A disturbing wave of racially charged text messages targeting women in Detroit and other U.S. locations has sparked alarm and outrage nationwide. The messages, which contain references to “plantation groups” and “cotton picking,” have been received by Black women, college students, and individuals in multiple states, fueling concerns over coordinated harassment.
Detroit Women Receive Racist, Disturbing Texts
Women across Detroit have reported receiving racist and distressing texts, claiming they have been “selected” to pick cotton at a “plantation” and warning them to be ready for pick-up at specific times. The messages, which some recipients received the day after the election, contain graphic and offensive language evoking slavery, telling recipients they will be “checked for drugs” and escorted to a plantation. Local news outlet FOX 2 initially reported the texts after receiving calls from multiple Detroit-area women.
One woman, identified only as Renee, told FOX 2 she received a message reading, “You have been chosen to pick cotton at your nearest plantation. Be ready at 10 a.m. with all of your personal items.” The chilling nature of the message, which described Renee’s supposed assignment to a “group,” echoed historical references to slavery and struck fear in the hearts of those targeted.
Racist Text Messages Widespread Across the U.S.
Reports reveal that Detroit is not the only area affected. Similar messages have been reported in Atlanta, Virginia, Alabama, and South Carolina, where individuals have received threatening texts, some of which mentioned white supremacists and KKK members. Black college students at the University of Alabama and Clemson University also received texts implying a coordinated effort to intimidate and harass.
Another Detroit-area woman received a message shortly after Renee, reading, “Greetings. You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation…be prepared to be searched down once you’ve entered the plantation.” The messages appear to be sent from anonymous numbers, making it difficult to track down the senders or identify their motives.
The hate-filled messages have left women in Detroit and across the nation grappling with fear and anger, as the messages reference a time of oppression and slavery and emphasize racial violence. Local officials are urging recipients not to respond to the texts but to report them to law enforcement immediately.
Potential Sources and Theories Behind the Harassment
As of now, authorities have not identified those responsible for the messages, nor have they clarified whether the texts are part of a coordinated campaign. Some users on Reddit have speculated that the texts could be part of a foreign interference campaign aimed at sowing division within the United States. They believe foreign entities, including Russia, may be orchestrating this harassment as an attempt to escalate racial tensions and create discord following the U.S. election.
However, without concrete evidence, these theories remain speculative. The texts could be the work of domestic hate groups or rogue actors seeking to spread fear and intimidation. Experts say the language used in the texts aligns with historic intimidation tactics that aim to terrorize communities of color by invoking America’s painful history of slavery and oppression.
Local Authorities and Community Responses
Law enforcement agencies in affected areas, including Detroit, have been alerted and are investigating the situation. The Yemassee Police Department, working alongside other agencies, is focusing on tracking down the origins of these texts and determining whether they constitute hate crimes.
Detroit residents and officials alike have expressed outrage and concern over the impact of the messages on their communities. “This type of hate has no place here,” a local activist stated, urging residents to remain vigilant and report similar messages. Community leaders have called for solidarity and calm, asking residents to stand united against these racist attacks.
Social media platforms have also seen a surge in posts discussing the disturbing trend, with calls for tighter regulation to prevent such targeted harassment. Civil rights groups are pushing for comprehensive legislation to curb digital hate crimes, especially those targeting specific communities.
A Call for Action Against Digital Harassment
The wave of “plantation group” texts reflects the troubling rise in hate-fueled messages that exploit digital platforms to intimidate and target marginalized communities. This recent incident, occurring in the wake of a divisive election, serves as a reminder of the challenges in combating modern hate speech and digital harassment.
As authorities continue to investigate, communities and individuals affected by these messages are left with questions and a heightened sense of vulnerability. Moving forward, local leaders are advocating for tougher laws and better tools for tracking down digital threats, hoping to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
For now, officials urge anyone receiving such messages to remain calm, report them to law enforcement, and refrain from engaging. This coordinated effort to intimidate underscores the importance of staying vigilant against digital hate and harassment, especially as these tactics evolve with technology.
