Trayvon Martin (NBR)

bookkitten · March 2012

I have been thinking a lot about the Trayvon Martin case the past few days and, for some reason, as I read to Max tonight, it really hit me hard. We were reading Prayer for a Child by Rachel Field, and as I read "Bless other children far and near / And keep them safe and free from fear," I almost lost it.

I am so sad for Trayvon's mother and cannot begin to imagine how she must feel. I am also sad that in the year 2012, my son may be safer than another mother's child simply because of the color of his skin. (I know that some argue that race was *not* a factor in this shooting, but I find that hard to believe.)

I am so hopeful that as mothers we can instill value for all human life and respect for all people in our sons and daughters so that when they are teens, this kind of tragedy is a just a history lesson.

Marcilene1 · March 2012

I completely agree with you. What happened to that family is a horrible tragedy and I cannot begin to imagine the agony that they parents of that poor child are in. I have had the same thoughts, too. It is amazing that in 2012 white teenage boys are still safer than black teenage boys. I also find it astounding that it had to take all this media attention for this moron to be charged with anything. It's downright disgusting and heart-wrenching. I would have been outraged about this type of thing before Lucy was born, but now understanding the depth of love a parent has for a child.....it just hits closer to home. I truly cannot imagine how his parents are even able to get themselves out of bed in the morning. It's beyond anything a human being should ever have to go through

Tellyb0228 · March 2012

Listening to the 911 call made my blood boil. That guy needs to be punished and if he gets away with murder (because that's what it was), I think I may just loose all faith in our system.

chuicafina · March 2012

I agree completely...to me there is no question that race didn't play a role. I am flabbergasted that this man has not been arrested. This, along with the shooting in France that happened this week (and all the ethnic relations talk that has been a hot topic there because of the presidential election coming up next month) has me seriously saddened about the state of racism in our world. We've come a long way, but there is so so far to go still.

rattlecanqueen · March 2012

As horrible as it is that a 17 year old kid was killed, and the language the neighborhood watchman used was BEYOND inappropriate...I'm at a crossroads as to how to feel about this. I found the initial police reports and an official statement from the Sanford Police Department. I feel like there is more to the story than the media and sensationalists such as Jesse Jackson are letting on. Also, I feel like this is something that Obama can hitch onto for this campaign since he can't redo "Hope and Change." That's super unfortunate. While there's a crime here, I don't know who committed it, or what crimes were committed. All I know is is that I wasn't there, and we live in America, where people are Innocent UNTIL PROVEN guilty. So, until this guy has his day in court, and the burden of proof is brought that this was a "hate crime," I'm not going to opine one way or another. The facts are far too muddled. Not to mention, I feel like all crimes are spurred by hatred in some form. Alas, here are some interesting stats about hate crimes in the U.S. Flame away!

nicsigni · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:

As horrible as it is that a 17 year old kid was killed, and the language the neighborhood watchman used was BEYOND inappropriate...I'm at a crossroads as to how to feel about this. I found the initial police reports and an official statement from the Sanford Police Department. I feel like there is more to the story than the media and sensationalists such as Jesse Jackson are letting on. Also, I feel like this is something that Obama can hitch onto for this campaign since he can't redo "Hope and Change." That's super unfortunate. While there's a crime here, I don't know who committed it, or what crimes were committed. All I know is is that I wasn't there, and we live in America, where people are Innocent UNTIL PROVEN guilty. So, until this guy has his day in court, and the burden of proof is brought that this was a "hate crime," I'm not going to opine one way or another. The facts are far too muddled. Not to mention, I feel like all crimes are spurred by hatred in some form. Alas, here are some interesting stats about hate crimes in the U.S. Flame away!

You're at a crossroads as to how you feel about a young, unarmed boy being chased down by a self important douche with a gun who then shot and killed him?

Have you listened to any of the 9-1-1 calls?

It's pretty fwcking clear that Zimmerman ran after him (after being told not to by the dispatcher), and shot him while Trayvon cried for help.

