACKS display… ex: #blacklivesmatter
I am a West Point grad from ’00 who frequents this site and I will say that this isn’t looked on favorably because it will be seen as confrontational and or divisive in an environment where so many efforts have been made to accommodate black cadets. They go out of their way to get black students admitted to West Point, and then they really protect us while we are there. I was a new cadet 20 years ago and I can tell you that racism was crushed whenever it reared its head.
The main problem is that this is a political statement, a strong one at that, and one that raises the question are you being mistreated at West Point? If you are, what’s going on? If not, why did you take this picture at West Point in uniform with other cadets.
The second issue is that it appears to put their race and identity out front, in an organization where we are taught to see beyond that and form meaningful friendships across racial lines.
It’s just going to rub a lot of people the wrong way.
They’re in a military school and not paying tuition, so I’m pretty sure they have guidelines they have to follow. It’s highly probable that making political statements are among those guidelines.
I get it. I scream I’m black and I’m proud every chance I get. I took the ASVAB, received visits from recruiters, looked into military colleges. I decided that it wasn’t for me, because it would encroach too much on my individuality.
Don’t matter. My niece got her ass kicked out of ROTC over alleged cheating in college and it fukked up her scholarship.
Why does it have to be in defiance?
That UCMJ ain’t no joke. It’s a the CO discretion. I know of a situation where the married dude was humpijg the coworker(same rank) nothing happened, yet some folks get hemmed up for less.
Nothing that is ethics violation. Not one thing.
Right Hitler tried to exterminate an entire nationality. Black Panthers wanted rights and unity in a group of people who were discriminated against and treated poorly. There is no comparison.
Thank you for your insight! And if you are still in the military, thank you for your service.
Cheating is not the same as holding up a fist. When you cheat that is an infraction anywhere in life.
like I said before….. Y_T puts a negative spin on any form of unity BLACKS display… ex: #blacklivesmatter.
SENTIMENTS
Well said, sir.
I’m as pro-black as the next guy, but you wont see me with some Malcom X / Black Panther poster posted up in my cubicle here at work. Sometimes we gotta be smart in terms of when and where to “make a statement”.
Thanks You for giving us the black male cadet perspective. Appreciated.
I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE
I was trying to figure out if I could get it printed and display it as art in my office.
Nah, that’s Donnell Blaylock, but my mom and wife tell me that I look just like him, so I figured I’d make his pic my avatar.
Alleged. UNC found she didn’t. They kicked her out of ROTC anyway. Used as example of it doesn’t matter if you active duty or not. Military adjacent in college/academia same as active in some instances
Thank you for your insight and your patriotism Mr. Jones! ? ?
Obey your thirst. LMAO
Listen. I’m down for my people. Always. People get THEY job confused with being employed by UNCLE SAM. Working for Uncle Sam comes with strict guidelines.
https://www.veteransunited.com/spouse/11-in-uniform-rules-every-military-spouse-should-know/
DEAD!
@iWasteTime:disqus I thought it, you said it. Thanks!
Thank you for coming through with the experience!
In that case, Ditto what @Waste said!
lolol!
I never Yoni but damn!
Folks gonna be reverse google imaging your gravi pic now… lordt!
The thirst is real lol
As in IG sensation Donny Savage?!?!?
There is no enlistment after this, they will be commissioned as officers(lt-gen). Enlisted personnel in leadership positions are non commissioned officers (sgt-csm). West Point requires political referrals and is considered thee top military institution.
ain’t no body thirsty. He fine.
He married, I’m married.
I can compliment a brother.. geez
Oh yeah, he’s the one. Made me pause and send the damn picture to my wife. I said, that’s a handsome dude right there.
Trying to help the single women out!! lmaoooo
So many BLM supporters
Air Force Academy commitment
http://www.academyadmissions.com/commitment/
Just look at them
Ummmm, boo. I’m not sure if you remember, but you are married.
