Great write up. Much food for thought. Self examination is…a lost art in post-modern society. We all believe ourselves to be above such base notions as racism and sexism…and yet, it exists. In us. Thanks again for the perspective.

Awesome post Bomani! Disgusting world we live in.

Awesome post Bomani! Disgusting world we live in.

What makes this different then the 100 plus murders in Chicago so far this year that no one cares about. How man of them deserved to die? This tragedy has become face time for sharpton and people trying to push their own agenda.

I was thinking of that moment when you busted up in the dudes house with that hoodie on yelling and ready to party. If you would have been shot then would anyone have cared? Situation is different of course but the reality is there would be another dead person.

I was thinking of that moment when you busted up in the dudes house with that hoodie on yelling and ready to party. If you would have been shot then would anyone have cared? Situation is different of course but the reality is there would be another dead person.

This post invoked many emotions from me, but of them all, anger was the strongest. I am raising two little Black boys that will be viewed as wild animals that need to be tamed by people that fear them, know nothing about them and can’t relate to them because those people don’t have to relate to others and because they have never been forced to.

This post invoked many emotions from me, but of them all, anger was the strongest. I am raising two little Black boys that will be viewed as wild animals that need to be tamed by people that fear them, know nothing about them and can’t relate to them because those people don’t have to relate to others and because they have never been forced to.

Great perspective! Reposting!

Word? There was a kid in Chicago shot by a rogue vigilante neighborhood watchman for the crime of walking home with a pack of Skittles while looking “suspicious”??

Word? There was a kid in Chicago shot by a rogue vigilante neighborhood watchman for the crime of walking home with a pack of Skittles while looking “suspicious”??

Interesting take on this Bo. What I find interesting is that there are many “non-Black” people who are surprised that our mothers, fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers (whoever raised us) had to have “the talk” with us as young Black men. The reality is that the “talk” never stopped after childhood but continued through conversations of how not to get pegged as that Black dude at work, in higher education, in public, on the streets, in the club, on the elevator next to someone clutching her purse, at the ATM keeping enough distance behind the person getting money… at (fill-in-the-blank). I believe, as you point out in this post, the issue is much deeper than killing an “innocent” young man. Killing anyone for the wrong reason (supposed suspicion from a self-appointed executioner) is wrong period; no matter who he shot.

I’ve always been a bit baffled by people who seem to feel that racism and sexism are “behind us” and that people need to “get over it”. I’m 42, and I can remember race riots on my TV as clear as day. My parents lived in a time when Jim Crow and separate but equal were law. My grandparents lived in a world where lynching was commonplace. Victims of and perpetrators of these crimes still walk this earth in abundance. It’s the present, not the past, even if you like to pretend you’re oblivious to it.

I’ve always been a bit baffled by people who seem to feel that racism and sexism are “behind us” and that people need to “get over it”. I’m 42, and I can remember race riots on my TV as clear as day. My parents lived in a time when Jim Crow and separate but equal were law. My grandparents lived in a world where lynching was commonplace. Victims of and perpetrators of these crimes still walk this earth in abundance. It’s the present, not the past, even if you like to pretend you’re oblivious to it.

I’ve always been a bit baffled by people who seem to feel that racism and sexism are “behind us” and that people need to “get over it”. I’m 42, and I can remember race riots on my TV as clear as day. My parents lived in a time when Jim Crow and separate but equal were law. My grandparents lived in a world where lynching was commonplace. Victims of and perpetrators of these crimes still walk this earth in abundance. It’s the present, not the past, even if you like to pretend you’re oblivious to it.

I’ve always been a bit baffled by people who seem to feel that racism and sexism are “behind us” and that people need to “get over it”. I’m 42, and I can remember race riots on my TV as clear as day. My parents lived in a time when Jim Crow and separate but equal were law. My grandparents lived in a world where lynching was commonplace. Victims of and perpetrators of these crimes still walk this earth in abundance. It’s the present, not the past, even if you like to pretend you’re oblivious to it.

I’ve always been a bit baffled by people who seem to feel that racism and sexism are “behind us” and that people need to “get over it”. I’m 42, and I can remember race riots on my TV as clear as day. My parents lived in a time when Jim Crow and separate but equal were law. My grandparents lived in a world where lynching was commonplace. Victims of and perpetrators of these crimes still walk this earth in abundance. It’s the present, not the past, even if you like to pretend you’re oblivious to it.

your story is right on, please read this story about another ‘stand your ground ‘ incident , in which person who killed man is set free http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/21/2706789/miami-judge-stabbing-in-the-back.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

your story is right on, please read this story about another ‘stand your ground ‘ incident , in which person who killed man is set free http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/21/2706789/miami-judge-stabbing-in-the-back.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

your story is right on, please read this story about another ‘stand your ground ‘ incident , in which person who killed man is set free http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/21/2706789/miami-judge-stabbing-in-the-back.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

your story is right on, please read this story about another ‘stand your ground ‘ incident , in which person who killed man is set free http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/21/2706789/miami-judge-stabbing-in-the-back.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

your story is right on, please read this story about another ‘stand your ground ‘ incident , in which person who killed man is set free http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/21/2706789/miami-judge-stabbing-in-the-back.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

The Sharpton comment is unnecessary and undermines your point. ALL murders deserve attention and outrage, this is true. However, Sharpton is actually being of service to the family, drawing attention so they can at least get an arrest.

Bo’s point about Trayvon is true but it is what it is. It’s easier to expose the racism with a Trayvon type. Even with his “clean” look, many still think this is just another Black kid getting shot and “Al and Jesse up to the regular”. This has yet to reach Casey Anthony level mainstream hysteria. So, if not Al then it’d be Baisden and there would be be even less attention which is necessary.

Nothing brings Trayvon back but maybe they can get Stand Your Ground curtailed, if not repealed. Maybe some folks will reflect like Bo suggested about their irrational fear of us. Neither is that likely. The next suspicious shooting of a Black man less fortunate in the “baby faced genetic pool” or a few years older and the old confirmation bias will kick in and back to business as usual.

As far as why Trayvon, Rosa Parks wasn’t the first to not move either.

One last point, if you haven’t been paying attention, Al has TWO full-time jobs, so if anything he don’t have time for race baiting as you imply. Al Sharpton has transformed and changed. Some may call it selling out but he’s the one with the national TV show to shine light on this and he’s got two other shows devoting major attention as well.

The Sharpton comment is unnecessary and undermines your point. ALL murders deserve attention and outrage, this is true. However, Sharpton is actually being of service to the family, drawing attention so they can at least get an arrest.

Bo’s point about Trayvon is true but it is what it is. It’s easier to expose the racism with a Trayvon type. Even with his “clean” look, many still think this is just another Black kid getting shot and “Al and Jesse up to the regular”. This has yet to reach Casey Anthony level mainstream hysteria. So, if not Al then it’d be Baisden and there would be be even less attention which is necessary.

Nothing brings Trayvon back but maybe they can get Stand Your Ground curtailed, if not repealed. Maybe some folks will reflect like Bo suggested about their irrational fear of us. Neither is that likely. The next suspicious shooting of a Black man less fortunate in the “baby faced genetic pool” or a few years older and the old confirmation bias will kick in and back to business as usual.

As far as why Trayvon, Rosa Parks wasn’t the first to not move either.

One last point, if you haven’t been paying attention, Al has TWO full-time jobs, so if anything he don’t have time for race baiting as you imply. Al Sharpton has transformed and changed. Some may call it selling out but he’s the one with the national TV show to shine light on this and he’s got two other shows devoting major attention as well.

Out fucking standing!

