A young man died Wednesday after he was shot at a South Side convenience store. Martece Glass, 18, was robbed by a group of approximately seven men and subsequently shot. Apparently, family members do not believe that Glass was targeted for any specific reason. The Chicago Tribune quoted Glass’ aunt as saying, “It’s just, you know, kids just marking their territory.”
 
After reading the scant paragraphs about Glass’ plight, I read the comments below the story to see what people were saying about the case. What I found was troubling.
 
“buety,” from Blairsville, Ga., says “this brings me great joy– if that’s all the ‘aunt’ can say.”
 
Cryptic, I know.
 
“Think-About-It,” from Washington, DC, answers: “Just curious on what that is supposed to mean?” He/she asks. “You have joy because a kid who wasn’t robbing the place died?”
 
The poster goes on to say: “It is a sad fact of our society that there are some neighborhoods that don’t react to violence any more because they see it every single day. On the flip side - don’t judge people by what is quoted in the paper. Sometimes they only take a few words out and you don’t get the full context of what she was saying.”
 
What exactly did “buety” mean? Is he saying that he’s happy that Glass wasn’t involved in the robbery? Or is he being cruel, as “Think-About-It” suggests?
 
Regardless, I agree with the statement that “Think-About-It” makes next. People no longer seem to react to violence. This message board proves that. As the posts progress, the discussion turns to insults. The posters seem oblivious to the fact that family members and friends are reading this story, that—to them—the printed words act as almost a memorial to Glass.
 
Does a story announcing a young man’s death really have to end with “buety” telling “T Dog” to “buy some deoterant and get a job you fatherless piece of crap”?
 
I think not.

1. Mz.TEE, April 1, 2008:

   i can’t believe this happen to tece R.I.P you would truley be missed

2. kiki aka tece lady, May 1, 2008:

   This shit is really fucked up. kno dat u will be missed