Are they on ACTIVE duty? because the rules only applies if the person is on active duty according to:
http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/defense_ethics/ethics_regulation/1344-10.html
Supporting those black lives
Indeed he is…
*guilty as charged*
http://www.usma.edu/admissions/sitepages/careers.aspx
West Point. 5 years. Then three years IRR if you get out.
Let me and a bunch of brothas at the job here decide to do a “black power salute” here at work.
We’d probably get our next promotion in the year 2038!
Yes, very dope pic…
Ladies…this is not the formation you should have gotten in to in your uniforms in front of your barracks at West Point. Y’all could have and shoukd have all just gone to the Beyoncé concert and taken this pic in your street clothes.
On a serious note this is an amazing visual with or without the fist…but they should have had a bit more discernment. Love yourselves, love your culture, ALWAYS, but don’t forget where you are. There is a time and place for everything. I hope the punishment will not be harsh.
I hate y’all!!!
All of y’all!!
I was just complimenting a brother .. sigh !!
Let me edit
The only problem I have is that “it appears” and it was immediately tied into Black Lives Matter and made political, when they could have simply been mimicing Beyonce.
Thank you for explaining though.
Whispers *I think they were trying to get in formation…cause they slay*
bring y’all azzs upstairs!
google Donnell Blaylock first though … lmaooooooooo
Lol! I have to remember when I talk about Larebz Tate. When he had his shirt off sweating, I was giggling in my hand like Young Berg
That could have been all that they were doing, but of course someone will make this about BLM and now they are political, etc. But, I digress!!
we know.
folk tease each other on here all the time, mama. no need to take stuff seriously.. geez.
seeeeeeeeee
“…where so many efforts have been made to accommodate black cadets.” The mere fact that they have to go to extremes to protect black cadets should give insight into why they did this. We live in a society where racism runs rampant, and you cannot ignore it simply because you’re being “protected” from it in a single area of your life.
Exactly! After learning more about it and talking to my siblings that have served, I quickly came to the conclusion that I am not about that military life.
Bwahahaha. Was Mr. LZ around? I bet you got a mean sideeye that day.
Yes he was! I had to turn my head. He like I see ya. ??
I don’t think anyone associated this picture with BLM until Sandy put it into this write up.
I know right. #BlackGirlsRock motivation. I love it!!
Your insight is appreciated and it gives a better understanding on why the picture as awesome as it is, is controversial. Thank you!
you and I don’t font enough with each other.
my reply wasn’t serious …lolol! I called him fine again ..lmao !
Might not be any official punishment… but you know white folk will be side-eyeing them for years to come.
we’re cool, mama.
{fist bump}
I am here for it! The only ppl bothered by black unity are racists ppl. They are not promoting hate but UNITY.
Right. I get it. All of it. *raises fist in solidarity*
Did we forget about the young men in white hoods at the citadel? Which is another “military” school. Wrong is wrong but these southern roots go deep.
Nope…..John Burk, a former soldier turned motivational coach and fitness guru, posted the image on Facebook where it went viral. He accused the 16 females of aligning themselves with the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Someone other than Sandy said it.
Exactly, I see you read between those lines too.
“They go out of their way to get black students admitted to West Point, and then they really protect us while we are there.”
Why does this need to be done, shouldn’t they be admitted by their own merits and protection from who? So, because you do all of this…me showing Black Pride is wrong, after you did me such a huge favor? Yeah, Okay.
I love it – however, in their uniforms – maybe not so much. Not because it’s inappropriate, but mostly because some schools and jobs punish and strip rights of those that may make ‘suggestive political militant or inappropriate gestures’ while representing the ‘institution’.
There is a time, place, and tee-shirt for stuff like this. Hold your love for your culture close to your heart, but otherwise, govern yourselves -ACCORDINGLY!
A social media photo of West Point cadets raising their fists in defiance is stirring controversy among West Point alumni.
The photo shows 16 black female cadets dressed in their West Point uniforms raising their fists in a black power salute on the steps of their barracks…………….#HandleYourFoundationSisters……………
All I see is BLACK GIRLS ROCK!!!
