Problems Associated With Racism. Emmett Till and Trayvon Martin - Essay Example

Emmett Till and Trayvon Martin In the radical years that racism was rampant, the execution of Emmett Till came as a result of him whistling at a white female. His brutal murder came during a very crucial age (Metress 56). He was just fourteen years old. The killing of African American boys and men was quite rampant at that period. This was a difficult spell which was characterised by white supremacy in order to prove dominance. This dominance was displayed over a group of people who were believed not to belong in the same society as the white people. People, mostly African American, would bear the full brunt of the race factor, since they were often affiliated with negativity. This paper will review the comparison that existed between the Emmett Till lynching and the Trayvon Martin killing. Also, it will address the issue of negative perception on a certain race, and how it is affecting the American people. The negative perception from the whites helped bring forth a string of riots and rise in civil rights movements across the nation. This was since the African Americans felt that their rights were being violated. In the case of Trayvon Martin, there was a similar case of negative perception. A young man heading home from the convenient store with a bag of skittles and iced tea gets shot since he looked suspicious. He was dressed in ordinary blue jeans and wearing a hoodie. That was enough to send the young man to an early grave. This negative perception has not changed entirely even with the reforms that have taken place during the time of Martin Luther King (Metress 65). People are still misdirected, and it is taking a toll on the young African American people of America. As Mississippi was a state that had the most number of African Americans, it was hard for whites and the blacks to entirely get along. This led to the division of people and the division of everything else. There were schools designed for the blacks, buses, and even hotels. The blacks mixing and mingling with the whites was considered a crime (Metress 72). It was a punishable offense for a black man to gaze at a white lady. That was considered inappropriate, and often led to the arrest of many black men. The perception that black men are violent often has them suspected for many violent crimes which later, leads to their persecution. In light of this, it was highly crucial for the black men and women of Mississippi to keep to their kind; attend their own schools and even, ride their own buses. However, in the wake of Emmett Till’s killing, the rise in riots and boycotts showed the strength of the African American minority group (Nelson 54). Groups that advocated for equal civil rights as the whites emerged, and pushed for equality among all people regardless of their colour. The death of Emmett Till was considered a pivotal point in the uprisings made by the African American minority. Civil rights groups emerged in the wake of his death and wanted justice to all those responsible, while advocating for equality. This saw many black people killed in strange and bizarre circumstances. Some were bombed, others were drowned, some were bludgeoned, and others, shot to death (Nelson 63). All this happened in the name of white supremacy. It did not matter that lives were being lost and that the state was in chaos. All that mattered to the white extremists was for them to have control over the minority group. African Americans urged their children to join in the fight for equality, and they did without hesitation. They boycotted school and marched on to the streets to advocate for the treatment of all persons equally. The beating and hosing down of the children brought the president to action, and Mississippi grabbed the consideration of other states, as well. Emmett Till’s death can be considered the turning point (Nelson 72). This is because after it happened, the strength of the African American people could be felt and seen across the realm. Focus was shifted to the injustices, the killings, and atrocities that befell the black people from Mississippi. This was in 1955. In 2012, February 26, the death of Trayvon Martin was the talking point of many news agencies. It all comes down to the negative perception that has followed many black people. His life was brought to a tragic end as he was attacked by neighbourhood security personnel who deemed him a threat. Having no weapon on him, it is terribly shocking that one individual can attack another, and kill them due to how they perceive them. The dress code and attire, in the eyes of the security personnel, made Martin appear as a threat (Bella 1). Due to the negative perception that had built up in the security personnel about black males, it was impossible for Zimmerman to dismiss the idea that martin posed a threat to the security of the neighbourhood. He, therefore, confronted Martin which led to the death of the seventeen-year old, young, black man (Bella 1). The negative perception that is still a problem in America has led to the downfall of many black males. Tragically, this is a fate that only the family and folks of Trayvon know, and understand only too well. Gone are the days where there existed a racist president. In these modern times, there have been cries over killings relating to racism. A few decades ago, the killings would have been considered normal. This is where the Ku Klax Klan carried out killings, and the members would go about their business as if nothing had happened. Times have changed and the once