As for Obama "hitching on to it for his campaign"... what? I'm not trying to be obtuse, but what do you mean by that?

rattlecanqueen · March 2012

Just know I'm not being snarky/snotty, but frank, since tone can't be heard across the web. I'm not a huge news watcher and have not listened to more than 1 of the neighbor's 911 calls, so in looking up information about this, there are two clear sides to this

1. Trayvon was not doing anything (which he may or may not have) and because he was a suspicious looking "black" kid was shot by a neighborhood watch guy. The guy chose to use abusive language. Which clearly=hate crime.

2. Zimmerman, while admittedly shot Trayvon, was acting in self defense...which if you read the statement released by the Police Dept., was acting within the letter of the law. His body had evidence of such.

Also, in skimming through headlines, I'm seeing things that Obama is weighing in on and one "quote" (yes I quoted the word quote b/c I don't have the energy to cross reference and substantiate them) that stuck out was 'If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon." Since he's down int he polls and he "likes to be the underdog" (actual quote, from some speech I heard on the radio), it just seems like Obama is going to use this as his advantage. I should've clarified that in my original response, but I'm full of half thoughts. MH says I think people should read my mind.

Just know, in NO way am I condoning this child's death. It's truly a tragedy. But my "crossroads" not that it's so so so unfortunate that he was shot, as much as it's a "hate crime." Yes he called him the "n word," but does that automatically make him a card carrying member of the KKK, and a hate crime? I mean he himself was a spanish speaking biracial man.

bookkitten · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:

As horrible as it is that a 17 year old kid was killed, and the language the neighborhood watchman used was BEYOND inappropriate...I'm at a crossroads as to how to feel about this. I found the initial police reports and an official statement from the Sanford Police Department. I feel like there is more to the story than the media and sensationalists such as Jesse Jackson are letting on. Also, I feel like this is something that Obama can hitch onto for this campaign since he can't redo "Hope and Change." That's super unfortunate. While there's a crime here, I don't know who committed it, or what crimes were committed. All I know is is that I wasn't there, and we live in America, where people are Innocent UNTIL PROVEN guilty. So, until this guy has his day in court, and the burden of proof is brought that this was a "hate crime," I'm not going to opine one way or another. The facts are far too muddled. Not to mention, I feel like all crimes are spurred by hatred in some form. Alas, here are some interesting stats about hate crimes in the U.S. Flame away!

I'm not even sure how to respond to this. An unarmed young man was shot and killed by an overzealous Neighborhood Watch participant. There seems to be no question about this. The offical statement you linked reads as I would expect it to. The fact that the police chief has stepped down doesn't exude a sense of confidence that this has been handled well.

Have you listened to the 911 calls on the site you linked? I am so sorry I heard all of these because that young man's cries for help will haunt me.

Any President - whether Republican or Democrat - would be expected to make a statement on something that is so deeply troubling to many across the nation. In my opinion, it's kind of ridiculous to imply to Obama and his team are hoping to "hitch onto" this. At the end of the day, a young life was lost and most people are mourning that fact.

nicsigni · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:

Just know I'm not being snarky/snotty, but frank, since tone can't be heard across the web. I'm not a huge news watcher and have not listened to more than 1 of the neighbor's 911 calls, so in looking up information about this, there are two clear sides to this

1. Trayvon was not doing anything (which he may or may not have) and because he was a suspicious looking "black" kid was shot by a neighborhood watch guy. The guy chose to use abusive language. Which clearly=hate crime.

2. Zimmerman, while admittedly shot Trayvon, was acting in self defense...which if you read the statement released by the Police Dept., was acting within the letter of the law. His body had evidence of such.

Also, in skimming through headlines, I'm seeing things that Obama is weighing in on and one "quote" (yes I quoted the word quote b/c I don't have the energy to cross reference and substantiate them) that stuck out was 'If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon." Since he's down int he polls and he "likes to be the underdog" (actual quote, from some speech I heard on the radio), it just seems like Obama is going to use this as his advantage. I should've clarified that in my original response, but I'm full of half thoughts. MH says I think people should read my mind.

Just know, in NO way am I condoning this child's death. It's truly a tragedy. But my "crossroads" not that it's so so so unfortunate that he was shot, as much as it's a "hate crime." Yes he called him the "n word," but does that automatically make him a card carrying member of the KKK, and a hate crime? I mean he himself was a spanish speaking biracial man.