Punk ass white ppl lump anything pro black into one category…”The blacks are trying to hurt us.”
LOVE IT….!!!!
That is correct. If they were not in uniform, it would not be a problem. There’s a code of conduct that ALL cadets sign and must abide by. Ain’t nobody saying they shouldn’t be proud, but know the rules and regs before u go snapping pics n sharing.
They could have taken the pic without fists raised and it would have been just as powerful. Why do people think the rules don’t or shouldn’t apply to them?
It’s sad, the main thing is…they were aware of the rules and regulations. If you want to be in the game, you gotta abide by the rules…until you are in position to make changes. That’s it, they should’ve been prepared for the consequences. That was their choice. People were talking about how the NFL player was stupid and how everything does not have to be recorded, etc. and posted to social media. I see no difference here. Only, they are not losing millions of NFL dollars. Better choices gotta be made. You cannot give your enemy not only the knife but; sharpen it beforehand and be mad you got stabbed or cut.
And those people can go fcuk themselves too.
Wish it was our own Army.
Stop it! You’re making sense and being rational. Some of us HAVE to be the victim all the damn time regardless of our own actions or failure to follow rules.
Are u really stating facts and being sane/rational?!? Cut it out. U gotta jump on the “but they don’t do nothing to White folks” bandwagon. It’s the only response in situations where WE don’t follow the rules. What is wrong with you?!? **stomps off**
Love the pic and I truly don’t believe they knew this was a violation…just young girls “in the moment”. If anything, this is a life lesson to read before signing.
Brilliantly put! I can’t even say I feel to sorry for them to be honest…they are going to lose their commission over a photo. At the end of the day that’s all this is, a photo. I didn’t feel any sense of pride looking at this, I immediately thought about how they just screwed up their very promising futures. They are West Point cadets for goodness sake! If people understood how prestigious that was they would t be saying how proud they were of them for taking the photo. Being a West Point graduate should have been worth more than taking a politically charged photo in uniform.
Brilliantly put! I can’t even say I feel to sorry for them to be honest…they are going to lose their commission over a photo. At the end of the day that’s all this is, a photo. I didn’t feel any sense of pride looking at this, I immediately thought about how they just screwed up their very promising futures. They are West Point cadets for goodness sake! If people understood how prestigious that was they would t be saying how proud they were of them for taking the photo. Being a West Point graduate should have been worth more than taking a politically charged photo in uniform.
Brilliantly put! I can’t even say I feel to sorry for them to be honest…they are going to lose their commission over a photo. At the end of the day that’s all this is, a photo. I didn’t feel any sense of pride looking at this, I immediately thought about how they just screwed up their very promising futures. They are West Point cadets for goodness sake! If people understood how prestigious that was they would t be saying how proud they were of them for taking the photo. Being a West Point graduate should have been worth more than taking a politically charged photo in uniform.
The feeling I got from the photo is that the sisters were being cute from a black cultural perspective not confrontational.
No different than white girls who pose in groups with the hang loose symbol.
I didn’t think negative of West Point from this photo, I actually thought highly of West Point from this photo for having black female graduates with natural hair and self pride.
#westpointstandup
The feeling I got from the photo is that the sisters were being cute from a black cultural perspective not confrontational.
No different than white girls who pose in groups with the hang loose symbol.
I didn’t think negative of West Point from this photo, I actually thought highly of West Point from this photo for having black female graduates with natural hair and self pride.
#westpointstandup
The feeling I got from the photo is that the sisters were being cute from a black cultural perspective not confrontational.
No different than white girls who pose in groups with the hang loose symbol.
I didn’t think negative of West Point from this photo, I actually thought highly of West Point from this photo for having black female graduates with natural hair and self pride.
#westpointstandup
People HATE it when you put your blackness all up in their faces! These good white folks “accommodated” you, and this is how you treat them!
