Opinion
Trayvon Martin and the Mysterious Powers of Black Men
So what does Trayvon’s death tell me about the so-called post racial world we are living in? Nothing! The more things change, the more they stay the same. This killing of black men by cops and others has been going on for a long time, and justice has never been served. Rather than justice being served to the perpetrators, it is the black male victim who is convicted in the court of public opinion and indicted. It is almost as if society tries to justify the black male victim’s death as part of a criminal act, even if he was completely innocent.
The death of Trayvon Martin tells me that whenever I go out, people do not see my education or my character, but my skin color. They do not see my level of education or the content of my character. All they see is that I am a big black man who looks intimidating and they are afraid that I might hurt them or rob them. If they are not scared of me, it is because they are assuming I could hook them up with some good drugs. But with that being said, I have learned that no matter how much the world preaches about racial harmony and equality, that I am black and that is how I am seen. Therefore, I am not an educated black man but rather a black man until I open my mouth. But what do we do about the fact that I have paid my dues and know how the world works? What do we do about those who see me as a threat?
It will be interesting to see if justice is done in the Trayvon Martin case. Sadly to say, I do not expect much to come of it. However, this is another opportunity for black parents to use this case as a warning and a reminder that no matter how the world preaches equality, the world does not apply the law equally. Black people must continue to be vigilant and always carry themselves differently. They must, under all circumstances, avoid the occasion when their superpowers come into play. Parents should now use three little words to prevent another sad story: Remember Trayvon Martin.
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