But the thing is, why on god's green earth would anyone believe Zimmerman was acting in self defense? He had a gun. Trayvon had a bag of freaking skittles and an ice tea. Zimmerman CHASED him down.

There is no way he was acting in self defense. No way. From everything I've read, and it has been a lot, the police department didn't handle anything well, the FBI took over, and the Police Chief stepped down.

And of course Obama has made a public statement about this. I'm not suprised, I don't think it has anything to do with winning votes, and I don't really give a crap if it does. It's important to get the topic of racism out there and discuss it because it is still very prevalent despite what many people seem to believe.

And I know you aren't trying to be snarky, I just think you should read up more about it. And listen to the 9-1-1 calls.

(Also, the word Zimmerman used wasn't the n word, it was c**n.)

bookkitten · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:

Just know I'm not being snarky/snotty, but frank, since tone can't be heard across the web. I'm not a huge news watcher and have not listened to more than 1 of the neighbor's 911 calls, so in looking up information about this, there are two clear sides to this

1. Trayvon was not doing anything (which he may or may not have) and because he was a suspicious looking "black" kid was shot by a neighborhood watch guy. The guy chose to use abusive language. Which clearly=hate crime.

I am not sure why "black" is in quotes. There is no question as to Trayvon's race.

rattlecanqueen:

2. Zimmerman, while admittedly shot Trayvon, was acting in self defense...which if you read the statement released by the Police Dept., was acting within the letter of the law. His body had evidence of such.

In all my reading, I did not come across information that Zimmerman's body had evidence of being attack. Perhaps I missed this? Where is this info available?

rattlecanqueen:

Also, in skimming through headlines, I'm seeing things that Obama is weighing in on and one "quote" (yes I quoted the word quote b/c I don't have the energy to cross reference and substantiate them) that stuck out was 'If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon."

Truth. If he had a son, he *would* look like Trayvon.

rattlecanqueen:

Since he's down int he polls and he "likes to be the underdog" (actual quote, from some speech I heard on the radio), it just seems like Obama is going to use this as his advantage. I should've clarified that in my original response, but I'm full of half thoughts. MH says I think people should read my mind.

If making sure this incident is properly investigated and that justice is served turns out to be to President Obama's advantage, fine. No one is stopping any of his opponents from joining the voices that are calling for justice. Actually, I would be very interested to hear how they weigh in on it, because I would like to know how someone who hopes to be (or remain) President would deal with this and facilitate justice and healing.

rattlecanqueen:

Just know, in NO way am I condoning this child's death. It's truly a tragedy. But my "crossroads" not that it's so so so unfortunate that he was shot, as much as it's a "hate crime." Yes he called him the "n word," but does that automatically make him a card carrying member of the KKK, and a hate crime? I mean he himself was a spanish speaking biracial man.

A "spanish speaking biracial man" is not exempt from committing hate crimes. I cannot imagine anyone using the language he did, in the circumstances he did, with anything but malice.

nicsigni · March 2012

bookkitten, I have a huge internet crush on you right now.

just fyi.

hepcats · March 2012

nicsigni:
bookkitten, I have a huge internet crush on you right now.

just fyi.

Yes

bookkitten · March 2012

nicsigni:

bookkitten, I have a huge internet crush on you right now.

just fyi.

:

bookkitten · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:

As horrible as it is that a 17 year old kid All I know is is that I wasn't there, and we live in America, where people are Innocent UNTIL PROVEN guilty. So, until this guy has his day in court, and the burden of proof is brought that this was a "hate crime," I'm not going to opine one way or another.

Sadly, Trayvon was not afforded this luxury.

jcsumm0 · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:

Just know, in NO way am I condoning this child's death. It's truly a tragedy. But my "crossroads" not that it's so so so unfortunate that he was shot, as much as it's a "hate crime." Yes he called him the "n word," but does that automatically make him a card carrying member of the KKK, and a hate crime? I mean he himself was a spanish speaking biracial man.

From the National Justice Institute: The term "hate crime" was coined in the 1980s by journalists and policy advocates who were attempting to describe a series of incidents directed at Jews, Asians and African-Americans. The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines hate crime (also known as bias crime) as "a criminal offense committed against a person, property, or society that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity/national origin."

