I’m a Samoan. It’s something of an inside joke in local media.
Maybe you’ve heard it before and then again, maybe not. Back in the early 70’s, Boston was grappling with court ordered school desegregation and forced busing. It was a very ugly time for race relations in The Hub of the Universe. “The cradle of liberty” was under an international media microscope. Not pretty.
I was out covering the story and to my credit, everyone hated me. Black, white, and politicians — everyone thought I was on the other side. I was proud of that. It means (to me) that I was on the right side. One day, there was an incident in South Boston — also know as “Southie” — which was where all the action was taking place.
A bunch of white thugs had cornered me and my crew. They were screaming the usual epithets, throwing rocks and bottles. Moving in for a serious tune-up. It was then that I had a Mel Brooks moment. An epiphany. The angry mob quieted as I raised my hand for silence. I spoke calmly, in my best, soothing voice.
“Hey, I’m not a nig__r. I’m a Samoan!”
My crew looked at me dubiously. Surely, no one could be that stupid. Besides, I had that infamous ironic smile on my face. The angry mob was still quiet and obviously somewhat confused. So I repeated it again, slowly and louder, so the crowd could read my lips.
“Guys, I’m not a nig__r, I’m a Samoan!”
A brief pause and then … the crowd cheered.
“He’s not a nig__r. He is Samoan!!”
They approached with broad smiles, offering handshakes. We got the hell out of there ASAP. Yes, they were that stupid. To this day, many colleagues call me “The Samoan.”
Now, that was real news!!
Categories: #Photography, Anecdote, Boston, Garry Armstrong, History, Media, Racism and Bigotry
If the bullies and crooks of the world weren’t so appallingly stupid, the world would be an even scarier place. Good one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The police often say the same. If criminals weren’t so stupid, they’d never catch them. Now, we’ve got stupid criminals running the world. Wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judy.Judy. Judy. If those thugs weren’t so stupid, I wouldn’t be around to relate the story.
Too soon?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, there I am behind you in the top picture! I had a similer experience in Syracuse, 1970 with a mob of angry white teenagers in the midst of a busing dust up outside Hennicker High; they surrounded me, spat on me, demanded my film. I bought a little time, but the threats escalated. Finally I opened the Bell and Howell 70-DR and hoped surrendering the feed reel would satisfy them. At that point Police Chief Sardino parted the crowd, told the kids to vamoose, and saved my ass. I immediately became a big fan of his.
LikeLiked by 1 person
John, you gave UP your film? To a bunch of WHITE kids?? Mother of mercy!!
LikeLike
Another great story, Garry. That was kool man from Samoa.
Leslie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Leslie. The Man From Samoa. Walk THIS way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLike
If they still were giving you trouble you could have put your microphone to your head and shouted “Don’t anybody move, or the SAMOAN GETS IT!” And then backed away.
LikeLiked by 2 people
chuckle….
LikeLike
This crowd was quite probably dumb enough to do it, too.
LikeLike
The “Samoan”…..The “Legend” lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
He wears his shirt. Regularly.
LikeLike
Yes, The Samoan, the Legend and the Emperor of Ka-Ching.
LikeLike
Love this story. Mel Brooks woulda been proud.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judy..Judy..Judy… this was BEFORE “Blazing Saddles”. Yes, Mel probably stole it.
Too Jewish??
LikeLike
Quick thinking Garry. I can’t help wondering how many of the crowd had even heard of Samoa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It turns out, Samoa has a big mob problem. Who knew?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Samoan Mob? FAKE news!
LikeLike
Tas, very few obviously. Plus, I had an honest face. A “trust me” face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I believe everything he says. Every day 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
They CHEERED???
I’m never going to be able to see that Blazing Saddles scene quite the same way now.
You are one seriously cool dude! (For an Irish Samoan, that is!) 😉
love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot of people really ARE morons.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fortunately, they largely stay away from our blogs!!! 🙂
love.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mostly. I block the rest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bob, I’m an old school Dude. If it looks serious, say something outrageous. It worked with many hard cases I covered in my career. It doesn’t work with Marilyn who just looks at me and gives me a “Gibbs” head slap.
Hey, Bob, where be the White Wimmen?
LikeLiked by 1 person
(SsssssLAPPP!) 😉
(with) love
LikeLiked by 1 person