There’s nothing more frightening than a 17 year old in a hoodie carrying Skittles and a bottle of tea – or at least that’s what an over zealous, self appointed neighborhood watch leader would lead people to believe after he shot Trayvon Martin to death. Was it the hoodie and snack foods or the fact that he was a young black male that made him threatening?
As a mother, I’m devastated for Trayvon’s mother and his family. As someone who believes that negative stereotypes lead to bad decisions on how we see and treat people, I’m angry that a boy lost his life because he was stereotyped. Had Trayvon been white and the shooter black, I believe the response by law enforcement and the immediate community would have been different.
Outrage is building all over, including a ”Million Hoodie March” taking place in New York City. An online petition calling for Trayvon’s killer’s arrest has collected more than 900,000 signatures and continues to grow. Now, the Department of Justice and FBI are involved and the case will finally get a professional review – I don’t consider the poor job done by Sanford Police Department to be professional.
Rockford has had its own pain around racism and race issues. This senseless killing has opened the wound for many in Rockford and as a result, more than 20 people met at Second Congregational Church on Thursday. Their purpose was not to demand anything from law enforcement, but to call attention to the need for racial justice and understanding; to promote the need for a positive social environment for all community members.
Any one of our children could have been Trayvon – less likely so for those who are white, however. My kids live in hoodies and I don’t believe anyone has ever considered them threatening, even in the dark. To show solidarity with the family of Trayvon Martin, this ad-hoc group has arranged a public display of support and invites the northern Illinois community to join them in a Hundred Hoodie March for Trayvon Martin on Sunday, March 25th at 3:00 p.m. The march will begin at Rockford City Hall and will end at the Founders’ Memorial. All participants are asked to wear hooded sweatshirts.
I encourage you, and your children, to join this peaceful walk. Coming together to support a young man who was killed based on how he looked can go a long way in mending the frayed social fabric of our community. It can go a long way in teaching our children and friends that we shouldn’t judge, bully or harm others just because they don’t look like us. This is a perfect time to embrace diversity.
This shooting doesn’t involve you or Rockford in any way, shape or form. You are just a liberal who can’t seem to stay out of issues that seem to stir the black community. Blacks are killing unarmed blacks every day. Now all of a sudden your all up in arms. Stop with the crap. Just another way for a liberal to get people all fired up over something they are not involved in. How about getting upset over the killing of thousands of innocent Mexicans with guns that Eric Holder allowed to cross the border without any resistance to further his militant anti-gun stance. No that doesn’t bother you, but one possibly innocent black kid gets shot and your ready to march. Hypocrits.
why do words like “racism” come up whenever a black person is a victim? Why doesn’t the racism word come up when a white person is attacked by a black person? In this case, a minority hispanic (with black family members) shot and killed this young black male. Senseless, tragic, sad. But RACIST? Really???? C’mon!!!!!
This is definitely written by someone who lives in a NICE neighborhood where a neighborhood watch, and leader, are NOT required. Having spent 20 years in an “iffy” Rockford neighborhood I completely understand what happened. This person was out of place. This person was “suspicions” looking–all the things a watch leader is looking for. He was hiding, behind this HOODIE. This is a characteristic of someone up to no good. When you are a stranger in someone else’s home/county/neighborhood you have to open, upfront, and ready to answer as to you presence and actions. Trayvon was non of these. The watch leader was simply trying to take his neighborhood back. Back from the people, who resemble Tryvon–those how hide behind their hoodies. While any death is unfortunatel, Trayvon was as responsible for this as the watch leader. Perhaps he should counter-sue Trayvon’s loud mouth mother for the lousy job she did raising and supervising her son.
Thankfully I no longer live in Rockford, I lived in the near NW side. I can tell you a hoodie means trouble, I have seen drug deals, I have seen gangs shoot it out, I have see forced entrys, burglaries and how many times do we see the rrstar report so and so was robbed today by a man wearing a hoodie? I am not calling it racist I have see all races do this. Pulling a hoodie up in an area where there is crime is like saying I am up to no good. Now go to a gymastics class, a youth retreat, or golf outing. Hoodies are ok, its what signal you are sending.
I lived in NW Rockford 5 years over 120 murders, many robberies, assualts and a vast majority are wearing hoodies. Get over you liberal self. It’s not racism, it’s criminals….
This is exactly why not just African Americans, but everyone needs to stand up for equa;ity for all races. Dave by you saying a hoodie means trouble? What color skin is under that hoodie that means trouble. Some of you are Bigots and really need to re-examine yourselves…God Bless you all!
I agree with what Mr. Obama originally thought…it is a situation that needs to be dealt with and investigated, but it is not something to make political hay out of. There are two people who know EXACTLY what happened. One is dead. The other shot him. I’m willing to wait until the investigation is complete to determine what happened and not jump to conclusions.