I'm pretty sure if you gun someone down while shouting a racial slur, the evidence certainly seems to indicate that you were motivated by your bias against that person. I honestly don't know all the details about this case, but this part at least seems clear.

newmomat33 · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:

Just know I'm not being snarky/snotty, but frank, since tone can't be heard across the web. I'm not a huge news watcher and have not listened to more than 1 of the neighbor's 911 calls, so in looking up information about this, there are two clear sides to this

1. Trayvon was not doing anything (which he may or may not have) and because he was a suspicious looking "black" kid was shot by a neighborhood watch guy. The guy chose to use abusive language. Which clearly=hate crime.

2. Zimmerman, while admittedly shot Trayvon, was acting in self defense...which if you read the statement released by the Police Dept., was acting within the letter of the law. His body had evidence of such.

Also, in skimming through headlines, I'm seeing things that Obama is weighing in on and one "quote" (yes I quoted the word quote b/c I don't have the energy to cross reference and substantiate them) that stuck out was 'If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon." Since he's down int he polls and he "likes to be the underdog" (actual quote, from some speech I heard on the radio), it just seems like Obama is going to use this as his advantage. I should've clarified that in my original response, but I'm full of half thoughts. MH says I think people should read my mind.

Just know, in NO way am I condoning this child's death. It's truly a tragedy. But my "crossroads" not that it's so so so unfortunate that he was shot, as much as it's a "hate crime." Yes he called him the "n word," but does that automatically make him a card carrying member of the KKK, and a hate crime? I mean he himself was a spanish speaking biracial man.

Not only as a mother, but as an African-American mother, I pray that your child never experiences racism or a hate crime. One day, I'll have to sit my LO down to explain to her that no matter how wonderful she may be, people may not accept her just because of the color of her skin. This makes me really sad but it's our reality! I know that we have freedom of speech, but I can't believe that as a mother, you would respond in such a manner. But I highly doubt that you have ever experienced racism, so I shouldn't be surprised...

DramaMama06 · March 2012

wow, rattlequeen, i'm really saddened by your response. it's clear you have not read or listened to all the facts and yet you've formed a pretty strong opinion.

no one was even making this a political argument. this is about a young man who was shot down by another man who was shouting racial slurs. i don't care if they were the same race, it's still a hate crime. and yes, in america you are innocent until proven guilty, but that does not excuss you from being charged.

i pray that none of our children are targeted b.c of the color of their skin or religion or who they love.

TCUFrogMom11 · March 2012

DramaMama06:
wow, rattlequeen, i'm really saddened by your response. it's clear you have not read or listened to all the facts and yet you've formed a pretty strong opinion.

no one was even making this a political argument. this is about a young man who was shot down by another man who was shouting racial slurs. i don't care if they were the same race, it's still a hate crime. and yes, in america you are innocent until proven guilty, but that does not excuss you from being charged.

i pray that none of our children are targeted b.c of the color of their skin or religion or who they love.

Thumbs up.

rattlecanqueen · March 2012

I have an uo or a lack of an opinion as to which this is truly a hate crime or to quote bookkitten an "overzealous neighborhood watch participant." While I am white, I have experienced racism towards myself and unfortunately seen it against others of diff races. As a woman, I have experienced discrimintaion. I know how frustrating, hurtful, and horrible it is. I fear that I have been labeled/portrayed myself as a racist, which I am not. To ease your fears, my child will be raised to be a well rounded, open minded child, and be taught to assess all aspects of a situation/person/ place before drawing an opinion.

rattlecanqueen · March 2012

I sincerely agree and join in the prayers for no one else will expeerience hatred based on skin color, religious affliation, sexual orientation, etc.

MrsSparklesMcGee · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:
2. Zimmerman, while admittedly shot Trayvon, was acting in self defense...which if you read the statement released by the Police Dept., was acting within the letter of the law. His body had evidence of such.

In addition to all of the comments others have made and I second, it has come out that a police officer "corrected" one of the witness statements when she claimed it was Trayvon that called for help. The cop tried to correct her and say that it was Zimmerman, but she has since come out to clarify her statement. Police statements are not always the end all, be all. Please educate yourself further on the facts.

This whole situation is completely disheartening and makes me sick with pain. I can't imagine what his mother is going through, and I hope that your family is never affected by such a tragedy.

