"Mood in the Hood," Urban Blacks used as bogeyman by Oil executive John Hofmeister

The energy giant Shell is using Urban Blacks, or should I rather say misusing. Specifically Shell is banking on the rabid paranoia and stereotypical fear people have of Urban Blacks and has incorporated it as business policy, a means to an end that if realized will fill the coffers of the giant corporation and it's share holders.

Shell's President John Hofmeister revealed in an interview on the Charlie Rose show for 3/25/08; that Black people and civil disturbance which he characterized as "Mood in the Hood" was a arguing point in Shell, the behemoth energy giant business policy. He went on to say he had talks with the Mayor of Los Angeles concerning gauging the "Mood in the Hood". The implications of this bizarre proposition that Urban Blacks would riot over gas does starkly emphasize the state of the Cold War of American Racism.

Hofmeister argued that the nations energy crisis can be alleviated by allowing Shell to exploit the oil reserves in restricted areas of Alaska. In default, the specter of "Mood in the Hood" was raised. Urban Blacks on a rampage over oil and to complete the caricature, Hofmeister invoked the Rodney King aftermath.

All this "Mood in the Hood" talk, coming from an oil executive does raise the question is provocateurism in the works here? Where is the precedent in support of the implication that Urban Blacks unlike any other group will riot over gas? And Charlie Rose with the credibility of his Journalism on the line sat there and allowed the words to go unchallenged.

As an aside Hofmeister disclosed that Hillary Clinton is partial and sympathetic to the oil industry's concerns.



By Apropos