If the victim was Mexican, would you be writing this story?

If the victim was Mexican, would you be writing this story?

It’s the same mindset that leads cops and prosecutors to ask the same questions of rape victims: what were they wearing, where were they when it happened, were they drinking or doing drugs, did they do anything besides stand there and cower…on and on and on, any damn thing to excuse the rapist or murderer. Or to excuse the incarceration of an innocent person: they have a record, they were an asshole, they ought to be in prison anyway. Anything that can be thrown against the wall and made to stick long enough to avoid dealing with the real crime, the real problem. Anything that can be used to blame the victim for the situation they are in.

When I was young we had chickens. My mom loves birds and soon we had turkeys, geese and ducks too. One day a tom (male turkey) flew into the chicken yard and just started stomping chickens to death. I asked my Dad why and he said, “…because they were different.”

Humans are like that too. Zimmerman killed Trayvon because he was different, he was black. In Zim’s mind Trayvon did not belong because he was different and needed to be taken care of.

Bo is right. Introspection is needed. That irrational fear of “the other” is in us all and only deep understanding of how that fear can guide your actions can prevent another needless tragedy.

When I was young we had chickens. My mom loves birds and soon we had turkeys, geese and ducks too. One day a tom (male turkey) flew into the chicken yard and just started stomping chickens to death. I asked my Dad why and he said, “…because they were different.”

Humans are like that too. Zimmerman killed Trayvon because he was different, he was black. In Zim’s mind Trayvon did not belong because he was different and needed to be taken care of.

Bo is right. Introspection is needed. That irrational fear of “the other” is in us all and only deep understanding of how that fear can guide your actions can prevent another needless tragedy.

Fantastic piece. I have to shamefully admit to crossing the street sometimes. It’s easy for me to think of myself as not being a racist because I truly believe in the equality of all people, but the issues obviously go beyond that. Thank you for prompting me to examine my own feelings and the sources of my anxieties. I’ve lived in racially mixed neighborhoods my whole life so this issue of irrational fear has always hovered on the fringes of my consciousness, but I never really thought about it beyond the moment. I have close friends who are black, and black family members, but that shit still rears it’s ugly head. I honestly wish there was an easy way to make it go away, but I feel doomed to have these irrational prejudices exist on some horrible level, maybe due to childhood socialization. thank you again for making me think.

‘By that token, any cop riding in Sanford would have open season on George Zimmerman…’ but in the case your analogizing to the cops claim that the man actually drew the gun on them-isn’t that a bit different?

But anyway I get you’re point, and I don’t doubt for a second, Bomani, that you’re had to deal with your share of unfair crap over the years. Black men are viewed with a higher degree of suspicion in this country, and by nearly everyone. Heck, remember that famous Jesse Jackson quote about hearing footsteps behind him, looking back to see it was a white person, and feeling relieved?

To be honest, I’ve even fallen victim to this attitude myself from time to time, having lived for a while in a part of Oakland where crime was pretty bad and the majority of it committed by young Black males. It may have been unfair, but if I was alone my immediate reaction upon seeing a black guy approach me was always different than if, say, it was a white guy or an asian guy approaching me.

My son shared this article with me. I agree that the basic problem is that irrational fear that some (most?) white people have when they encounter an unknown black male face. We HAVE to face this issue squarely as a society. I am trying to make my voice heard in my circle of largely white folks and the silence of the response is overwhelming.

My son shared this article with me. I agree that the basic problem is that irrational fear that some (most?) white people have when they encounter an unknown black male face. We HAVE to face this issue squarely as a society. I am trying to make my voice heard in my circle of largely white folks and the silence of the response is overwhelming.

Bo is right… nothing we as black folks can learn from this. We know the deal going in, the cops, the strange looks from the security guards, etc. We learn that early on and its like breathing. The Trayvon Martin story is an old one, with somebody else’s name on it in the past and surely to be replayed in another city on another street in the future. What I hope is that people who have these thoughts – that all black men look suspicious – can honestly look at themselves in the mirror and check themselves. And not just while you are walking around your neighborhood, but in the grocery stores, and the boardrooms and the HR departments, where the work potential of many men (and women) are snuffed out because of their skin color. Pulling the trigger is not the only way to kill somebody you think looks suspicious. Denying a qualified black or brown person a job is a close second.

I’m going to start by saying I’m white, but please understand I’m not racist. I don’t cross the street when I see a black man coming at me nor do I factor race into forming friendships. However, whenever a lot of the most prominent black men you see make it a point to seem “gangster” such as most rappers, white people who’ve never been taught better are going to look at most black men that way. Also, whenever white people treat every black man with fear/hate, it makes it harder for them to break through those stereotypes. Its a vicious cycle. However, in regards to Al Sharpton, I think that he would walk across the street in the same vein most white people do unless he thought it would bring him attention. I’m glad this story has gotten as much attention as it has but I don’t think Al Sharpton did that. Hell, I learned about it from a tweet from Michael Smith. I want to have intelligent conversation about this, since it seems impossible to have, so please don’t respond with anger.

Terrific, essay. Cuts to the quick of the matter. But for the grace of God.

I’ve never been shot, but “profiling” isn’t just in blacks. I am an Italian male, and 99% or people think I’m get Hispanic. With no knowledge of me. I dress like everyone I know dresses. Baggy clothes, hat cocked to the side. Jewelry on. I get fallowed around the stores as if I was a thief. I’ve had the cops draw their weapons on me for no reason. I get people who call the cops because of “suspicious” behavior. The only thing really suspicious is how people think. People are dumb. People are racist. People do judge before they know anything. It is sad that this happened to a young man. It is sad that this happens to anyone. The problem for me is that it comes down do black or white. When in reality, racism is in a lot of people. It is sad. Yes it sucks. Yes it is troubling. But its life. Have I been scared to walk down the street? Absolutly. Was I just about to piss my pants when 4 cops drew their guns on me, for “looking suspicious”? Hell yes. Could I have been shot that night or any other night? Yes. As long as we give people guns and power. This will always be a problem. He wasn’t even a cop. He was a rent a cop. But he had a gun. He had “power”. He took his job to seriously. It sucks. Racism isn’t just about black and white though. The reason people point out that Mr. Zimmerman is part Mexican is because it makes some people more ok with the story. Its not ok. Its not ok for any race to be treated differently than another. If you’re black, white, brown, purple, green… I didn’t see Trayvon as black. I seen a man (a young man at that), caught in a situation. The situation sucks. But until people learn to not judge people on sight. You’re always going to have those dumb fucking people who think they know better. I don’t care what race you are.

If u actually read the article Hellabrahs u would have seen that Bomani said “it doesnt matter what race the young man was, shooting someone because the so called look suspicious is wrong”. Read first b4 u ask questions

I don’t think Zimmerman killed Trayvon because he was different. He pursued him because he was different. The events leading up to him shooting him occurred because he was different. That’s where the issue of race ends I believe. Zimmerman had a history of violence and shouldn’t have been allowed to own a gun. The fact that he blatantly disobeyed the dispatcher shows that he wasn’t mentally fit to own one also. Read a story that he called 911 over 40 times on New Years Eve. Zimmerman had more issues than reacting to Trayvon based on race. And no, I’m not trying to give him an insanity out. I believe he should be charged with murder.