If BLM is offensive to you, you’re racist, prejudice, stupid or a blog owner
Smh…I bet John Burk requested they launch an investigation.
Anything that resembles Black power or unity is a threat to White people whether it’s in West Point or just marching down the street. White people are always running scared. I don’t care how offended they are because I’m proud of these sistas.
how does this raise the question “are they being mistreated there”? They are showing their support for OUR PEOPLE! White folks always get their panties in a bunch whenever black people want to acknowledge that we love ourselves and support one another.
yep that makes whitey comfortable…when we have class and support one another they start to get worried.
follow bey and be trendy…thats sad when black folks finally do come together and support that they get belittled…
What does Hitlers evil arse have to do with black people coming together and supporting one another. Our boys and men are murdered by law enforcement to little or no consequence. We have a right to be vocal and come together
You don’t understand what’s at stake for these women right now, and that’s ok.
why does this have to equate to them being mistreated at Westpoint? If my friends and I posed this way and worked at Walmart does it mean we have issues with Walmart? Does every action they make relate to that school?
How can someone say “racism” was crushed and pinpoint exactly when that happened? Anyhow, I’m the proud aunt of a West Point plebe. #GoArmy
RIGHT!
I don’t understand this part of your comment “and one that raises the question are you being mistreated at West Point?”
How do you get that from this pic? Pic very well could be a symbol of Black Empowerment. Nobody should have a problem with that unless… You can fill in the blanks
Now this is the picture that should be investigated.
I actually do understand whats at stake. But i also would hope that when black folks do unite regardless of the punishment they face it isnt seen as a trend or because Bey said so. I just say support regardless because we have to come together!
I wish a muthafcuka would tell me I can’t be proud of myself, my people 24/7 365 sometimes 366.
Excuse me, but you can’t be proud of your country and being Black at the same damn time? It’s so impromptu as to what’s acceptable and what’s not. The mentality of the Black Power Fist is very simple and very complex, but most definitely celebrates being unapologetically Black. I promise, there is nothing to fear. Would it have been okay if they all threw up dueces? or stuck their tongue out? or did the twerk pose? When I first saw the pic, I was like “damn, West Point representing!”… then here come this mess. Hope they all graduate on time with no negative repercussions. It’s still a very beautiful, inspirational and now classic pic. That is all. Carry on.
But I don’t support it. They are going to be in a position of leadership, they are going to have people under them and work side by side with other soldiers off all races …what they did was stupid and divisive. I don’t support it at all. And let’s be honest, seriously…do you think if Beyoncé hadn’t made it cute and trendy to throw up the black power fist they would have just done it out of the blue? You know how impressionable people are.
HERE we go…letting mainstream media and under-informed bloggers…redefine this gesture for us. The gesture is the symbol of solidarity. it should be likened to that of the peace sign. BECAUSE it was not so long ago where they (women in general) were not welcome, are we really saying that these women can’t take a photograph of solidarity? Here we go…allowing the main-stream..strip us of something else.
HERE we go…letting mainstream media and under-informed bloggers…redefine this gesture for us. The gesture is the symbol of solidarity. it should be likened to that of the peace sign. BECAUSE it was not so long ago where they (women in general) were not welcome, are we really saying that these women can’t take a photograph of solidarity? Here we go…allowing the main-stream..strip us of something else.
I wish my job would tell me some shit like this, when all I have to do is look out the window at this big a$$ Confederate Memorial statue in my face.
We all have a choice to support what we choose, however WE ALL have to go to a job and work with others. I am self employed and have to work with other races. Doesn’t mean I cant show support to my race and the events happening today. Beyonce brought light to some folks yes, however there have been MANY protests in MANY states over the last year or so especially because of BLM that has nothing to do with Bey. I do know how impressionable people are which is why I support Black Pride regardless of who influenced it. If Bey hadnt shown support people would say she didnt care. When black women do come together it shouldnt be because Bey influenced them……whether there are consequences or not I commend these sistas for uniting
Did you NOT read my hashtags? Specifically the one that says “DON’T GET IT TWISTED?” Nobody said we didn’t have the right to come together. I think YOU might want to go back and re-read what I said……then holla back, boo.
