Wednesday, 3 March 2010

“Don’t fuck with old senior citizens…

…They’ll surprise you once in a while.”

The Masticating Lady


The title of this post is a quote from the 67-year-old “star” of the latest YouTube video to go viral. Some have said that the video exemplifies racial tensions in America. The video shows two “gentlemen” getting into an altercation on an AC Transit bus. However, I’m less interested in the rights and wrongs of the two protagonists – an elderly white gentleman dubbed Epic Beard Man, and a younger black gentleman nicknamed, Young Black Dude. What’s interesting to me, are the reactions of the passengers on the bus, who on the whole, act as though nothing is happening.

For those who haven’t already seen the video, I warn you now: this video does contain graphic images of violence and is unsuitable for minors and those of a sensitive disposition (I’ve always wanted to say that).




As I see it, the video has less to do with race and more to do with stupidity. Young Dude shoulda known better than to fuck with old boy - them old folks been through wars and shit; and I don’t mean Call of Duty 4 on an Xbox 360. Ain't he seen Gran Torino!? – Duh!

What strikes me about the video is the pluckiness of The Masticating Lady in the blue top and white trainers/sneakers. I’ve yet to see or read anything that highlights her laudable response to the volatile situation. Yes, she laughs it off at first. But by intervening and trying to stop the fight from escalating – when it would've been far easier for her not to get involved, or worse still, encourage the violence like the two idiots filming – she exhibits a level of courage I find hard to ignore. 

I hope good things come to her, for me she really is the star of the video. I hope one day she won’t have to ride the bus anymore. I really, really do.


- Cheyelle



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4 comments:

  1. I reckon it was the presence of the camera that induced the young fellow to walk to the front. Someone should have said "Son, he whupped your ass!", at the end.
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  2. @ gorilla: Hahaha - if someone (especially The Masticating Lady) would've said that, it woulda been the icing on the cake. Incidentally, thanks for the variant spelling of the word "whupped." In my experience it's not the most common spelling of the word, but on reflection, it IS the more etymologically correct one. *feels torn*

    I wholeheartedly agree with you about the presence of the camera upping the ante. Personally, I reckon at least one of the amateur "film makers" should've been charged with something for inciting the violence.
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  3. Dang! Gramps is a south paw. Glad I take the subway!
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  4. True dat Jesse - lol. I might take up power walking next time I need to ride the bus. I can't risk anyone "leaking" on my Louboutins! x
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