Nightime explosions in the District again?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How the heck does one know the race of people who are shooting off fireworks? That’s beyond ridiculous to assume it’s just one race.

Lets not be willfully naïve. But these people making it out as some kind of pathological thing are also and obviously being racist.

Where I grew up in the 80s, fireworks were exclusively a white kid thing. They would drive out to the Indian reservation and get all of the fireworks that were illegal in the 80s, which basically is sticks of dynamite, and they would go at it. Roman candle fights. All of it. I even had a neighbor that would shoot his rifle in the air on the 4th every year.

While I really don't like the fireworks, the public disturbance and lack of consideration, I am also cognizant that there has never previously been a time in my life when black boys were treated with a "boys will be boys" attitude. As long things don't get out of control and people get hurt, then I'm cool with it. But they should only get 2-3 days, not 2-3 weeks.

[Anonymous]

The poor animals. Mine shake on July 4th. No way would I want to deal with it all summer.

[Anonymous]

I live in McLean and this time of year I always hear what sound like fireworks. It’s not just “young black men” doing this.

[Anonymous]

FYI, this year fireworks started early thanks to the new federal holiday, Juneteenth. Out in PG County we are fortunate that it isn't nightly, but we got them a lot on Saturday, June 19 and get them about every 2-3 days, so 2-3 times per week. And I expect that this will continue through a few days after the 4th. It only started early this year because of the holiday, but that may become the new normal.

[Anonymous]

While I really don't like the fireworks, the public disturbance and lack of consideration, I am also cognizant that there has never previously been a time in my life when black boys were treated with a "boys will be boys" attitude. As long things don't get out of control and people get hurt, then I'm cool with it. But they should only get 2-3 days, not 2-3 weeks.

Ummm...dirtbikes and ATV's...

Do you live in DC?

[Anonymous]

I know you're talking about DC, and I'm in Virginia. But this is an everybody in the area thing. I live in Vienna and the fireworks start the week before and go right up until July 5th and then the weekend after.

And on New Year's too. When it comes to fireworks it seems people everywhere are inconsiderate of their neighbors. I just wear earplugs and be very careful when walking into the bathroom at night because my terrified dog is sleeping in the WC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

While I really don't like the fireworks, the public disturbance and lack of consideration, I am also cognizant that there has never previously been a time in my life when black boys were treated with a "boys will be boys" attitude. As long things don't get out of control and people get hurt, then I'm cool with it. But they should only get 2-3 days, not 2-3 weeks.

Ummm...dirtbikes and ATV's...

Do you live in DC?

PP here. I consider the dirt bikes and ATVs part and parcel of the same phenomenon. So long as no one is getting hurt, but there’s evidence that’s no longer true.

Back in the 80s and 90s Atlanta had Freaknik and eventually folks grew tired of it. ATVs and fireworks are the DC version of Freaknik and I prefer these negative externalities to the ones associated with Freaknik. I honestly consider it a good sign. To me it’s like evidence of a rising middle class, perhaps a necessary stage towards broader prosperity. And it’s better than having these kids killing each other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in McLean and this time of year I always hear what sound like fireworks. It’s not just “young black men” doing this.

Yes, for example, the country clubs are doing it.

[Anonymous]

Fireworks at night in Gaithersburg too. Oh to be young again!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How the heck does one know the race of people who are shooting off fireworks? That’s beyond ridiculous to assume it’s just one race.

I live in downtown silver spring and it’s not young black men setting off fireworks here. According to my teens’ social media, it’s white teen boys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The poor animals. Mine shake on July 4th. No way would I want to deal with it all summer.

Yeah, I live in NE and I have to drive my dog to upper NW every single day in the summer because he gets so traumatized by the fireworks he refuses to go to the bathroom in my neighborhood. I don't want anyone to be arrested unless they're serial offenders, but it would be nice if the police gave ANY disincentive at all like fines and confiscation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The poor animals. Mine shake on July 4th. No way would I want to deal with it all summer.

Yeah, I live in NE and I have to drive my dog to upper NW every single day in the summer because he gets so traumatized by the fireworks he refuses to go to the bathroom in my neighborhood. I don't want anyone to be arrested unless they're serial offenders, but it would be nice if the police gave ANY disincentive at all like fines and confiscation.

Police are ok with you driving your dog across town to pee rather than risking getting fired confronting a young black male over fireworks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know you're talking about DC, and I'm in Virginia. But this is an everybody in the area thing. I live in Vienna and the fireworks start the week before and go right up until July 5th and then the weekend after.

And on New Year's too. When it comes to fireworks it seems people everywhere are inconsiderate of their neighbors. I just wear earplugs and be very careful when walking into the bathroom at night because my terrified dog is sleeping in the WC.

I left Fairfax 20 years ago and moved in to a neighborhood with few minorities. Fireworks were set off constantly from the minute they started being sold not just one week around the 4th. Parents did not care. It is a very low crime neighborhood but we were beset by constant vandalism and theft from yards, garages, and cars. Neighbors always blamed the low income apartments nearby. Over time, various teens were caught who were all white kids from the nieghborhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish OP would calm down enough to explain exactly what she's ranting about. I live in the District and am not sure what "nighttime explosions" she's referring to.

Is this a 4th of July fireworks type of thing? If so, bring it on! I love the 4th of July and think it's great that people celebrate all week.

Me too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know you're talking about DC, and I'm in Virginia. But this is an everybody in the area thing. I live in Vienna and the fireworks start the week before and go right up until July 5th and then the weekend after.

And on New Year's too. When it comes to fireworks it seems people everywhere are inconsiderate of their neighbors. I just wear earplugs and be very careful when walking into the bathroom at night because my terrified dog is sleeping in the WC.

I left Fairfax 20 years ago and moved in to a neighborhood with few minorities. Fireworks were set off constantly from the minute they started being sold not just one week around the 4th. Parents did not care. It is a very low crime neighborhood but we were beset by constant vandalism and theft from yards, garages, and cars. Neighbors always blamed the low income apartments nearby. Over time, various teens were caught who were all white kids from the nieghborhood.

Fireworks are a very ascendant middle class thing, regardless of race. Not saying it is a good or bad thing, it is just seems to be how it works. UMC people go see fireworks. MC people light their own.