They don’t belong there anyway IMO
They don’t belong there anyway IMO
Again, don’t get it twisted, I’m all for my black fist raised. I LOVE this pic. I would love to go raise a fist at a trump rally.
Again, don’t get it twisted, I’m all for my black fist raised. I LOVE this pic. I would love to go raise a fist at a trump rally.
I agree. There are motives behind everything. Some people are saying that it’s good to see Black people come together…How is putting the hard work of others and their own, in jeopardy something to celebrate? The reader who wrote in wrote a great statement and from that, I do not see this turning out in their favor. Hopefully they’ll get a second chance and learn from this but…smh, idk. Some times it is better to go with the grain than against, as you have to start somewhere. Black people are still divided, What are we running other than our mouths and shoes over? We don’t have a solid foundation, nor are we on one accord…I mean, we do NOT have the upper hand. Too busy celebrating failures posed as victories. When civil rights leaders were marching and protesting and being attacked by men and dogs…you think they went and celebrated afterwards? I doubt it, they kept pushing until they got real actual results. Until the motives are for meaningful results instead of likes, etc. …things like this will be the only things to celebrate…for some black people. I ain’t celebrating this…this was a good opportunity for them, if they did not think so…they would not have aspired to be apart of such…and this, is what happens constantly and consistently…we must teach and learn how to capitalize off of opportunities. That is how you push forward to changes that make a difference. THIS and the like, ain’t it… in my opinion.
Any time you work for someone there is a code of conduct.civilian or military you cannot represent that company in a way that they choose not to represented.It does not matter what your personal feelings are if you work at 711 and they see you protesting in their shirts you can be fired.
And the same people saying that these women should be allowed to do this WHILE IN UNIFORM, were some of the same ones saying that he (the Marine) should have been discharged for disrespecting our president
I’m still new to the garden but, Ms. Sandra…can you Please do a post on Denzel and Pauletta Washington raising $17 million dollars for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture?
Thank you for saying this.
Babbling at this point, which is okay. I just gotta go now.
Exactly!!!!!! That’s what I got too…
Lol OK!
Agreed! People are commenting on how inspirational the photo is. I would have preferred to see them go on and achieve great things AFTER graduating and without the drama that’s being created! People are also saying they didn’t know any better, if that’s true they don’t even deserve to be wearing that uniform to begin with, no way are they that dumb, NO WAY.
So you hashtagged black power! Doesnt take away from the hitler comparison boo….yes I reread and hollered back BOO!
I can agree with that!! There is a time place for everything, but that wasn’t it. I am tired of people doing mess for attention via social media. I am tired of seeing posts on FB about the overweight girl who was bullied about the prom. WE ALL HAVE STRUGGLES!!
They’re really trying to create a war on black lives matter meanwhile someone like trump is running uncontested for president in his party ?
Doesn’t matter. There are rules that you must follow. If making a political statement while in uniform is against the rules, then they should be punished accordingly. There’s a time and place for everything and obviously that wasn’t it. They’d be getting the same response even if they were doing something as simple as holding up a Hillary sign.
When you don a uniform, you are representing whichever sect you belong to. That’s why making political statements, such as the one above, is against the rules. It’s why employees are fired when they do something racist/sexist. The institution doesn’t want to be recognized for tolerating such behavior. These women knew that they were not allowed to make such statements while in uniform, so they should be punished. Like I said, there’s a time and place for everything.
I wore my “Black Girls Rock” shirt to work and I’m still employed. If I raised my fist and said “I’m Black And I’m Proud, I’d still be employed, it’s not political it’s a FACT OFF MY LIFE!!! Period
Go Cadets go!
BULL ISH.
No, when you put on the uniform everyone is American. The issue is not that they did it, but that they did it in uniform, after they had been told not to
No that would be wrong in the uniform also.
