News
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Skinheads eye diversity summit
Keystone State Skinhead official says he’s willing to speak at NAACP forum.
The director of the local chapter of the Keystone State Skinheads says he’s willing to speak at a diversity summit proposed by the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Ron Felton, president of the local NAACP, said he wouldn’t make the decision regarding the Skinheads’ participation, and is leaving it up to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
Felton has set a tentative date of June 29 for the meeting which he said was motivated by several events: the recent vandalism at Congregation Ohav Zedek synagogue and the placement of banners and fliers throughout the Wyoming Valley. The banners, which carry messages such as “Preserve Our Heritage,” list the Skinheads Web site.
“If (Ron Felton) would allow us to, that would be great,” said Steve Smith, director of the local chapter of the Keystone State Skinheads. “You have to keep things balanced, and this is a great way to do that.”
Two teen girls – one a self-proclaimed Nazi – were recently arrested and charged with spray-painting anti-Semitic words and symbols on the Wilkes-Barre synagogue and another building. One of the suspects, Nora Rynkiewicz, 18, waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Friday. The other is a 17-year-old juvenile.
“We see these things, and we don’t know what to do,” Felton said. “What is the most effective way to respond and how do we help the young people who are being targeted?”
Smith said the Skinheads are trying to shake the stigma that its members are like the skinheads in movies such as “American History X.”
“This past year might be the best for the KSS, in regards to activism and response from supporters,” Smith said. “More people are joining up.”
Smith says there’s always negativity associated with being a part of the group. When members are called “racists” or “bigots,” he said it’s a source of name calling for individuals who can’t argue for their points, Smith said.
“If I’m wrong about something, just tell me. Don’t call me names. That’s childish.”
Details are still being worked out, but Felton hopes to invite representatives of the state Human Relations Commission, the Luzerne County Diversity Task Force and the Anti-Defamation League. Felton would like to hold the event at a local college.
“We need someone to educate us so we can have an effective response to these types of things,” Felton said. “Young people are targeted by groups. They need to know what kind of steps can be taken to prevent that from happening. That’s the goal of the conference.”
FBI statistics show 7,722 hate crimes were committed in Pennsylvania in 2006; 98 were committed in Luzerne County.
But the way Smith sees it, the fliers, banners, rallies and protests the Skinheads take part in are about preserving heritage and the local culture. He says multiculturalism is not a good thing for America.
“It causes friction. If you’re white, you can say certain things. But, you can’t say other things or you’re labeled a racist…,” Smith said. “There’s so much hypocrisy. I just want to dispel the myths.”
Smith intends on dispelling what he calls “myths” of his group being racist and bigoted, by continuing to post banners and fliers. A recent posting said: “Take back our streets,” and listed the Skinheads Web site.
“We’re not the stereotypical people in movies,” Smith said. “I’m a family man myself, and I’m tired of the hypocrisy that’s in our society.”
Felton said two previous anti-hate rallies held locally were successful. A 2001 event featured a former member of the Aryan nation who said his job within the organization was to target young members. A 1998 rally was organized after a GAR Memorial High School student reportedly wore a Ku Klux Klan costume to school and after two Wilkes-Barre firefighters were suspended for distributing fliers that contained a racist slur.
Felton hopes another summit will be beneficial to the community.
“I think (the message of anti-hate) is needed once again,” Felton said. “We need to keep the area alert and aware.”
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12 COMMENTS
Wyatt said...
I believe theres nothing wrong with being proud of your race. When blacks and hispanics are proud its a great thing, but when a white guy tries to spread his message of his culture he gets labeled! I don't agree with many of the skinheads views but when it comes to our european culture we need to start standing up for it!
Jamal said...
I couldn't imagine someone calling me names because of my pride in myself, my friends, my family, and my people. I hope the NAACP is willing to allow this gentleman to speak. If he is mistaken, then certainly the people in attendance will recognize this of their own volition. -Jamal
Lori said...
