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Inside The World Of White Ferguson On Facebook

The exchanges of predominately white commenters reveal frustration, and a deep cultural divide.

The public Facebook group "Ferguson, Missouri Friends & Neighbors," is an interesting window into the conversation some residents are having about the unrest in their town.

After the shooting death of Michael Brown, the usual community announcements gave way to an active forum for discussing — and criticizing — the attention Ferguson is receiving.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

BuzzFeed blurred the profile images and names of the commenters.

The members of the group are not exclusively white, but white Ferguson residents appear to make up the bulk of the comments on the page.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Many of the members say that they do not believe the violent protesters are from Ferguson.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri
Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri
Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

"I do not believe we have a serious race issue here," one Ferguson local wrote. "The violence over the last 10 days involving over 90% of nonresidents should say a lot."

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

In addition, Ferguson residents in the group expressed anger and frustration at the media presence.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri
Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Many posts are critical of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson...

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Some blame them for perpetuating violence.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

In one post, St. Louis Alderman Antonio French, one of the key chroniclers of the protests in Ferguson, is called a "fool" and a "dumbass."

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Despite the warning that comments "not in good taste" would be deleted, many of the posts on the page seem to be in violation of those guidelines.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri
Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Some comments are racially charged.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri
Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Even on seemingly innocuous posts...

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Comments inevitably return to the topic of race relations in Ferguson.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

The group has also been highlighting good deeds in the community that they say are being ignored by the media.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri
Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Many posting on the page express support for the Ferguson police force and Darren Wilson, the officer who shot Michael Brown.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Some express distrust of MIchael Brown's family and attorney.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri
Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

Some responded to criticism about the racial makeup of the Ferguson police force.

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

The police department said it has 53 officers, three of whom are black.

"When did we stop calling them negroes?"

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri
Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri

"Our goal needs to be, not figuring out what happened to Michael Brown, but that it never happens again. That would be the best thing we could do to honor him."

Facebook: Ferguson.Missouri