Great piece i also have wrote a bit on this topic today 1oo KEPT: The Trayvon Complex http://100kept.blogspot.com/2012/03/trayvon-complex.html?spref=tw

Racism is thee single most biggest disease on this planet because it will affect you either directly or indirectly in some way shape form or fashion…The single most and most effective i might add cure for this dumbass disease is for EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the world to wake the fuck up, stop and look at your own ass in the mirror and realize we all drink the same water, eat the same food and breathe the same air….so why the fuck is it so hard to treat people how your ass wants to be treated….and i am a young Black male and damn proud to be one, but even more proud to be part of the HUMAN race, living in Detroit, MI where crime literally happens everyday. People can look at this adding and subtracting different race. age and sex but the bottom line is, is that another promising young Black male is gone. Gone from his family, friends and gone from the opportunity of making positive big contributions to this world. Gone because some punk ass bitch who so called felt he “looked suspicious” took his young life. Tell if u have a gun pointed at someone, is it too difficult for you to shout out a warning message????? I dont know uh something along the lines of “hey, who are u, please identify yourself, i have a gun”…I mean really, how simple is that Mr Zimmerman??? Unless u already had it made up in your little pea brain mind to shoot first, ask questions later….Either way george u are simple put A BITCH in my book. I dnt hate anyone, but u r damn close to that realm of hate that i do have. U had no fuckin right bitch to take this precious kids life…I hope u get just what u deserve

sorry for the typos and grammatical errors people, i got emotionally charged writing this.

sorry for the typos and grammatical errors people, i got emotionally charged writing this.

Steve, there are good people period in this world and you definitely seem like one of them!! I’m not one that likes to pull the race card, but some things are just obvious. Bo makes a very valid point in this piece. Racism is a people problem and no race is immune. The saddest part about this being a “black/white” issue when Zimmerman is part “hispanic” is that the “white” cops took the word of the “hispanic” guy while the “black” guy lay there dead. I am glad to see as much attention on this issue as there is because otherwise Sanford, Florida’s race relations would have gotten even worse. The real black/white issue is how the cops that are sworn to protect and serve seem to serve only those who look like them or those who eradicate or execute those of us who don’t. I find it interesting that Zimmerman’s father tried to paint a picture of him by saying he has black family members. And that point proves what? Who was he raised by? With the last name Zimmerman, could he have been raised by a white family that taught him racism? If you listen to the tapes, you clearly hear his hatred for black people. Why was it necessary to say he looks “black”. You could also hear him refer to Trayvon as an “effin coon”. The whole situation is very sad. What’s more disturbing is this type of behavior is still prevalent here in 2012! Al Sharpton, the DOJ, the FBI, and any other involved entity has every right to be involved as well. States rights are truly a joke when the atrocious law was passed in a state that is perceived as racist and is allowing a cold-blooded murderer to hide behind it, even though he was not standing his ground!! Those who favored this law have young Trayvon’s blood on their hands as well, not just Zimmerman.

I agree with you, and I’m a young, white male. I have friends who are black and if I ever needed them I know I would call them and not think for a second about their skin color and I believe they would come help me and not think about mine. Which makes it hard for me to understand why people think this way, but I know they do. And by saying every single person in the world needs to wake up, you are right. I was born and raised in West Virginia, so I’ve seen my share of racism. And it goes both ways. If I meet you, I should look at you and understand that you came from somewhere I know nothing about, so you have different views on things but that doesn’t make you wrong. Also, you should look at me that way. Beginning with that understanding is the first step to tearing down racial boundaries. People use that as an excuse not to converse, rather than a beginning to a conversation.

Trayvon’s family is simply asking to arrest George Zimmerman where he will be tried in court. The Stand your Ground only applies to the charges during the trial at which the defendant must prove self-defense.

In every other single case of “Stand Your Ground”, the person was arrested, handcuffed, and charged with a crime. Only at which during the trial will the judge and jury decide what their fate will become.

In this case, the police are acting as judge and jury. They did not follow proper protocol to arrest the person and do basic fact gathering. It’s a homicide scene and evidence should be gathered to determine what happened. The cops refused to arrest this man and basically told him to “go on home”. That’s the travesty here. The lack of an arrest.

I agree. I called the cops one time about a man beating a woman outside my house. One of the first questions was is he white or black. My initial thought was “Does this matter?” Maybe had he asked me to describe the individual, but he didn’t. He asked his race. My initial thought was is he asking this to determine how quickly he will get here. I’m not saying Zimmerman was right in any way in this case. I think Zimmerman is guilty of murder. In regards to the law, I think it is misguided. I think I should be able to “stand my ground” but I don’t think I should be about to stand my ground and shoot as I please. If someone breaks into my house or tries to steal my vehicle, I dont feel like I shouldn’t be allowed defend myself. However, it seems as though the application of the law in Florida is to attack if you feel suspicious or threatened in any way by another individual

Great post. The outcry over Trayvon Martin is warranted. However, this should extend beyond just one person, there should be an outcry for every man, woman or child that is a victim of a racist society. This outcry must come from a united African American community to show America, once again, what true civilization means. History is a determinant of the present and the future, thus Trayvon Martin’s case and the cases before and those after truly are no surprise for anyone who reads history. Dr. Ben Yosef Jochannan, a preeminent historian once wrote in his book Black Man of the Nile and his family, “Was it not a very sad day indeed when the originators of the disgusting term-”race”-introduced it to mankind as a “scientific explanation” for the apparent physical, mostly facial, variations between the various so-called “ethnic” groupings within the human family? Between the terms-”race” and “religion”-mankind had created the abyss which will certainly help to destroy civil living itself.” This racism we see in this country is historic beyond America to Africa and extending 2000 years. To think that the few years of relief during reconstruction, the few years of a semblance of opportunity after the civil rights movement, and the few years of opportunity under Clinton makes us whole is to lack comprehension. As another historian put it “The events which transpired five thousand years ago; Five years ago or five minutes ago, have determined what will happen five minutes from now; five years From now or five thousand years from now. All history is a current event.”
Dr. John Henrik Clarke

[...] a broader issue in the slaying of Trayvon Martin in much the same way as Bomani Jones did in his thoughtful post on the subject: that while this tragic murder can easily be made a symbol of extreme racist hatred, [...]

One issue, while I understand what you mean, is not so much that the outcry shouldn’t come from a united African-American community. It should come from a united American community. Be careful when calling for African-Americans to stand “together” because sometimes this looks like standing “against”. I’m worried that this issue will lead to more of a race war than improved race relations. Educating young African-Americans, young Causasians, young Hispanic-Americans on the issue without trying to trash another race is the key to fixing this. I understand it is difficult to teach black kids where they come from and what their families/ancestors endured without causing some anger/hate. This is why I’m saying something must be done jointly to fix the problem. Children of all races must see positive interactions/relationships between the people they look up to and other races. So, while I understand that racism begins with white people, be careful of reverse racism because this wont fix the problem either.

Once again,I will supply the answer to a waiting nation:IT’S BECAUSE FLORIDA HAS 29 UP FOR GRABS ELECTORAL VOTES.

Nice brother, nice.

Nice brother, nice.

There is no such thing as reverse racism. Prejudice is there among all of us-no one is immune. It is hard to tell someone who to like, who not to like, who to respect etc..That would mean to superimpose one’s self in another’s mind and try to control emotions, feelings and thoughts that are activated by a subconscious and a conscious brain which very few of us even understand. However, power and prejudice is racism. The ability to ration out and determine the direction of people’s lives based on the color of their skin is racism. To kill without punishment, the ability to decide who gets a job to feed his or her family, the ability to decide what is taught in schools, the ability to decide what movies are shown, what music is needed, the power to control the message on every topic imaginable-that is racism. Reverse racism is a ridiculous term that is not informed by history or reality. It is a term used to distract and diffuse and to minimize the gravity of the problem. It is good for all people to find in themselves some form of right and wrong and to mend their ways. But unity among African American people is needed. If that scares you-you might want to look into why that is.

