What about Trayvon Martin?: Open forum

April 9, 2012

By Karlesha V. Hewitt

George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin

“Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.”
–Alexander Hamilton
Yes, Alexander Hamilton’s words usually ring true, but I have one vital piece of advice: Never stand for something if you do not know what it is you are standing for.
I am sure we have all heard some aspect of the Trayvon Martin case in the media. The elements of the case continue to unravel each day, and everyone I have spoken to seems to have a verdict. It is important to remember that, in this country, an alleged offender is innocent until proven guilty. I, too, have been fighting the urge to jump to conclusions about the case, and in this open forum I hope to remain as neutral as possible.
This is for you, not me. I will begin by offering what I have heard, and I hope to hear what you have heard of the fundamentals of this case in response. If you have a voice, I would love for you to use it here. I want to know what you think about this case. If you stand for something, stand here. If you are unsure what to think, express that here. If by chance you are someone who has never heard of this story, I urge you to read up on Trayvon Martin, and return to the Point to comment. Rather than regurgitate what is on the news every day, I’d rather move on to the hot topics surrounding the death of the 17-year-old boy.
Allow me to be the first speaker in the forum. Then, it’s your turn.

  • The Trayvon Martin case has served as a reminder that America isn’t as over stereotypes and hate crime as we’d like to believe. It frustrates me that some people would rather focus on the hoodie Trayvon was wearing than the fact that his family has yet to see justice. There is so much more to this story than the hoodie.
  • I wonder what everyone has to say about that phone call. Was George Zimmerman being racist during the 911 call?
  • Who do you think was the aggressor in the scuffle, based on the location of Trayvon’s body? Based on Zimmerman’s scratches and alleged broken nose? Who was crying for help on the recording?
  • Which side do you think has a stronger case, the defense or the prosecution? What do you base this opinion on?
  • Do you think Trayvon’s school record is relevant? How about Zimmerman’s?

I have answered all of these questions 10 times over, and I wonder what it is we all want to see happen with this case. If Zimmerman should be arrested, what do we hope a trial will bring? If I wrote how I felt about all of this, I could go on forever. Let’s hear what you all have to say.
By no means should you think of these as essay questions. These are some things I think about. I would love to discuss it with others, and hear what you are thinking. So say what you want, and use your voice. After all, it is your power.