considered normal thing is considered an evil thing. The slaying of the two young people can be related due to some remarkably similar reasons. Both the killings are considered to be extremely similar. They both involve children who are of African American descent. They were killed under pretty absurd circumstances which all come down to the perception that people have about them. In the Emmett Till case scenario, he was killed since it was purported he was flirting with a white woman (Orr-Klopfer 35). In all honesty, what could a fourteen year old boy tell a white woman? Not forgetting it was during a time where it was even considered a crime to think about one, let alone talk to one. He was lynched, and that brought an end to a young life that had not yet matured to understand what was fully going on around him. Unlike Emmett, Martin was aware that racism was something that pressed the African American people. He, however, could not imagine that it would be the grounds of his death. There was no manner in him that suggested he was a threat to anyone, but the fact that he was black ensured that his life ended prematurely. This all goes back to the point made earlier about negative perception. It has been the downfall of many people including all those that are racist in their nature, and mannerism. Consider Zimmerman for instance. He is likely to face a judicial system that is bound to bow to pressure from civil rights groups and the community, for the crime he committed (Bella 2). This negative influence has been attributed to the fact that people are resistant to change. If Zimmerman was willing to change the attitude he had about all African Americans, it is possible all these things would not have happened (Stutzman 1). On the other hand, some consider that these things are bound to happen since it is in God’s plan. They believe that, with the death of both Emmett and Martin, the African American minority group is strengthened. They always seem to be brought closer during such times, and often stand together as one. Racism has been an issue that even the present administration has failed to look at. In the rising number of court cases that prosecute the African American minority, the issue is still an immense problem. Prisons are filled with minority groups, and it does not stop there. Most of the people on death row are seen to be the black minority groups. Laws need to be reviewed so as to accommodate everyone. The uprisings that were held decades ago over equal rights and justice should not have been in vain. People are still fighting for equal treatment around the world. It should not stop just because some people are getting treated right. Both these killings have sparked affirmative steps that have been taken to curb the racism issue. Schools have been actively involved in teaching their students methods of peacefully resisting racist treatment. The death of both Emmett and Martin, although far apart, suggest that the nation has come from far. They also serve as a reminder that the struggle for equality and just treatment is still on-going (Metress 77). Both of them died as innocent teenagers who might have had a bright and promising future ahead of them. The perception among many people is that when a black man is not wearing a suit, or in tune with the dress code of a certain society, they pose a threat to their immediate society. This is what Zimmerman had in his mind at the time he shot, and killed seventeen year old Martin Trayvon (Stutzman 1). From the time of Emmett Till, and his supposed flirt to a Caucasian woman, it is likely this perception would not change unless people rise, and help change it. The problem with this is that people might mistake these intentions. They might think that the resistance is aimed at getting back at them for what happened a long time ago. So, it is up to the African Americans to show them that they are above that. In both cases, the two young men were perceived as a menace to their immediate surroundings. In the Emmett Till scenario, he whistles at a Caucasian woman. This is seen as a wrong thing to do considering his colour. However, this action did not warrant his death. He was brutalized and murdered, and his murderers left to walk free. In Martin’s case, he was seen as a threat due to the hoodie he was seen wearing. This was seen as a threat due to the mentality people have of gangsters, and their clothing. Since he was in a suburban setting, this style of clothing led him to be perceived as a threat. This, according to Zimmerman, was what led to his death (Stutzman 1). As times have changed, news about the manner in which the death of Martin happened spread, and there was uproar. The manner in which one dresses should not be the cause of their demise. He was just a teenage boy with a lot to live for. Sadly, he had his life taken by a paranoid racist, who thinks that everyone in a hoodie is a menace. Zimmerman’s conduct should be thoroughly looked into to ascertain that he is liable for prosecution (Stutzman 2). If he is, he should bear the full extent of the law for murder. The racial profiling that managed to have these teens killed will go on and on until people say it is enough. In a country that has become war weary, it is likely that the system they might adopt would be to shoot immediately, then ask questions later. That is what happened in the Martin incident. Zimmerman did not know what to do when he saw Martin with his hoodie on that fateful day. He dialled 911 and reported a suspicious looking character in the neighbourhood and shot without hesitation (Bella 1). This has been the case even as the nation waged war on another nation for supposedly having weapons of mass destruction. Attack now, and ask questions later. No weapon was found on Trayvon Martin at the time of the incident. It was a clear, simple case of racial profiling. In Emmett Till’s case, it was just a case of a misguided teen that might have been corrected with a mere scolding. It, however, got to the part where the teenager had to die because of whistling at someone of a superior, white race. It is sad that people who consider themselves civilised can live, and behave in such a manner. Presidents in certain administrations are known to be supporters of racism. A president like Woodrow Wilson was in his own right a racist. Leaders are supposed to be looked up to for guidance. However, if a president stands on a ground that is considered morally wrong, it is the people’s initiative to stand up, and tell them they are wrong. They should do this without fear of prejudice (Pollack and Metress 39). There is such a thing as having strength in numbers. Prison reforms need to be checked to avoid the congestion of African American minorities in prisons. The trillions of dollars spent on wars should be used to address such issues. The four centuries of racism that have existed should be a thing of the past. Individuals ought to be taught in learning institutions that everyone is equal and that they deserve an equal chance at everything present (Pollack and Metress 47). This is regardless of their colour or race. The civil rights movement that sprang into action should also not be biased in their campaign for equal rights. It is not only the African American minority group that is in need of better health care systems, better schools, or better jobs. There are other minority groups present that are in need of the same. The Latin American group is a group that has not been given a just opportunity at the American dream. Many suffer and their plight is not sometimes addressed. The victims of such cases are not necessarily black. They could be white, but their deaths do not make the news over their cause of death. Their deaths are neither affiliated with race or the struggle they have faced. African American people have indeed struggled to where they are from where they are coming from (Whitfield 20). This should not be the reason why people, especially figure heads, feel the need to twist words and blame everyone for some of the things that happen. In Iraq, innocent women and children have been killed and maimed because of a war they know nothing about. Nobody talks about that. Even if there are, they are extremely few who address the plight of the war that affected thousands. The reason people should get over the killing of Emmett Till, and Trayvon Martin is to rise above all the hatred, and anger. This should be the main lesson behind such brutality, and injustice. It should not be cause for more anger and anguish to build up in people regardless of their race. People should get to the point of looking at one another with a common interest, and belonging without including the issue of race (Whitfield 29). This has been the key problem, and it will remain to be so if people do not address it. Many have quoted what Martin Luther said with regards to the race factor. In all fairness, he did not mean that all that ensues in the world should be attributed to the race factor. What of all those crimes that happen between people of the same race? Why should they not get identical consideration that others get when it is something of mixed race? People all around the world should be able to stand as one in order to achieve anything and everything. The African American plight has been addressed, but what of the plight of all others? Focus should be placed on every citizen that has the right to be in the country despite their race, cultural background, or even religion (Whitfield 38). It should not just be from the African American minority, but from everyone. The whole nation should stand together with one voice to ensure that they are heard. Skin colour should not be the reason why people should be judged. They should be judged by their character, and the manner in which they behave and act. The deaths of Emmett Till and Trayvon Martin should not be cause, for a nation to divide amongst itself. It should be a reason for the coming together of a nation to find solace, and grieve the mistakes that a few individuals make. In conclusion, it is exceedingly probable that problems associated with racism will not end anytime soon. It is, however, high time that people put all negative thoughts about coloured people aside. This is for the betterment of their lives as individuals, and the betterment of society. If cases like Zimmerman’s go unpunished, there is a high probability that there might be another reoccurrence of a case like Trayvon Martin’s. Works cited Bella, P. “Trayvon Martin and Legal Experts.” The Washington Times, April 14, 2012. Metress, C. The Lynching of Emmett Till: A Documentary Narrative. New York: Free Press, 2002. Print. Nelson, M. A Wreath for Emmett Till. London: Macmillan, 2005. Print. Orr-Klopfer, M. S. The Emmett Till Book. New York: PULP, 2005. Print. Pollack, H., and Metress, C. Emmett Till in Literary Memory and Imagination. London: Sage Publishers, 2008. Print. Stutzman, R. “George Zimmerman’s father: My Son is not racist, did not confront Trayvon Martin.” Orlando Sentinel, March 12, 2012. Whitfield, J. S. A Death in the Delta: The Story of Emmett Till. New York: Bantam Books, 1991. Print. Read More