“the ability to decide what is taught in schools, the ability to decide what movies are shown, what music is needed, the power to control the message on every topic imaginable-that is racism.”

Well, if you’re going to redefine racism to mean that, than I guess racism doesn’t exist in this country anymore. Who decides on all these things, exactly?

How about we give George Zimmerman a fair shake and wait for the grand jury report before we start chasing him around with a noose?

Look at what happened to that kid at Rutgers after all the outrage when he spied on his roommate and the kid decided to kill himself. That kid is going to prison for YEARS for a hate crime when he really committed a low-level misdemeanor. Mostly because of the public reaction to his roommate’s death.

The fact is that we have no idea what really happened other than the very little information that has been provided to the public, almost all from one side story, in a highly politicized manner. If he’s indicted by a grand jury, then perhaps we’ll learn more, and be able to form clearer opinions, but demanding that George Zimmerman is arrested before a proper investigation has taken place is the same type of thing that has happened in thousands of wrongful convictions that have happened around the nation.

Even if George Zimmerman did kill Trayvon Martin with malice, he’s still entitled to a fair trial and is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, which hasn’t happened yet to my knowledge.

Well, when black people are only 12% of the populaton but 60% of all inmates… they need to be watched more carefully. BLACK ON BLACK crime is 95% of black murders.. blacks need to look in the mirror

I thought TruthJ’s post was very clear. “Racism = prejudice + power” is a fine, concise definition, and the rest of the post explains how this definition applies in myriad concrete ways including what you quoted. TruthJ is not “redefining racism” so much as he/she is clearly defining the widest, clearest definition.

Racism is not just prejudice based on race, it is the further use of power – institutional (gov’t, companies), social customs, and personal acts – that enforce that prejudice. That’s it.

You just captured my sentiments exactly: “The most annoying thing about being a black man is constantly having to explain what reason you have for being wherever the fuck you are at a given moment. ”

I don’t even think people even begin to understand what this means in everyday life.

Rappers (and their odes to gangsterism) are no more spokespersons for black people than heavy metal musicians (and their odes to satan, suicide and death) are for whites. This is what I think Bomani means by introspection.

Alex Dewey captured the point precisely thus there is no more to say. African Americans need to study their history and world history. Unite. If this threatens you as you read it, you have a problem. But you are not alone, it is the same problem that was deep seated in George Zimmerman’s skull. Other people unite, Jews unite, they love their culture and their history. It is wonderful to see. Why can’t ‘we? Why does that scare people?

Good place to start with learning our history: The Destruction of Black Civilization by Chancellor Williams

Care to share stats on WHITE ON WHITE homicides?

Read in the Toronto Star the FOX News host, Geraldo Rivera, advised parents and kids of Black and Latino descent to not wear hoods because Trayvon’s hoodie was as responsible as Zimmerman for his murder because you can’t ‘rehabilitate the hoodie.’ So, if you wearing a thousand plus dollar suit and rive a Porshe you’re a corrupt Bay Street banker or government politician looking to scam or embezzle millions of dollars from innocent people?! Also agree with the comment that compares perception of African Canadians or Americans and Hispanics to rape victims in that “It’s the same mindset that leads cops and prosecutors to ask the same questions of rape victims: what were they wearing, where were they when it happened, were they drinking or doing drugs, did they do anything besides stand there and cower…on and on and on, any damn thing to excuse the rapist or murderer. Or to excuse the incarceration of an innocent person: they have a record, they were an asshole, they ought to be in prison anyway. Anything that can be thrown against the wall and made to stick long enough to avoid dealing with the real crime, the real problem. Anything that can be used to blame the victim for the situation they are in.” In fact a police officer speaking to students at Toronto’s York University, basically blamed the provocative dress of women to their being raped by men leading some female students and activists to starting an annual ‘Slut Walk’ to protest the officers comments an event that has now been held in countries around the world from India to the United States! Song ‘Black Kid/City Life’ by local TO artist T-West perfectly captures the experience of the perception of black male youth in the major urban centres of North America

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njvmQQthNkE

The definitions not a bad one, although I guess we could probably get into an endless conversation about how to define the word ‘power’ in that definition. What most upset me about his post was the implication in his post that “the ability to decide who gets a job to feed his or her family, the ability to decide what is taught in schools, the ability to decide what movies are shown, what music is needed, the power to control the message on every topic imaginable” is how racism manifests itself in this country. Way over the top.

Also, his contention that reverse racism can’t exist-if the definition extends to personal acts, than of course it can.

Absolutely correct. Innocent until proven guilty is the way this country works. Just food for thought does anyone think that Zimmerman might just have a mental condition of some sort. It has been released that he had called 911 nearly 100 times in the past 12 months. That to me sounds quite odd for a gated community’s secutiry guard.

My brother is a firefighter, and there are people there who hang out around the firehouse and think that they’re firefighters because they’re delusional.

We don’t know if George Zimmerman is crazy, if he’s racist, or if he committed justifiable homicide. We just don’t know.

Bo you always bring a different insight on issue in and out of sports. This article made me sit and think about a bunch of things thank you for this read.

I am white and my parents never sat me down and gave me a talk that told me to beware of black men or anyone for that matter. I would think that if that type of practice takes place in any home regarding any race this act itself is creating preconcieved notions that will eventually result in racism.

We could start with not having those talks with our kids. Really all that is doing is building an expectation that someone you know nothing about is going to dislike you. Thats just crazy to me.

Also, to break these barriers down all races have try to do a better job socializing with one another. All misconceptions could be overcome if we simply tried to get to know one another. We fail to try. We ALL find comfort in what we know and therefore change never happens.

As for Zimmerman, No matter what his stated reason’s he was 100% wrong. Does anyone think he might have a mental condition? He worked as a security guard in a gated community and in the past 12 months made over one hundred 911 calls. That sounds like he may have had some paranora going on and probably should not have been holding a position that requires a gun. And that I suspect is why they were reluctant to investigate.

You are right that it is upsetting. It is very upsetting to me too as a black person. But it is true. It is the system of racism as manifested in the justice system and law enforcement that allowed and empowered the freedom of George Zimmerman-27 days after he killed Trayvon. George Zimmerman was empowered to do what he did. He was threatened by black boys and men because of images that have been inculcated in his mind by a system of mass communication. The system which perpetuates information that is clearly not supported by empirical evidence, crime is decreasing in America, especially those committed by African American youth. The data is there but I bet you won’t believe it because of the system. I could care less about what a white person thinks about me, or what they might want to do to me because they have fear in their mind. What I do care about is the ability of the law to protect me and to show the society what will happen if they decide to inflict violence upon me for no reason. I care about the system. This is why we are protesting. Not to just put George in jail for killing a young boy but to show that the system-despite it’s present action-will hold others accountable according to the written law-according to the constitution of the united states.
And I reiterate, there is no such thing as reverse racism. If you think a black man can walk free after killing a white man and the system will allow it-then I don’t know what else to say to you.

Great piece. I am a 66 yr old white man so I have never had to experience this. The worst part is that is still happens today, and I do not see any end to it.
In one way, I do understand the feeling. I have 3 godsons ( 12. 19 and 23) who are black. Three wonderful people and they make my life, but I worry every time they leave my home. Are they going to get home? I burn their phones up checking on them.

Terrific article!!! We need to keep the discussion going. Joe Scarborough said it best this morning. Reverse the rolls, game over, and the black man would b have been in jail that night.

M taylor, while I see your point in thinking these talks will make a child think others would dislike them, it’s not about that. It’s about protection. Plain and simple.