I am one of the people organizing this Hundred Hoodie March because I have had my eyes and heart opened to the reality of racism in our society, and our community. You really just need to listen, really listen, to the experience of black people, young and old, in Rockford (and elsewhere in our country). They are treated with suspicion on a regular basis – sometimes with no serious result, sometimes with terrible results. I hear white people express suspicion of blacks on a regular basis. It is not clothing. It is not behavior. It is associations with the color of their skin. Just listen to the all too real experience of black people in Rockford, and you might begin to understand why so many people, black and white, believe this killing has everything to do with race. Do you really believe that if Trayvon Martin was “white” (at least in appearance), and George Zimmerman was “black,” that Zimmerman would still be free? Is this only about race? No. Is it at least partly about race. Absolutely.
Who are the ones that always cry racism and pour gas on it? Look at the thousands marching in Philly, ONLY ONLY ONLY because the victim was black and the actor was non-black. I call that hatred of another’s race. Just think if whites marched and cried racism every time a white was attacked, held up or robbed by a black person. I would have blisters on my feet! So who are the racists?? What happens when a white group wants to organize or march? They are called racists or supremecists. I’m sick of these windbags and their double standards.
Really??? Really people?? Obviously some of these people have NOT listened to the 911 calls. This kid was begging for his life! Begging! Mr. Zimmerman was told not to chase after the kid. The kid was getting away from him so Mr Zimmerman had NO right to confront this child. I wear a hoodie so I guess I am a drug dealer, murderer, intruder, whatever that sterotype is all about….So what if there have been break ins in that neighborhood, just because Trayvon was black automatically makes this so called neighborhood watchman feel the need to approach him? Like he did he should have notified the authorities and left it at that. He abused his power to kill this young man then to cry self-defense….he was on top of Trayvon while the boy was pleading for his LIFE….self defense my butt. I believe this is getting so much hype because there is clear proof this was not an act of self defense, rather a senseless killing and the cops pulled a blind fold over their eyes for the sake of “one less black person” to deal with. Shame on you and I pray justice is served.
Juice, as usual you jump to the wrong assumption. This event has been predominately by white people, though there are Hispanics and blacks involved. It’s about community unity, and you’d be welcome.
The racism in these comments are exactly why the planners wanted to do something. I’m sad for all of you who can’t get past your bigotry.
I’m saddened, but not surprised by the comments I see here. I’ll be there tomorrow with my grandchildren. This nonsense needs to end. I want it to end before my grandsons become teenagers. By then it may not be hoodies. It’ll be some other clothing choice, but they could be in danger because skin color doesn’t change.
I saw the difference between the way whites reacted to my son when he was a little boy. They thought he was adorable and stopped me in stores to tell me that. When he became a teenager, I saw white women clutch their purses and change directions. He wasn’t dressed in a hoodie or “gangsta” style clothing. He was a nice young man, went on to college and is now in graduate school. My husband had THE TALK with him about what to do and what not to do when stopped by the police for no reason. My son resented it and said if it was an unjustifable stop he would protest. It was the first time I ever saw my husband get really angry with him, trying to make him understand that a protest like that to the wrong cop could lead to a senseless death.
I believe racism can be eliminated. I’ve witnessed it within my family when I married a black man. My parents came to love him as a son. But it will only happen when we are willing to be truthful about our past and present and stand for justice.
The marching is not constructive and just further causes friction, as always. I listen to the police scanner every night and hear “hoodie” all the time. If you dress like a criminal bad things MAY happen. This victim was the 1% and that was unfortunate and they get the headlines ,,not the 99% that do all the crimes all the time.
Hi Kris – All I can say is that reading your blog comments, I don’t miss it much. 3 points:
1. I think my whole family will march tomorrow. Though not specifically in honor of this child in Florida, but as another way to manage the loss of one of our own. Dan, a Boy Scout from my son’s troop was murdered a few months ago. Dan was a bi-racial kid with a crazy hairdo and belt malfunctions who could easily be caught with Skittles and an ice tea. His body was found in a park. The investigation is still open. It doesn’t matter what someone might have seen when they looked at Dan, he was an Eagle Scout, and a mentor to younger kids. And his murderer is out still there – likely walking around in Rockford. We still cry for Dan.
2. My lily white, blue-eyed pre-teen son wears a black hoodie every day. He also eats Skittles. He’s never been threatened.
3. Today my 8 year old had a play date with another kid at our house. I forgot our little play buddy was black until they asked to go to the park behind the house (a clear view from my window). I had somewhat of an epiphany related to something you told me a long time ago. I can’t forget that my black friends are black…. Especially when they need my protection. No park without close supervision. No CHANCE that some idiot will level a stupid comment at an 8 year old in my care. Trayvon and Dan remind me that we should consider that we have to protect our black kids and be at heightened attention at all times for their safety. Not heightened concern for ours.
Thanks for your post.