Ha
I respect and congratulate these ladies, if they are actual West Point Cadets knowing how difficult it is to gain admission! But, this black power movement has to come into the hood, like the Panthers actually did with breakfast programs, WIC, free clinics, educational opportunities and training. Raising a fist, and saying power to the people, BLM is not getting us anywhere or stopping the violence we exact on each other. I feel like most people are on a bandwagon trip because it would have been even more powerful for this photo to have been taken in some of the worst hoods, dangerous playgrounds, low-income housing developments to show kids something that wouldn’t normally see, and what is possible!
Thanks for the nod Sandra, glad I could contribute. Also, for further perspective, you should know that we certainly stick together as black cadets and graduates. This is our photo of a similar nature from 16 years ago. I pointed the small arrow at me. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f3e9e28c9602d862de3ef51a94200308288af55314ca21827514aedf0010efae.jpg
Nice
Some people just can’t be helped . Wasting your time
You stated the reader who wrote in made a great statement. This is part of his statement
“…yet what happens when those same cadets identify with a group that has been known for inflicting violent protest throughout various parts of the United States, calling for the deaths of police officers, and even going so far as to call for the deaths of white Americans.”
Do you see anything wrong with what he wrote? You wrote there is a motive behind everything. Do you see the motive behind this? I would like for him to show where that group endorses violent protests and the death of policemen and “white Americans”.
The clenched fist didn’t originate with Black Lives Matter. It was developed at a time when Black Americans decided to unite to fight against racism and oppression.
I do agree with one thing, we don’t have a solid foundation. But how could we, after spending 74% of our history in this country subjected to either slavery or oppression, segregation and discrimination? It doesn’t matter where we step to move forward because the same group that spent centuries benefiting from our oppression, will be ready to pull the rug out from under our feet because they feel their own foundation may start to crumble.
You got it! I smell an agenda.
And that fist in the air has several meanings; Black power, human power, solidarity, unity…
I agree. They toed a very fine line but they haven’t crossed it.
We SHOULD have a fit if they were all “yt and holding up the hitler hail”. That “hitler hail” has a history of hate and human destruction behind it. The raised fist was a response to that hate and human destruction.
That’s the bottom line.
EXACTLY!
The military has a long history of racial division — literally!
So, when you attended, just 20 years ago, racism reared it’s ugly head from time to time and had to be “crushed”. Isn’t it possible these young women have also experienced it there as well? One could wonder why West Point has had to make so much effort to accommodate Black cadets and protect them.
Awesome find!
White folk will be side-eyeing them any way.
BINGO! It’s been about 50 years since we became “equal”. Yet our young Black cadets still have to be protected from racism
Your comment focused on something that may just get these young women off the hook. The raised fist is no different than the peace sign.
BLM was not formed to address civilian violence. Why would you expect one group of Black people to focus on everything people think is wrong in the “Black community”?
West Point needs to stand with their black female graduates. Before this photo, I honestly did not know there were even this many black women attending West Point.
The president of West Point should frame and hang this photo in his or her office thereby nullifying criticism with pride.
I wonder had they all been holding up peace signs would the reaction have been different? The peace sign is a revolutionary anti war and antiestablishment symbol that is more palatable and acceptable because it was popularized by white activists.
A “Hang loose” hand gesture is the same as a raised fist? OK… Wow, I am in twilight zone.
No you are being facetious. The hang loose symbol also used as the rock on or rock and roll symbol is a white antiestablishment and countercultural symbol.
Blacks who obviously do not understand the honor code.
I understand the purpose of BLM, but feel we’re riding this wave way more than we are with what really impacts black lives that matter!
Racism is such a deeply embedded institution, it will take financial leverage like boycotts, homeschooling vs pubic schools, voting and following-up with politicians who don’t help with reforms, or set new policies, change laws, etc, and trade federations to help launch more black-owned businesses. We must create jobs in down-trodden hoods like koreans do with beauty supply stores (all the hair we buy from them, alone), and sandwich shops (volume discounts because they buy in bulk and split among several stores). BLM doesn’t offer solutions, IN MY OPINION.