DramaMama06 · March 2012

i think that before you weigh in on something like this in the future you should look into the facts and then form your opinion. i'm not saying this to be snarky or rude, but you say you have an UO or lack of opinion, it can't be both. by commenting on this you are voicing an opinion.

also, if you listen to the tapes it is painfully clear that he used racial slurs and chased down an unarmed teen and shot him (where is this self defense?), despite being told by the 911 dispatcher to stop and wait for the police. all the evidence supports that this was a hate crime, as defined by the National Justice Institute. and b.c of that that he should have charges brought against him. he is absolutely entitled to a fair trial, but the family is entitled to seek legal justice as well.

rattlecanqueen · March 2012

DramaMama06:
i think that before you weigh in on something like this in the future you should look into the facts and then form your opinion. i'm not saying this to be snarky or rude, but you say you have an UO or lack of opinion, it can't be both. by commenting on this you are voicing an opinion.
also, if you listen to the tapes it is painfully clear that he used racial slurs and chased down an unarmed teen and shot him (where is this self defense?), despite being told by the 911 dispatcher to stop and wait for the police. all the evidence supports that this was a hate crime, as defined by the National Justice Institute. and b.c of that that he should have charges brought against him. he is absolutely entitled to a fair trial, but the family is entitled to seek legal justice as well.

Agreed. Also no late night mega issue posts. I'm donning my Dunce Cap today and having crow for breakfast. But love that you ladies were civil!

bookkitten · March 2012

rattlecanqueen:
I have an uo or a lack of an opinion as to which this is truly a hate crime or to quote bookkitten an "overzealous neighborhood watch participant."

To be clear, I believe this was a hate crime committed by an "overzealous neighborhood watch participant." They are not mutually exclusive.

As to your earlier statements that the Obama administration was looking to "use" this situation to their advantage, it is interesting to note that every one of the major Republican Presidential candidates agrees that "What happened to Trayvon Martin is a tragedy," Romney said in the statement. "There needs to be a thorough investigation that reassures the public that justice is carried out with impartiality and integrityis a tragedy) (Mitt Romney, https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57403438-503544/gingrich-romney-santorum-discuss-trayvon-martin/).

rattlecanqueen:

While I am white, I have experienced racism towards myself and unfortunately seen it against others of diff races. As a woman, I have experienced discrimintaion. I know how frustrating, hurtful, and horrible it is. I fear that I have been labeled/portrayed myself as a racist, which I am not. To ease your fears, my child will be raised to be a well rounded, open minded child, and be taught to assess all aspects of a situation/person/ place before drawing an opinion.

I, personally, do not believe that experiencing discrimination as a white woman in the US is entirely equal to what an African-American male teen endures, but that is my personal opinion. I am heartened to know that you will raise your child to treat all people with respect and kindness.

When I originally posted, I didn't really mean for it to become a political discussion (though of course the potential was there and I am not sorry the discussion has evolved). I was just really, really sad as a Mama who loves her little boy and whose heart hurts for the Mama who can't hold *her* little boy any more.

I really believe it is on US to help eradicate this kind of tragedy by teaching our children respect and kindness.

rattlecanqueen · March 2012

bookkitten:
rattlecanqueen:
I have an uo or a lack of an opinion as to which this is truly a hate crime or to quote bookkitten an "overzealous neighborhood watch participant."
To be clear, I believe this was a hate crime committed by an "overzealous neighborhood watch participant." They are not mutually exclusive.
As to your earlier statements that the Obama administration was looking to "use" this situation to their advantage, it is interesting to note that every one of the major Republican Presidential candidates agrees that "What happened to Trayvon Martin is a tragedy," Romney said in the statement. "There needs to be a thorough investigation that reassures the public that justice is carried out with impartiality and integrityis a tragedy) (Mitt Romney, https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57403438-503544/gingrich-romney-santorum-discuss-trayvon-martin/).
rattlecanqueen:
While I am white, I have experienced racism towards myself and unfortunately seen it against others of diff races. As a woman, I have experienced discrimintaion. I know how frustrating, hurtful, and horrible it is. I fear that I have been labeled/portrayed myself as a racist, which I am not. To ease your fears, my child will be raised to be a well rounded, open minded child, and be taught to assess all aspects of a situation/person/ place before drawing an opinion.
I, personally, do not believe that experiencing discrimination as a white woman in the US is entirely equal to what an African-American male teen endures, but that is my personal opinion. I am heartened to know that you will raise your child to treat all people with respect and kindness.
When I originally posted, I didn't really mean for it to become a political discussion (though of course the potential was there and I am not sorry the discussion has evolved). I was just really, really sad as a Mama who loves her little boy and whose heart hurts for the Mama who can't hold *her* little boy any more.
I really believe it is on US to help eradicate this kind of tragedy by teaching our children respect and kindness.