ABOUT WORDS: The word “racism” by itself doesn’t help because most people go from “racism” to “racist,” which is a judgment and label and can only alienate. “Institutional” or “structural racism” are useful words. But the phrase that most applies to this tragedy is something we can all become aware of and work to overcome: “racial conditioning,” – the barrage of message EVERYONE is assaulted with that perpetuate the lie that white is good and Black is bad. It penetrates our unconscious, and even if we are consciously “anti-racist,” it affects us. And sometimes people act quickly – especially when they’re scared, sometimes with tragic results. Everyone is affected by racial conditioning, and we need to all unite to uncover it and overcome it to the best of our ability. And we all need to know that just because we have been affected by racial conditioning, that’s not an excuse for behavior that demeans or hurts or kills another person.
It should be noted that most schools prohibit the wearing of hoodies in school.
It may not be fair, but society DOES judge based on appearances. This is not a black/white issue. Doctors, Lawyers and Engineers are EXPECTED to be well kept, short hair, no tats or piercings. The black community needs to integrate itself – stop dressing black! Have you ever seen a Dutch person wearing wood shoes in public? NO! Until the black community decides to conform and integrate themselves, they will be treated differently. Don’t think of it as becoming white, think of it as becoming American.
Rob – if you think a hoodie is African American attire, you are seriously out of the loop. My white kids wear hoodies practically every day to school; I have three hoodies in MY OWN closet.
This isn’t about someone conforming to your idea of society. I don’t agree that there is only one vision of what it means to be an American. I probably don’t fit what your vision of being an American is and I’ve served in the military, been educated in public schools, hold public office and I’m raising my children in public schools.
Open your mind to other cultures and see that diversity should be valued, not assimilated.
Congratulations on a fine post, Kris. You’ve done a great job of attracting comments from a good mix of fair-minded folks and knuckledraggers.
@ Pat: From the Urban Dictionary: Knuckle Dragger 222 up, 240 down
Another racial slur used towards a black person relating them to gorillas who walk around dragging their knuckles
Oh man, did you see that knuckle dragger steal that ladie’s purse then run away?
I am sure you did not mean to post a raciest statement. However, you comment (and derogatory comment) only go to show 1) Their are 2 sides to any issue. 2) You can take ANY of these comments in a negative light, rather than LEARN something.
Well nobody knows how to race bait like you know who with his bashing of Rebel flags, barefoot rednecks, people with no teeth, etc. But of course that is an acceptable form of bigotry to him. And some are writing all this crap before they know all the facts about the situation. Maybe you should write a second column about the death threats from the Black Panthers, which you probably think is a credible and caring organization.
Actually, Juice, I thought that a post on the “bounty” by the Black Panthers would be a good idea as well. And no, I don’t condone violence or paramilitary groups that promote vigilante justice.
I do wish you’d quit assuming things about me – I’m a pretty open person and would be willing to talk with you so you don’t have to guess and assume my thoughts and positions on issues. Hey, you never know, you may like me and find you have more in common with me than you think!
Juice: The FIRST smart comment! People writing XXXX before then know all the facts. And, that would include the original article, Kris. A number of people have immediately ASSumed this was an unjustified murder. Have faith in the system. A grand jury will have ALL the facts, and be able to ask questions of the people involved. To those who say the system is flawed and won’t wait – I encourage you to put your efforts into changing the system rather than focusing on one case BEFORE it moves thru the system. The other choice–find another country and another system where things work better, Israel? Iraq? Korea?
Rob, the blog was actually about Rockford displaying unity and honoring diversity as this incident opened some old wounds in this community. You put your own slant on it, as did others, instead of taking it as an event to promote peace, justice and dignity for all people.
I’m not a journalist, I’m a blogger. I write my opinions. If you want something other than that, don’t read a blog.
Kris, you are probably correct and vice-versa. I appologize for the Black Panther statement with respect to you. So why does the media ignore them or even worse, cover them in a neutral light? They are no different than the original Klan which would certainly not be tolerated. I really hate double-standards.
Kris, it has been disclosed that Martin followed Zimmerman back to his SUV, and then punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground, and was beating his head against the sidewalk when Zimmerman FINALLY drew his weapon, and shot him. The injuries to Zimmerman match with his account of the incident.
I note the the unbiased RR-Star published this information on PAGE TWELVE, rather than on the front page, where Zimmerman was branded as a gun-toting vigilante, shooting down an innocent black “child” (BTW, Martin was several inches TALLER than Zimmerman).
I just read, with interest, that Bobbie Rush was reprimanded/chastised for wearing a hoodie. Seems our US lawmakers (as well as SD205) do not feel this is appropriate dress. I don’t believe this is a black/white issue. It is a what are you hiding issue. It is a don’t cover your head issue. I still contend a hoddie or a covered head/face is an indication that someone is up to no good–why else would they be hiding. Also, if SNuss is correct, it only confirms my (and Juice’s) earlier assertion that people are writing BEFORE all the facts are out. Kris, this includes you who portrayed Trayvon as just a Skittles carrying child. OK, it is only a Blog, and only YOUR opinion, but is is in the paper, and is taken by many as factual reporting–your writings are held to a higher standard then the reader replies.