Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has accused Missouri Governor Mike Parson of employing a racial “dog whistle” when referring to the suspected shooters at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade as “thugs.” Lucas made these allegations during an appearance on the local radio show “Up to Date” on Friday. He expressed his disagreement with Parson’s choice of words, stating that he has witnessed similar incidents of alleged racism in the past.
Following the shooting incident, Governor Parson had stated, “We can’t let some thugs just take over and ruin what happened.” While Mayor Lucas acknowledged his respect for the governor and their amicable relationship, he strongly disagreed with Parson’s description of the situation. Lucas argued that the term “thugs” is a classic example of a dog whistle, carrying racial undertones.
Lucas further highlighted the existence of a conservative theory circulating on social media, suggesting that the mug shots of the alleged defendants have not been released due to their race. He dismissed this notion as preposterous, emphasizing that protections for juveniles are in place, which may explain the lack of public disclosure. Two minors have been charged with gun-related offenses in connection with the shooting, which resulted in one fatality and left 22 others injured.
The 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri announced on Friday that the two juveniles are currently detained in secure detention at the Juvenile Detention Center, facing charges of gun-related offenses and resisting arrest. The court also stated that additional charges are expected as the Kansas City Police Department continues its investigation.
1 Response
“Words have power. They can make or break someone’s perception, and they can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It is crucial for leaders to choose their words carefully, especially when discussing sensitive issues such as race. Accusing someone of employing a racial ‘dog whistle’ highlights the importance of being mindful of the impact our words can have on others.”
This quote resonates with the post because it emphasizes the significance of language and the responsibility that leaders have in using it appropriately. Mayor Lucas is pointing out