The respect and fair treatment we want isn’t going to come from BLM, there are NO CONSEQUENCES for their [rogue cops] behavior, other than a multi-million-dollar settlement for a chosen few, AG investigation and recommendations, sensitivity training, desk duty or termination as it continues!
It doesn’t help that we’re annihilating each other in staggering numbers, breaking and entering, caught on video, menacing our own hoods. NOT that this has anything to do with a cop using excessive force, ending an innocent person’s life, or even a career criminal or mentally unstable individual shouldn’t die needlessly. I get BLM…
16 brain surgeons
If it’s okay to beat a cadet with a pillow to the point that they’re bloodied, then it should be ok to raise a fist in the air and NOT hit someone with it.
Tremendous respect for their incredible achievements!!! The selection process is truly arduous (as it should be!) and the course work is extremely demanding. The men and women who graduate from West Point are regarded as an elite Officer Corps. This group of cadets, in their selfish indulgence of personal expression, have sullied not only their own character, but tarnished the integrity of those hard working, dedicated women AND men of color who have put forth their absolute best to achieve the pinnacle of military education. These distinguished ladies have unfortunately cast a pall upon themselves in that they will, throughout their military careers (however short that may be!) be viewed as having personal beliefs that are contrary to what is ingrained in every service member. There IS no room for any other color in the military than the GREEN in the uniform we all wear. As an Officer in the United States military, you will be in command of men and women of every race on the planet. Your subordinates must KNOW that you are not favoring one over another. In raising your fist IN UNIFORM as a salute to Black Power, you have forever undermined your own authority and ability to lead. Sincere congratulations on your wonderful accomplishments at the military academy! Now, as a patriot, you should resign from the academy and walk out the same door as the morons who still insist on flying the flag of the Confederacy!
Saluting a terrorist organization (Black Panthers) while in uniform. When is Obama going to give them a medal?
You better DROP that knowledge!!!! I agree with every word you said, very well said might I add.
I never did the comparison until you made the analogy and your right, would it be different if they were holding a peace sign or a rainbow!!??? SMH we at all times get criticized for our pride and what we stand for, they were fine with Beyoncé being mute until she raised the fist, and now every cop in America wants to boycott her, wow, really? The reality is they feel threated that one day we will all come together and overcome America. That is not our intentions, we want what’s rightfully ours….Laws, not civil rights* but laws that every other citizens abides by. We want opportunities that are hidden and denied from us. The list goes on and on…
*civil rights are justified and in no way am I taking away from the movement but it eliminates us from standard laws that’s why we fought for Civil Rights because they were still treating us like lawful property*
I do not see where he said such, that was not apart of the statement Sandra posted nor the comment that he posted below. You may be referring to comments made by John Burk, that is not the same person. I did not comment on their fists. You must have missed where I said Black people are still divided…I have my opinion and I stand by what I said, you are entitled to your opinion.
Typical college students and butter bars in waiting. Congrats on being rich. Grunts are still poor and typically uneducated of all colors(and nationalities), and they have always managed to make the brother/sisterhood work regardless of color.
My advice: Go get your commissions and learn how the military actually works. It takes racist kids, poor kids, mexican kids, black kids, kids who can barely read, and people of all cultures and forces them to make a unit.
Key word Unit, Uniform, Unity. Acting like this makes you an individual, that’s not what the military is….
Pro-Black doesn’t mean Anti-White!! I hope everything works out for these ladies.
I’ve seen Cadets holding up they’re fist black and white sooo of course to see black women in such a powerful uniform holding up they’re fist it’s goin to be looked at as a f’n threat. Anytime Blacks are showing unity through strentgh or common grounds it’s a threat. They as in (white america) hate it. Blacks have a power that white america is soooo fearful of they try everyday to strip us of that by first trying to take away our identity second by trying to make us hate each other and last but not least robbing us of our true history. F them these girls did nothing wrong but be black and are women. If it were white men doing that there would be no problem.