Agreed! I was addressing others posts at that time and in no one insinuating I understand what this boy went through. Read my other latest post. Apologies for aspeaking out of ignorance. FYI Rep & Dems are making me sad this year.

blainethetrain · March 2012

I've heard it said that white people can't experience racism. I would agree with that. Also, did you hear that Geraldo said that Trsyvon's hoodie is just as guilty ad Zimmerman? Thanks, Fox News.

bookkitten · March 2012

hckygrl909:
I've heard it said that white people can't experience racism. I would agree with that. Also, did you hear that Geraldo said that Trsyvon's hoodie is just as guilty ad Zimmerman? Thanks, Fox News.

Geraldo is clearly a jack@ss. I wear hoodies all the time and have not been killed by one yet.

milesc · March 2012

Your damn right I'd use 'self defense' on a crazed older man was following/chasing me down with a gun!

*IF* Trayvon did 'attack' in anyway (which I do NOT believe is the case) I believe it was HE was trying to defend himself from Zimmerman.

I would fight tooth and nail if some creeper started following me one evening... No way I would go without a fight. I feel horrible for the Martin family, it's so unfair that their son lost his life this way.

I hope Zimmerman gets what he deserves to the fullest extent. If he was truly concerned, he should have called the cops (as he did) and let THEM deal with it. He should have stopped after the 911 responder on the phone told him TO STOP FOLLOWING HIM. This whole situation makes me crazy....

tulipblossom · March 2012

hckygrl909:
I've heard it said that white people can't experience racism. I would agree with that. Also, did you hear that Geraldo said that Trsyvon's hoodie is just as guilty ad Zimmerman? Thanks, Fox News.

WAIT WAIT WAIT HOLD ON!!!! Please tell me you forgot a word ore twon in this sentance. As a white, green eyed, blonde girl who grew up across the freeway from Compton CA you cannot ever convince me that white people cannot "experience racism"! I have had plenty of unfortunate dealing with idiots that happened because I was the only white girl.

My brother had a friends who while in 6th grade was jumped and severly beaten by a group of black boys with baseball bats yelling about racism and how they didn't have to take anything from "whitey" As far as I know that boy NEVER WALKED AGAIN. Sorry but that to me that statement above is just ignorant.

And to clerify before I get flamed I am in NO WAY saying anything I experienced comes close to what some people of other nationalites have to deal with but to say it cannot or doesnt exist is REALLY stupid.

buffymu · March 2012

milesc:
Your damn right I'd use 'self defense' on a crazed older man was following/chasing me down with a gun!
*IF* Trayvon did 'attack' in anyway (which I do NOT believe is the case) I believe it was HE was trying to defend himself from Zimmerman.
I would fight tooth and nail if some creeper started following me one evening... No way I would go without a fight. I feel horrible for the Martin family, it's so unfair that their son lost his life this way.
I hope Zimmerman gets what he deserves to the fullest extent. If he was truly concerned, he should have called the cops (as he did) and let THEM deal with it. He should have stopped after the 911 responder on the phone told him TO STOP FOLLOWING HIM. This whole situation makes me crazy....

"crazed older man"

Regardless of your opinion, he was 28.

Marcilene1 · March 2012

buffymu:
milesc:

Your damn right I'd use 'self defense' on a crazed older man was following/chasing me down with a gun!

*IF* Trayvon did 'attack' in anyway (which I do NOT believe is the case) I believe it was HE was trying to defend himself from Zimmerman.

I would fight tooth and nail if some creeper started following me one evening... No way I would go without a fight. I feel horrible for the Martin family, it's so unfair that their son lost his life this way.

