Letter | Stop assuming the worst about Bikefest in Myrtle Beach

Don’t assume the worst about Bikefest

Re: May 9 letter by Rick Gutierrez, “Protests - will riots elsewhere set tone for Bikefest in Myrtle Beach?”

I am disappointed with the decision by The Sun News to publish the negative and culturally and racially offensive letter provided by Gutierrez.

Not only is the tone of this writer's article overly pessimistic and judgmental, The Sun News has afforded him the platform to relay his pre-conceived bias and unsubstantiated opinions of a group of people he refuses to acknowledge as “clean, decent people out to have a good time to show off their bikes and respect the law and property of others” the way he referred to Harley Week bikers.

Contrary to what Gutierrez professed, it is very apparent that his motives for submitting such an adversarial letter concerning what happened in urban neighborhoods in Ferguson, Los Angeles, New York and Baltimore is "a racial thing."

Regrettably, his racial prejudice is apparent and frightening.

To suggest that all black bikers with sport bikes are lawless or don't want to have a good time displaying their bikes is wrong and akin to suggesting that all Harley bikers are members of unlawful gangs or engage in criminal activity. Furthermore, to suggest that the recent events among blacks and law enforcement in some metropolitan cities may set the tone for unrest during Myrtle Beach's impending Bikefest is very narrow minded and irresponsible forecasting.

Lastly, our elected and appointed officials recognize that pervasive and deep rooted problems exist between some (not all) urban black metropolitan neighborhoods and law enforcement. Hopefully, these problems will be addressed by everyone.

It will be a collaborative effort - not just one that blacks can singularly fix.

Repairing and strengthening relationships in our neighborhoods will be an internal and external effort. When those, like Gutierrez, who live outside of the affected neighborhoods cease passing judgement and open up their hearts and minds to the plight of the disenfranchised, hopefully they will decide to be part of the solution.

This story was originally published May 14, 2015 at 2:38 PM with the headline "Letter | Stop assuming the worst about Bikefest in Myrtle Beach."