It’s just like a mother telling her daughter that when she goes out that she better not leave a drink out so someone can drug her…Well that would obviously scare a young 15-16 year old about going to a party with her friends who she trusts…But the fact of the matter is there are bad people out there. There are rapists and in this case racists.

So it’s important for the black community to warn their children that there are some people out there who won’t care they went to Harvard, and was head of the football team in highschool, or sing in the gospel choir at church…All they see is the color of your skin, and they frighten you.

And you’re absolutely right about interacting with each other. Racism is just ignorance. And I don’t say ignorance here in a derogatory tone, I mean literally not knowing. If we interact with each other more, we’d learn a lot.

The FACT is that the officer(s) on the scene did not properly investigate the crime scene or handle Zimmerman appropriately. Indeed he is entitled to equal protection under the law, but as has been stated previously, do you really think that if Zimmerman were dead and Martin said he killed him in self-defense that Martin would not have been arrested?

The FACT is that the officer(s) on the scene did not properly investigate the crime scene or handle Zimmerman appropriately. Indeed he is entitled to equal protection under the law, but as has been stated previously, do you really think that if Zimmerman were dead and Martin said he killed him in self-defense that Martin would not have been arrested?

Corrections, that’s 49 times in 1 YEAR.

But still disturbed.

If he was 17 and had a pack of skittles and a soda in his pocket, and was shot dead while unarmed, and the police never arrested the shooter (the admitted shooter)….Then yes, I’d still be outraged.

I think people often miss the point of the outrage. While we’re sad Trayvon died, the outrage comes with the fact that Zimmerman was never even ARRESTED. There was NO INVESTIGATION.

And innocent til proven guilty is in a court of law…We’re not even there yet…Even if police officers kill an unarmed individual they have a lot of explaining to do. The man has not even officially been interviewed….

That’s the source of outrage.

Trayvon doesn’t deserve to be lumped into a pile and made into a statistic. I understand the point you’re trying to make, but its irrelevant if he were an ex-con or if he were packing a water gun. NO one has the right to target, chase, and shoot an individual. Period. The facts about Trayvon’s case stand alone. He was walking down a public street when he was followed by a stranger and shot to death. The absurdity of what happened to him is unjust regardless of the color of his skin. The fact that someone decided to take matters into their own hands, pursue a stranger, attack them and then holler out self defense is ridiculous. I cannot fathom the idea that there is a law that gives anyone the right to be the aggressor and claim self defense. If he felt so threatened (even though he had a gun, was in a vehicle, and did not even seem to be initially noticed by Trayvon) then he should have called the police and let them handle it. What’s so outrageous to me about this case is not that Zimmerman pursued and killed an innocent person, because he is a crazy man and there will always be crazy people in the world, but the sickening thought is that the police did absolutely nothing about it in 2012.

It wasn’t long ago that Jim Crow laws were still in effect. We haven’t always had the right to vote, but now we have a black president in the white house. However, just because we’ve made such enormous progression doesn’t mean we’ve overcome. It doesn’t mean that the people who lived during the time of segregation aren’t still living on this earth today and perpetuating the notion of hate for one another. People who lived in a time where there was incredible racial tension are still passing down those things which they believed to be true. Racism and preconceived judgments are so tightly wound in our thought process and belief system that its going to take more than the integration of black people in the education system and sprinkled throughout Hollywood to truly gain equality.

Fighting for what’s right takes effort and energy. I believe Trayvon’s case is one that many people feel comfortable in supporting because it has gained so much focus and momentum. Its sad to think about those cases which were in the same realm, but were swept under the rug for lack of support. Hopefully, a positive outcome can stem from such an ugly misfortune.

“demanding that George Zimmerman is arrested before a proper investigation has taken place is the same type of thing that has happened in thousands of wrongful convictions that have happened around the nation.”

Rev. Al’s mother also passed yesterday before he traveled to FL for the march but he was still there. You can like or dislike Rev. Al but to always equate everything he does as an opportunity to get his shine on is wrong.

Quick question (and then a comment) just to guage perspective:

Would this story have taken to the national stage if a light-skinned black man thought Trayvon looked suspicious and continued in the same manor as the Hispanic man who did? Or would this have been placed among the X-number of same-race on same-race killings that occur?

I am not condoning any actions taken but just asking the question about whether or not the uproar has to do with the killing of a young teen or if it is solely due to the race of the killer.

For me that is where another race line is unfortunately drawn in our society. This killing (like many others) should unite people against violence instead so many are cast aside and only when there is a way to fit a race card in is a discussion started.

If a light-skinned black man had pulled the trigger would people have accepted that Trayvon looked suspicious and that the actions of a neighborhood watchman turned vigilante been more accepted by the masses?

If so that reaction is just as worrisome to me than the initial action. It would point to a culture looking for slights against it and further push racial tension.

I would hope that this killing goes towards the greater good that people need to be more respectful to one another, race, religion, sexuality aside and not just continue to feed an everyone mistrusts and mistreats black people storyline.

I am a white man, but I had the fortune of having a family that didn’t stereotype on race, but said that all men/women are capable of good or horrible things. I also have had plenty of life experience with black people to know not to be afraid, but I live in the South, and hate and prejudice runs deep, so I have to deal with it everyday as a teacher. Students who have nothing but a blind racism for all others different than themselves. It may not come out as violence but it comes out in other ways, such as their speech or their actions to avoid others.

I also have a wife who is a very non-prejudicial person, even though my in-laws are some of the more racist people I know. All I can think about is making sure my future children continue to take every person on a case by case basis and not make horrible assumptions based on faulty logic.

If a “light” or not skinned Black man had pulled the trigger, he would have been arrested, so no we probably wouldn’t be discussing this because the justice system should be taking action. Let’s not try and overlook the fact that this police force wouldn’t have let a black man that shot anyone go under the guise of self defense.

correction *the justice system would be taking action.

When my now ex was 39 he was arrested for the 1st time in his life. He had gotten drunk and got into a fight with some people at a bar and was arrested and spent the night in jail. The next day he called to to tell me not to try and make any contact with him at his arraignment because he didn’t want (them) to know he was with a white woman. I was not happy about it but I listened because I got “it”, I understand his reasoning. It was his turn to go up and the judge asks the prosector the normal questions and about the incident, bail, etc. The prosecutor takes a long pause, flipping through his papers back and forth eventually saying this: “Your honor, I’m not sure if I have the right file or if everything is here, but I see the defendant has no past criminal history”. My heart sank, I can not describe how angry I was, I got up and left the courtroom.

As a 30yr old black male that has been blessed to have a two parent middle-class upbringing, earned a full scholarship at an ivy league university and work at a management consulting company – I would say that through the luck of the genetic lottery, I have lived a very sheltered life. Included in the talk my parents gave me – i.e. be wary of police, they have also given me the other talk, the- you have too much to lose in your life so beware of ghetto-ass black men that have nothing to lose talk. Although I sometimes harbor apprehensions when I run into a strange young black male in a hoodie at night, I don’t think my fear of them is likely to drive me using deadly force without provocation.

Thanks for a thought-provoking article. I have to admit that when I first read about Trayvon and saw his picture, part of my initial reaction was, “what a shame – he looks like such a nice kid.” It’s just easier to get mad over an injustice done to someone you perceive as wholesome and good. But injustice is injustice.

As a white woman in a very racially mixed neighborhood in the south… sometimes I do feel anxious walking around after dark if a young adult black male is approaching me on the sidewalk. I don’t cross the street or anything – I nod and say hey. Especially if they’re friendly in return, I feel guilty for the twinge of fear. But I don’t know how to make it go away. Years of messages from the media and even subtle cues from my parents (who would be horrified at the suggestion that they are at all racist) are so hard to erase. I just hope that by not acting on it, not letting my sons see it, maybe things will be better for the next generation.