I hope Zimmerman gets what he deserves to the fullest extent. If he was truly concerned, he should have called the cops (as he did) and let THEM deal with it. He should have stopped after the 911 responder on the phone told him TO STOP FOLLOWING HIM. This whole situation makes me crazy....

"crazed older man"

Regardless of your opinion, he was 28.

He was definitely crazed (have you heard the 911 calls?) And to be fair, if you are a seventeen year old BOY, a 28 year old IS an older man. A man that could be his teacher, police officer, etc. Martin was clearly terrified of this douche-bag and this douche-bag is a crazed douche-bag. Did I mention that this crazed older man is a douche-bag? He's a douche-bag.

Marcilene1 · March 2012

tulipblossom:

hckygrl909:
I've heard it said that white people can't experience racism. I would agree with that. Also, did you hear that Geraldo said that Trsyvon's hoodie is just as guilty ad Zimmerman? Thanks, Fox News.

WAIT WAIT WAIT HOLD ON!!!! Please tell me you forgot a word ore twon in this sentance. As a white, green eyed, blonde girl who grew up across the freeway from Compton CA you cannot ever convince me that white people cannot "experience racism"! I have had plenty of unfortunate dealing with idiots that happened because I was the only white girl.

My brother had a friends who while in 6th grade was jumped and severly beaten by a group of black boys with baseball bats yelling about racism and how they didn't have to take anything from "whitey" As far as I know that boy NEVER WALKED AGAIN. Sorry but that to me that statement above is just ignorant.

And to clerify before I get flamed I am in NO WAY saying anything I experienced comes close to what some people of other nationalites have to deal with but to say it cannot or doesnt exist is REALLY stupid.

I agree with you that white people can experience racism, especially if in the situation you described. I also grew up the only white girl in my neighborhood and school and it was definitely tough at times. However, in the grand scheme of things being a white girl in America is nowhere near the same thing as being a black man (or woman) in America.

I dated a black Guyanese boy when I was in high school. When we were out we got stopped by the cops more than a handful of times for no reason at all. It never happened to me before and it hasn't happened to me since. I'm willing to bet that he has been stopped and questioned by the police numerous times since then. The most that happened to me was that kids in school called me a white girl and singled me out. Did it suck? Yeah, sure. But you know what? Once we graduated and started looking for jobs who do you think had the upper hand? The white girl or the black girl (or boy)? That's the difference between racism against whites and racism against blacks. You really can't compare the two.

blainethetrain · March 2012

tulipblossom:
hckygrl909:
I've heard it said that white people can't experience racism. I would agree with that. Also, did you hear that Geraldo said that Trsyvon's hoodie is just as guilty ad Zimmerman? Thanks, Fox News.

WAIT WAIT WAIT HOLD ON!!!! Please tell me you forgot a word ore twon in this sentance. As a white, green eyed, blonde girl who grew up across the freeway from Compton CA you cannot ever convince me that white people cannot "experience racism"! I have had plenty of unfortunate dealing with idiots that happened because I was the only white girl.

My brother had a friends who while in 6th grade was jumped and severly beaten by a group of black boys with baseball bats yelling about racism and how they didn't have to take anything from "whitey" As far as I know that boy NEVER WALKED AGAIN. Sorry but that to me that statement above is just ignorant.

And to clerify before I get flamed I am in NO WAY saying anything I experienced comes close to what some people of other nationalites have to deal with but to say it cannot or doesnt exist is REALLY stupid.

I believe racism to be a widespread oppression based on race by the group in power. I do not believe racism to be the same as racial prejudice, or oppressive individual acts involving race. Kids in my high school targeting me because I was white does not equate to decades of segregation, discriminationor oppression. I'm not ignorant, I just look at the wider view when discussing race.

tulipblossom · March 2012

hckygrl909:
tulipblossom:

hckygrl909:
I've heard it said that white people can't experience racism. I would agree with that. Also, did you hear that Geraldo said that Trsyvon's hoodie is just as guilty ad Zimmerman? Thanks, Fox News.

