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Martin vs Zimmerman- When Power Gets into the Wrong Hands
Other | Tuesday 16th July 2013 | Funmi
Travyon Martin- George Zimmerman Case and the Music that was Inspired
The moral ‘rightfulness’ for the death of African American Trayvon Martin was determined on Saturday 13th July as the mixed race Hispanic American George Zimmerman was found not guilty.
The deadly shooting of 17-year-old, high school student Trayvon Martin, occurred on 26th February 2012 during a brawl in which self-appointed neighbourhood watch guard Zimmerman, 35, pulled the trigger.
On the night of the incident, it was an average Sunday night for Martin as he and his father had made a trip to Twin Lakes in Sanford to visit his soon to be step mother. Martin was casually minding his own business as he took a stroll to the shop at night when he was spotted by Zimmerman who described him to be behaving suspiciously as he walked in the rain with his hood up.
The wannabe police officer then concluded that Martin’s behaviour was overly distrustful so he brought it upon himself to make a call to Sanford Police department to explain that his suspicions have been aroused by an African American male who was walking around in the gated community with his hood up. Irrelevantly, he also added to the phone call “Fucking pricks. These assholes, they always get away” It can be said that these words expose the stereotypical judgement that Zimmerman had towards Martin prior to their fight, which adds intensity to the situation as it expresses racism due to the fact the Zimmerman was basing his judgements purely on appearance.
Despite the fact the he had already called the police, the aspiring neighbourhood superhero decided that he would save his community by confronting Martin. Unprepared for the fight with nothing but a can in his hand and a pack of sweets in his pocket, the teen did not allow the 17 year age gap between him and his opponent to scare him. The fight got out of hand as Martin gave Zimmerman a sucker punch which made him smash his head on the pavement. Ego crushed Zimmerman then concluded the fight as he pulled out his 9mm semi-automatic pistol and fired a single shot which hit Martin in the chest and took his life.
Two minutes later the police arrived at the scene and unsurprisingly Zimmerman explained that he shot Martin as self-defence, not completely convinced police took their amateur acquaint down to the station for five hour questioning.
56 witnesses, 16 months and a 3 week trial later, a six female jury decided that Zimmerman was not guilty as they believe his self-defence plead. To add insult upon injury, it has also been deemed appropriate for Zimmerman to get his gun back. However, Zimmerman is not in the all clear as Martin’s parents have revealed that they intend on filing a civil suit against him.
The moral fairness of this verdict has sparked a strong response from the nation as many believe that Zimmerman should have been sent to jail. Protestors took over Times Square on Sunday night as they chanted “Justice for Trayvon Martin.” Several African American key figures have shown support for Martins family as they express their condolences.
Young Jezzy dedicates a song to Trayvon Martin.
Stevie Wonder has also decided to Boycott Florida as a result of the Zimmerman verdict.
This is just the begining...
Feo @Feoblack