I pray that justice is done in Trayvon’s case, as well as the countless others that happen every day.

DrTony Anderson Black folks are outraged in this case because racism and our reaction to it is our cultural currency, right or wrong…and with the Black culture not being at the center of American culture anymore consciously or unconsciously we lash out or react at the frays of injustice or lay claim to our last bit of that currency. There have been 81 homicides in Philadelphia this year so far that is nearly a homicide a day, with most of them being committed by African American males on African American males, and we don’t even know their names. So a larger question to ponder is why “everyone” is outraged when a black male is murdered by an “alleged” white person vs when a black male is murdered by a black male? In each case a black male is murdered! People say Trayvon could have been their son. This is true, but “Jamal” who was shot by “Tyrone” could have been your son too. We have to be consistent in our outrage. What Zimmerman allegedly did was awful..but there is also a ton of awfulness going on daily in every urban city and folks ignore that and almost accept that as typical behavior. Its not…

Great piece… reminds me of a few months ago when the police hopped out on me walking to the mall.. sat me on the curve, asked for & took my I.D. and then took my picture because I future the description of a suspect. Jumped out of unmarked cars the whole 9… told them I was going to the mall for food and out of all the food options in the mall one cop said “you about to get some chicken?” Smh… ppl don’t understand the stuff we deal with Bo.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2118785/Shawn-Tyson-said-murdered-James-Cooper-James-Kouzaris-Sarasota-Florida.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2110078/Boy-13-doused-gasoline-set-alight-racially-motivated-attack-Kansas-City.html

“Stand your ground” is a ludicrous law. It puts the burden on the dead to prove why their killer was frightened of them. Not really possible, is it? And that’s beside it being macho bullshit.

If White drug users were incarcerated at even half the rate of Black ones, the laws would be changed in a red hot second.

Mr. Fact-the way our laws work is if you are suspected of a crime and there is sufficient evidence (a confession counts!) you are arrested and then arraigned-A judge then decides if you have a right to bail or not before your trial. George has yet to be arrested! Arrest don’t require being found guilty-a prison sentence does. Know the difference. Again, the outrage is about how this case is being handled! If it were in fact a black boy/man who had done the shooting he would probably still be shooting in jail waiting for his bail to be set!

I agree completely. That’s why I said “white people who’ve never been taught better.” Also, they choose to believe what they want to believe. They ignore men like Bomani, Michael Smith, Michael Wilbon, Al Sharpton, Obama, numerous Congressmen, who clearly don’t fit this image.

I wouldn’t go as far as macho bullshit in all cases. Many? Maybe. Some? Definitely. And yes I agree with it not being possible for the dead to prove their innocence, which will be brought up in this case. Zimmerman had a broken nose and gash on his head. That’s what the defense will bring up ignoring the fact that he pursued, against the 911 operators orders, Trayvon and that’s what led to the struggle. Pursuit is in no way “standing your ground.” That’s my point in saying that the biggest problem with the law is misapplication, and if it cannot be applied correctly, then it should be repealed.

Kevdog is right. White criminals are more likely to have someone vouch for them that they are good citizens or however they get off or to receive a lesser sentence. I live in WV. Meth is a much bigger problem that crack is and I doubt its close. However, white on white homicide is nowhere near as prevalent as black on black in urban areas. However, that is not saying it does not exist or that it may be more prevalent in more rural areas.

No, it doesn’t scare me. I even stated that I understood what you mean. What scares me is that the “New Black Panther Party” has a $10,000 bounty on Zimmerman’s head. We don’t need a race war. We need to fix the problem of racism. And given your definition reverse racism is a ludicrous term, so what I should have said is reverse prejudice. I believe that African-Americans should unite, but not at the expense of uniting with white Americans. That was my point.

I almost posted something stating that if it was a white victim and black shooter, would anyone care given the exact situation? However, I knew that there was no way of imagining that scenario. There is no way in hell that a black shooter would have gone home that night instead of jail, and there is no way in hell that a white victim would have remained a John Doe without any attempt to find a next of kin. I hate the story not just because of how senselessly Trayvon’s life was taken and the tragic miscarriage of justice thus far, but also because as a white male, I understand the backlash of the African-American community.

The machismo is embedded in the very name of the law, “Stand Your Ground” implies that your wanting to stay is more important that someone else’s life.

To take the Castle Doctrine and generalize it across every bit of space is inviting trouble.

In short, I argue there is not a valid application for the law to begin with.

The easiest thing to do would be to go to Somalia and never come back. Hell, you people (yep, you nigras) are always complaining, always committing crime, always have a chip on your shoulder, are always looking to put your dick in any warm hole, and you wonder why we want to know what the f*ck you are doing in any area. GTFO planes are leaving daily.

Yep, no reason to suspect a self admitted greaseball like you. Hell you only look, dress, speak and act like a criminal, why don’t people take the time to look inside and see who you really are, a soft and helpless little baby. Oh, that’s right, it’s better to cast doubt on little greasy douchebags like you because 90% of the criminal class dress and act like scum before they commit their crime.

I think it is safe to say, if Mr. Zimmerman had killed a white teenager carrying ice tea and candy while wearing a hoodie the outcome would be totally different. Mr. Zimmerman would have been arrested that evening and we would not be having this discussion.

Here’s another interesting point. Black scribes (from the East) are noted on the Olmec glypths having taught them how to read and write. The Olmecs set up universities and taught the Maya their writing. Some of the Mayan or Olmec root words come from the Mende language.

I understand your point and it is well taken. But please understand that charity does start at home-as cliche as that sounds. But wouldn’t you want your family to be strong and united first. It is important for all people to be strong and love themselves for who they are-and then we can come together in peace and understanding. If we don’t do this, what you will have is people without a knowledge of themselves, mimicking cultures that are foreign to their nature. Please understand that loving one self and one’s heritage does not mean equate to hating another. In fact, it means the opposite.

Thanks for sharing-I know about the Olmecs but need to read up some more. Thanks!

Maybe you should leave, racist, because without Black people there is no modernized and industrial power known as the United States of America, and without Native Americans the first settlers don’t survive because they all die of starvation (but not before turning to cannibalism).

Your post was prescient, as now there are stories talking about how Trayvon was suspended from high school, or may have hit Zimmerman – they are trying to ruin his image. You said it before any of that stuff came out, and I agree – it doesn’t matter. Nothing he did made it okay for him to be shot and killed. And its despicable they would even bring it up. As you said, Zimmerman still should have not followed and shot him. But its the first thing the police did, to cover their tracks, start ruining the image of the victim. Despicable.

A black man deserves to die when: he deals drugs, beats up a neighborhood watchman with a “mental condition” and steals women’s jewelry. Sounds like Treyvon wanted to die. Remember everybody Treyvon was black so because this scumbag was killed by somebody besides a black person, this counts as news. I love how quick black people speak out without any facts (OBAMA)

How is getting beat to shit and still managing to kill your attacker unjustified. I view this guy as a hero. He probably saved that neighborhood years of burglary’s, And for your privileged ass, to try and relate to treyvon; who obviously had the worst woman on earth as his mother, is disgusting. Quite thinking you know all black people cause you skin is black you prick.

Hi,
As a white Jewish male, I was not raised with the least bit of racism, although I grew up in New York till 5, the neighborhood was mostly black and I recall being scared of this looking rasta dude when I was 4. But keep in mind, as a religious sheltered kid, it wasent the color that I found intimidating but the dress and lifestyle… I was used to say the standard middle class american dress because my parents family was not religious and they were secular american middle class… But what did I know of ‘hood dress ?