WAIT WAIT WAIT HOLD ON!!!! Please tell me you forgot a word ore twon in this sentance. As a white, green eyed, blonde girl who grew up across the freeway from Compton CA you cannot ever convince me that white people cannot "experience racism"! I have had plenty of unfortunate dealing with idiots that happened because I was the only white girl.

My brother had a friends who while in 6th grade was jumped and severly beaten by a group of black boys with baseball bats yelling about racism and how they didn't have to take anything from "whitey" As far as I know that boy NEVER WALKED AGAIN. Sorry but that to me that statement above is just ignorant.

And to clerify before I get flamed I am in NO WAY saying anything I experienced comes close to what some people of other nationalites have to deal with but to say it cannot or doesnt exist is REALLY stupid.

I believe racism to be a widespread oppression based on race by the group in power. I do not believe racism to be the same as racial prejudice, or oppressive individual acts involving race. Kids in my high school targeting me because I was white does not equate to decades of segregation, discriminationor oppression. I'm not ignorant, I just look at the wider view when discussing race.

Alright thank you for the clerification, using the definiton you have I understand what you mean and agree.

tulipblossom · March 2012

chrismo1013:
tulipblossom:

hckygrl909:
I've heard it said that white people can't experience racism. I would agree with that. Also, did you hear that Geraldo said that Trsyvon's hoodie is just as guilty ad Zimmerman? Thanks, Fox News.

WAIT WAIT WAIT HOLD ON!!!! Please tell me you forgot a word ore twon in this sentance. As a white, green eyed, blonde girl who grew up across the freeway from Compton CA you cannot ever convince me that white people cannot "experience racism"! I have had plenty of unfortunate dealing with idiots that happened because I was the only white girl.

My brother had a friends who while in 6th grade was jumped and severly beaten by a group of black boys with baseball bats yelling about racism and how they didn't have to take anything from "whitey" As far as I know that boy NEVER WALKED AGAIN. Sorry but that to me that statement above is just ignorant.

And to clerify before I get flamed I am in NO WAY saying anything I experienced comes close to what some people of other nationalites have to deal with but to say it cannot or doesnt exist is REALLY stupid.

I agree with you that white people can experience racism, especially if in the situation you described. I also grew up the only white girl in my neighborhood and school and it was definitely tough at times. However, in the grand scheme of things being a white girl in America is nowhere near the same thing as being a black man (or woman) in America.

I dated a black Guyanese boy when I was in high school. When we were out we got stopped by the cops more than a handful of times for no reason at all. It never happened to me before and it hasn't happened to me since. I'm willing to bet that he has been stopped and questioned by the police numerous times since then. The most that happened to me was that kids in school called me a white girl and singled me out. Did it suck? Yeah, sure. But you know what? Once we graduated and started looking for jobs who do you think had the upper hand? The white girl or the black girl (or boy)? That's the difference between racism against whites and racism against blacks. You really can't compare the two.

Yes I agree the two are not compareable. I tried to convay that at the end of my post but maybe I was not as clear as I ment to be.

milesc · March 2012

chrismo1013:
buffymu:
milesc:

Your damn right I'd use 'self defense' on a crazed older man was following/chasing me down with a gun!

*IF* Trayvon did 'attack' in anyway (which I do NOT believe is the case) I believe it was HE was trying to defend himself from Zimmerman.

I would fight tooth and nail if some creeper started following me one evening... No way I would go without a fight. I feel horrible for the Martin family, it's so unfair that their son lost his life this way.

I hope Zimmerman gets what he deserves to the fullest extent. If he was truly concerned, he should have called the cops (as he did) and let THEM deal with it. He should have stopped after the 911 responder on the phone told him TO STOP FOLLOWING HIM. This whole situation makes me crazy....

"crazed older man"

Regardless of your opinion, he was 28.

He was definitely crazed (have you heard the 911 calls?) And to be fair, if you are a seventeen year old BOY, a 28 year old IS an older man. A man that could be his teacher, police officer, etc. Martin was clearly terrified of this douche-bag and this douche-bag is a crazed douche-bag. Did I mention that this crazed older man is a douche-bag? He's a douche-bag.

Im not calling 28 old-

I'm saying exactly what Chrismo said, to a 17 year old boy, 28 IS 'older'

And word. He's a a douche. A crazed older douche who took a kids life.

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