Maybe when people realize that we are ALL part of the 'human race' rather than seperating ourselves into categories - then we won't need groups to further certain agendas, and maybe erase some hate & fears. It would be nice.
TK said...
Being proud of one's culture is one thing. Believing your race or culture to be superior is another. The line is subtle, but these people have certainly crossed it.
js said...
Yes, it's too bad we (fellow "Europeans") don't more pride in our European culture. Too bad the Irish don't have a day that celebrates their heritage and even have some sort of parade. Too bad we don't have Italian festivals, Polish festivals, etc. Too bad we don't make our largely European religious holidays, national holidays such as Christmas and Easter. We really need European languages represented in our schools - they don't teach Spanish or French or English. We really need our European foods represented such as Italian, Irish pubs, etc. Yes, very sad that we don't have any of these things in the US... **** rolls eyes ****
John said...
Let the man speak; weather people or groups are right or wrong in their beliefs, communication is necessary to understand their positions. My heritage is Northern European and we have been labeled as dumb polaks, hunkies etc.; we dont take offense because our culture is rich in tradition and history; albeit, it is a fact, the polish race is among the most intelligent people on earth. Government intervention, censorship, political correctiveness etc. does not and will not correct the inherent and internalized views that people have within themselves. Let the skinhead speak; it may lead to an understanding of another point of view...
Anti-racist skinhead said...
If KSS can speak one of the MANY anti-racist skinheads or skinheads from organizations that oppose racism should be allowed to speak. There are many of us who reject KSS's racism and hate crimes and they should not -in any way - be identified as a representative of a "skinhead" organizations, but be clear they are a "white nationalist" organization - many of which identify themselves as "Skinheads" (sic)
Big Al said...
Skinheads? Oh, my mistake, I thought it was "Pinheads". No problem, one can easily interchange the two names into any sentence without changing its context. Maybe it is "Pinheads"; some wear those white conical hats...
American Working Class said...
The people should certainly be allowed to decide the validly of this gentleman's message for themselves, first hand from their own mouths and not based on hearsay from a group such as the NAACP that has already insulted and tried to belittle them in public. To not include the group whose message & presence is in question would only turn the summit it into a completely one sided and biased farce. If Ron Felton's opinion on this group is correct then I'm sure the public will not only see though it all but they will see it coming from a mile away, unless Mr. Felton doesn't think the community is smart enough to think for themselves? So all in all the NAACP shouldn't have anything to worry about then, right?
Tom G. said...
These lands once belonged to the american indian. Do they still own it...? Answer = No Why not? Because they could not defend it. The land will change hands again some time in the future, just a question of time.. No race rules but The white culture makes this world work,The rest are along for the ride.
Central PA Dad said...
If the NAACP doesn't allow them to speak it only shows their weakness. The KSS are predominantly peaceful and very level-headed. I don't know any of them personally... but I know they stand up for their beliefs and they get labeled harshly for it. It's ok for someone of another race to point out white people and call them racist... but let one of us point a finger at someone of a different ethnicity and watch the rallies start and the media coverage that follows. Every time someone who is not white points at us it's like the barrel of a gun instead of a finger. IT IS NOT WRONG TO SPEAK YOUR MIND... WELCOME TO ANTI-WHITE AMERICA.
Mike said...
Predominately peaceful? They sure have you fooled, but then again, you are probably a member yourself. Have you seen the hate crimes their members have committed and been arrested for? They would like everyone to believe that the majority of drug and crime problems are committed by non-whites. Look at the recent cocaine bust...nearly all whites. Look at the graffiti bust awhile back - all whites, but KSS members actually believe and state these people were of color. Face it, drug problems and crimes exist in all cultures. We are all humans. A person isn't genetically inclined to commit more crimes or do more drugs based on their race. Every individual human has their own mind and can make their own individual decisions in life. It has absolutely nothing to do with their race or where they came from. If they actually wanted to stop drugs, crimes and violence in this area, they would be looking at it as a whole instead of trying to blame it all on non-whites.