I was raised to be cautious of all strangers, especially those looking like hobo’s, thugs, gangsters, ghetto etc… regardless of color.. extra caution was infused in me of being careful of any male touching me wrong (i’m a guy) which includes any teachers or rabbi’s any one jewish or not…

Obviously I was told to keep my distance from cross dressers and tranny’s…

On to color, you have a society that digs this menacing culture, I go to walmart and to me the style of intimidation is the black kids… guild by association ? I’d be intimidated in a redneck truck stop if they all had swastika tattoo’s as well…

I do not get intimidated by well dressed black males, as well as I’d be intimidated by a thug looking latino or a white man thats strung on drugs so on and so forth…

What about the whole rap culture thats always defended ? people singing hateful violent lyrics…. Kids dressing to look tough.. I mean this image stays in your head not a racist thing.. its as if young black men WANT you to be scared of them!

What happened was tragic, I dont know the facts so I wont comment. But let the Black community have some internal discussion’s… why not stop and discuss “how does the world see us ? how can we combat this image ? how can we change people’s view regarding our community”

Well written. Great perspective. Will definitely share!!!!

First off, let me say that this viewpoint was excellent. It was well written, and well pointed, but I just don’t think we’re looking at the whole spectrum. This is bigger than race, age, or situation. It exposes what we fail to miss daily.
Being raised in the ghetto is no joke. Being the only white kid, a fat white kid at that, and in the ghetto definitely isn’t a joke. I learned a lot about the streets growing up. I had more street awareness at 8 years of age than the average white person does as an adult, but that’s just life. What I learned then, and continue to learn today is these stereotypes aren’t engrained into us by our parents, grandparents, or great grandparents. The racist ideals that drive our country aren’t issues of culture, or upbringing, they are purposeful issues engrained into our society to separate.
Separation doesn’t just happen, it’s forced. It’s not forced by the average, white, or black American; it’s forced by the elitist, the educated, the wealthy. Do you really think our government wants to limity poverty? Then explain the absolute debacle that is our welfare system.
Trayvon Martin was a victim of purposeful propaganda, yet we continue to blame the “white man”, or feel victimized as the “black man”. Growing up where I did, it didn’t matter if I had opinions based on race, my survival was based on the people around me, and that happened to be in the ghetto, and so a large percentage of my relationships were with black kids my age. To this day I’m more comfortable around black familys than I am white, but it’s not due to me being taught one way or another, just due to how I equated surviving growing up. I’m a product of my environment, and I’m okay with that.
I just get sick of us trying to pin point a problem. Truth is, the large percentage of any race makes their race look bad. The belief that people are generally good is bullshit, and if you don’t know that then you’re gullable. People, most people at least, care about themselves first, and others second. The average person hasn’t been pushed or forced into a situation where survival meant leaning on people that you might not have otherwise leaned on. You see, when life or death is at stake, race has no place. When it’s about getting to the next day, finding the next meal, or making to the next day at school, race become obsolete.
We create this world that doesn’t exist, it’s literally peppered throughout our society, engrained in our educational system, and poured on our food. We are taught that slavery ended because of the Emancipation Proclamation, but do your research. Go purchase “Same Kind of Different as Me” and you ‘ll read about sharecropping, if you don’t know what that is, its basically slavery. Look into how welfare works, its basically slavery. We live in a country that doesn’t care about fellow man, it doesn’t care about race, gender, or age. We are a country ran by elitists of all races, and they create their own separation, a separation that is passed down to lower social statuses. It’s adopted, carried out, and then when it backfires, and an innocent black teenager is shot, we want to create uproar. “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt”, that’s what my grandfather used to say, and now that it’s happened, everybody wants to blame everybody else. Look above folks, look at the elite in your culture, race, and social group. It is they who control what’s acceptable, and until they are dethroned, nothing will change.

What I find extremely interesting is how every picture ya’ll put shows a 10 year old, not the trayvon of today. How many of you all wanna gloss over the 2 eye witnesses who saw trayvon on top of zimmerman beating the hell out of him. The broken nose trayon gave zimmerman, the 9/11 audio where zimmerman is screaming for help, the fact that trayvon’s own father confirmed that IT WAS NOT TRAYVON screaming for help, because it wasn’t trayvon’s voice. Now we hear race baiters using this for their own person gain, can we say sharpton, jackson, and yes even OBAMA! YA’LL ARE HYPOCRITS!!

I admire the ability to turn this entire ordeal into a rant on how African-Americans are “mistreated” by society and how they don’t get a fair shake. I did miss your blog on the black kids who lit a white boy on fire. Then again, who am I kidding? I missed the blog about the Muslim women beat in her house and called a terrorist and told on a note to go back to her own country. These are coincidences I’m sure. It’s another example of a man with a large audience having a chance to air out a rant on the lives of African-Americans even when the story it’s being compared to was nothing short of a stupid act by a dumb person. Frankly, we don’t even know all the details of that night as outside of Zimmerman following Martin, some sort of altercation, and a gunshot, a lot is left unanswered. But we don’t need to argue over the facts of the case because nobody here knows exactly what happened yet. Instead we’re left with a journalist taking advantage of his position to “lecture” society on what seems to be a personal grudge he holds. Trayvon Martin is dead because some idiot followed him and eventually the two’s interactions led to a gun shot. There’s stories everyday of all races of people shot over stupid things and for no good reason. Trayvon Martin didn’t deserve to die. But the last thing we need in the wake of all this is some ego-drive maniac to stand up on his soap box and turn it into an opportunity for him to vent about his own insecurities.

And as ridiculous as I think the entire premise of this blog is, DR DR, you take the cake for dumbest comment I’ve read. I have my doubts about whether it was truly murder, but Zimmerman a hero? Get out of here with that bullshit.

There is no doubt that Zimmerman was at fault. He initiated the contact and that is NOT what Stand Your Ground or self defense is.

However, there are definitely valid applications.

If someone pulls a weapon on me or attacks me or my family I’m going to defend myself and my family, and will use deadly force if necessary.

If someone breaks into my house they are dead.

Kevdog, I doubt that you would stand by and allow yourself or a family member to be beaten or killed. You would do whatever you had to do to survive or protect. That is what laws like this are for.

“What I do care about is the ability of the law to protect me and to show the society what will happen if they decide to inflict violence upon me for no reason. I care about the system.”

I agree completely. As long as any race is treated differently by the system we have a problem.

How do we get to the point where a man is a man and a woman is a woman irregardless of race?

Red. Herring.

Every situation you mentioned is covered under the existing doctrine of self-defense. These are cases when I would be under ACTUAL threat and not just feeling threatened.

Stand your ground is not the same as self-defense and you should try to pretend that they are.

Find a better argument.

To call into question treyvons parents parental skills in his murder is wrong ..if you stalk someone with a gun and he turns and defends himself getting the better of you then.. you have the right to kill him.. come on !!!…PUNKS JUMP UP TO BE BEAT DOWN..Zimmerman should have taken his ass wiping as he deserved..but no. it was I’m gona show this F….C… BLACK MALES IN AMERICA HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH EXISTENTAL FEAR DUE TO THIS COUNTRY’S HISTORY OF SLAVERY , JIM CROW,LYNCHING,STOP AND FRISK ,POLICE BRUTALITY AND WHITE AMERICA GUILT, SUSPICION AND FEAR YET WE HAVE NOT TAKEN UP THE GUN AS THE NRA SUGGEST..MYBE WE SHOULD ..AND FACE THE TRUE ENEMY AND ITS NOT THE MAN IN THE MIRROR SOME HAVE TRIED TO SUGEST..