You did not see “where he said such” , yet you stated the reader who wrote in made a good comment. Which reader are you referring to? You stated that Black people are divided. Which people aren’t divided.
There’s nothing wrong with having an opinion if that opinion is based on knowledge.
You and SameoleJ are correct. It did and does stand for Black Power. The white folks saw one or two blacks giving the Black Power fist during the BLM protests in Ferguson. So, they now associate the Black Power fist with BLM.
As a matter of fact, they did take pictures without the fist.
Hopefully, they will get nothing more than an Article 15.
You don’t have anything better to do with your time or anyone else you can reply to? If you do not understand (My original reply was to someone who understand clearly) then why worry? Don’t waste your time with answering, I’ve moved on, as should you. Clearly this is not only pointless but, senseless.
These young black female West Point graduates felt comfortable and confident enough at West Point to show their cultural pride which means West Point is doing right by it’s black cadets.
Their demonstration of pride is actually evidence of and not in contradiction to what the young man says in the article.
Had West Point not buckled under criticism, this photo would have been a non issue except to the petty racists who took issue with it.
they want nothing to do with blackness, black culture, black pride, residue of slavery because it says PRO BLACK, and in their eyes if your PRO BLACK you are a racist, or black panther…
This action reveals an underlying lack of judgement and maturity. Unfortunately this is precisely the type of behavior that leads to a breakdown in military discipline. There was a time, in the not to distant past, that “fragging” was not an unknown consequence of command behavior that eventuated in substantially increased risks to subordinates under this type of commanding officer. I seriously doubt that the Chinese or Russian armed services would tolerate this behavior…. And they are precisely who we should be concerned about.
At minimum, all sixteen cadets should be demoted and required to repeat the year.
Lead from behind…. All hail Jay Z!
“Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.”
These cadets are NOT WORTHY OF RESPECT and are NOT FIT TO LEAD THEIR SUBORDINATES INTO COMBAT whatever their dermal melanin content might happen to be. They are a disgrace to their uniforms and their country and deserve the disdain of the officers who have served with honor and distinction before them. They have failed to justify the sacrifices made by their predecessors who have paved the way for them. They are Privileged Losers!
Try it in Spec Ops community… !
I hear you completely. I hope West Point doesn’t take away their degrees.I feel to take away their degrees would be an injustice.
Nope, but I need a handle it now before they get a commission and lead men and women into battle.
because in the military you cannot do that.
They might’ve rocked themselves right out of the military… And a dishonorable discharge, then it will not be so funny.
Nope, white guys have been thrown out for doing things like that. They broke a military rule.
Just found out they will not be punished for the photo…https://www.yahoo.com/news/west-point-no-punishment-16-cadets-raised-fist-233531058.html
West Point has dropped the investigation!
The investigation has been dropped by West Point!
Yes! @canary_red:disqus
We stood with them all along!
#westpointstandup
The verdict has been given, and they didn’t break any rules by displaying their fist, it was considered solidarity and unity. (I read someone on the interweb, I didn’t do much research to find out if it was reported in more than one spot.)
Yes we did!!!
#westpointstandup
I want that image, powerful!
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!
They should be treated the same way that a group of white graduates would be treated if they were posing in uniform with the confederate flag. If you choose to make a political statement while in uniform, you pay the price. YOu argue that the fist means more than black power–well the confederate flag means more than slavery–yet it would mean punishment if displayed—so the same should occur here. Otherwise there is no EQUAL treatment.
i’d fire the entire group…and send them to the Army as buck privates for 5 years….
notice also that they are raising their fists in a cowardly half way manner
They knew. The first thing you are told upon entering any military status. The uniformity of the armed forces comes first. If I had to guess, I would guess that they did it because Beyoncé did it and probably have no idea of what the fist raised means or came from