Good question. The truth is as long as there is white supremacy that pervades the systems of the U.S. and the world, we will never get to a point where race won’t determine everything. The biggest problem in this world right now is white supremacy. It manifests itself not only among people who identify themselves as white but even people of other races who have lost their sense of self and discriminate among their own race based on color. I’m talking about asians, africans, everyone. Look around the world and you see a destructive current of racism that runs through it all-but all are guided by one thing and that is white supremacy.

D while I understand your point about your children’s safety (we all want to keep our children safe) but like it or not warning children to be cautious of others based on their outward appearance is also discrimination. I am assuming that a black person warning children about racists would describe a person with different skin color than them, which is what it would be more likely, and i am aware you said some not all. As my children would be more likely to be a victim of an inter-racial crime than yours, statistically, than I would also have the right to warn them of minorities for their safety. So my kids may cross the street to avoid you on a dark night assuming you were one of the “some minorities” I was warning them of, not knowing that you were well educated, wouldn’t harm a fly, sing in the church choir and help the less fortunate, probably making you feel the way Mr. Jones described in his article. Also your kids may feel the same about me, I may be that racist who’s after them and to add to it I’m a Police Officer, so that’s a double whammy. He sees me driving down your street on patrol, if he decides not to run or hide, he looks down to the ground and stands still as my car approaches, hoping that I will just pass by. If he looked up he would see me flashing a smile a giving a wave, he thinks I’m out to hassle and arrest him and his people. He doesn’t realize that earlier in the evening I received an award for running into a burning house and carrying out an elderly black woman. I would do the same for him and his family.

So whether we like it or not we are all guilty of this, done with intent or without. Your last sentence is truly correct, I hope that is what we can pass on to future generations so they won’t have to have conversations in regards to cases like this.

You need to fact check your work before posting it. Zimmerman made no reference to the race of Mr. Martin until asked. His 911 call history showed that he reported people of all races. You have taking a stance veiled in racism on your part. Be better next time.

The facts show a different story. Mr. Zimmerman was taken into custody and the evidence together with four witness accounts support Mr. Zimmerman’s claims. If anything, justice is being subverted by those claiming racism when the facts say otherwise.

This does not explain the disparity. Rhonda has identified a salient and true fact which can not be addressed by someone vouching for a group unless you are claiming that the white people have people lie for them en masse.

84% of the murders of white people are committed by white people. However, the leading cause of death of black males under the age of 40 is murder. For white people it doesn’t even crack the top ten. Blacks have a problem with their own race destroying them from within.

Untrue. Zimmerman called Trayvon a “coon”.

boo hoo why dont you a good cry oh wait you are

bunch of trayvon lovers up in here today.

just be happy that another thug is dead – you knwo the thug that carries around his thieving tools in his backpack and plenty of jewelry in that bag that in his “friends”

what makes him a thug?

I was raised in the kumbaya ’60′s where everyone was supposedly equal. I learned by experience that this is not true. Allow me to give you a few anecdotes:

-encountered a group of 6-7 black youths ambling across the intersection(rare -they usually jaywalk) as though they owned it. When I sounded my horn, they threatened me – so I parted them w/ my car. The music store I was visiting closed soon after due to nothing being gable to be done about loitering niggers.

Niggers won’t yield right-of-way. When I cross paths w/ them, they expect ME to move. If it’s only one, I throw an elbow. More than one – my knife is drawn.

-coming out of a convenience store, I saw a ridiculous-looking black youth w/ a Thugnificent hairdo rapping to himself. I snickered to myself. He caught it and engaged me. Thinking I was facing down only one lone thug, I knew he didn’t have the balls to do anything about it if I flipped him off and walked away. The next thing I know, two of his homies showed up out of nowhere and they were trying to pull me from my car. When one of them crossed in front of me to get to my GF’s side, I gunned it and took out his hip. I seriously considered a u-turn to finish the job.

-I’ve run off niggers loitering in front of my house w/ my rifle. One of them was letting his pit bull take a shit in my driveway. All the barking was what got my attention.

-A close family member was hospitalized in Rochester, NY following a car accident. The hospital staff warned us that Rochester was a “war zone”. My car was jacked in front of the hospital for my cassette tapes. The reason I know it had to be niggers is because they left behind over $400 in hand tools(niggers don’t work). Morons even left behind a cordless drill they could have used to ply their trade. I began making the drive to Rochester w/ a loaded 12 gauge in the back seat.

It’s getting to the point that “midnight rides” will soon be quite appropriate. Gun down anyone w/ sagging pants and a hoodie. They probably did something to deserve it.

Hey, just wanted to share my two cents at this post. I can see versatile comments supporting both sides. But if you forget about logic and diplomacy for two minutes and read it will make sense to you. I immigrated to this country from Canada 9 years ago. I am and I strongly state this not a racist or segregator. I have utter amount of respect for all races and all religions. But after living in this country for 9 years, and seeing whatever I have seen among all the races, ethnicities and religious groups, it is very natural to feel hatred towards African American people. This discussion can go on for days with no results but just think for one second. There is only one way to look at this. Im not generalizing the whole african american population. But majority of them are lazy, don’t like to work, dangerous and criminal minded. Aggression is in their genes which coupled with low IQ (it is proven beyond doubt in different studies) leads to disastrous results to the economy, our people and well being. This race cannot be taught, they cannot be corrected, they cannot become a useful part of the society. Their inferiority complexes, lack of education, aggressive and neglectful upbringing and criminal mindedness leads them towards path of crime, disobedience. Desire to become rich overnight with out working, taking government hand outs, lying and insurance fraud, disability and unemployment fraud, producing 18 kids and claiming government handouts for each kid and then turning them out on the streets to become animals like they are themselves. How can it get any better????. The only racism I have faced in this country and I repeat all the racism I have ever faced is always by an African American person. After trillions of dollars spend on them every year after government hand outs, disability and enormous health bills ( yes Diabetes, stroke, heart disease, etc you name the disease every thing is more common in AA people), section 8 housing scam, after getting more than their whole generation deserve they have the nerve to go out and terrorize people with their ignorance and aggression. To be very honest there is no solution for this disease. Black is not a race its a curse which we people will have to live with forever. Considering the birth rate among AA people (14.2 for every 100000 people) twice more than white people and other races, this world is going to turn into an ugly breeding ground for this race in 30 years. Can you let your children live in this with MF this!! MF that!!! thats all this race is good for. I have no sympathy for Trevyon Martin, he would have ended up in the jail as well as a future rapist, arsonist, murderer or drug dealer. This is a mistake of our forefathers which we have to pay with out lives now. Can any one prove me wrong?????

Your laboring mammas should head to the nearest prison and deliver you in the infirmary – then leave you there. It would save a lot of time.

Even Abe Lincoln acknowledged that keeping the lot of you around would lead to nothing but trouble:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/9/book-lincoln-sought-to-deport-freed-slaves/

bomani jones is a complete imbecile and quite frankly is too bonkers to have the platform that he does. An unequivocally racist ass who has done nothing but cause racism to prosper.

i like how every picture makes him look like he wass a 10 year old angel when in reality he was a 17 year old drug dealer who was a lil more than six foot tall. and what would u do what i just described was attacking u? well i would DEFEND myself which is what zimmerman did

You stupid niggers must be eradicated,simple as that.

If you “swing on someone” just for following you…you deserve to get shot.

Ignorance is bliss isn’t it Georgie?