A Brief Reflection on Zimmerman Trial
We live in a rational, law-abiding society, yes? Yet Stand-Your-Ground laws, strongly agitated for by the National Rifle Association, is the decree in 22 states, including Florida, allowing the likes of a George Zimmerman to interpret the law in his own image.
The President Obama’s unscripted and disarmingly personal reflections about the event called for white folks to try to understand the context of the Black experience. Before his Presidency, he said he experienced people crossing the street, locking car doors at his approach and being followed in stores. What a life! Certain Right Wing pundits responded crudely and disrespectfully, especially when the President uttered the truism that he could have been Trayvon Martin 35 years ago.
Stand-Your-Ground
Did Mr. Zimmerman have any regrets or second thoughts? He answered “no” with assurance. This took my breath away. It speaks of a man who is emotionally a vegetable and out of touch. Mr. Zimmerman is a tool whose worldview is that danger lurks everywhere (aka the gun lobby who wants more George Zimmerman’s to boost sales).
Sadly, out of necessity, African American families universally instruct their growing children what to do if stopped by the police. What a shameful commentary when a child can be lawfully tracked down and shot based on his demeanor only.
A few additional reflections: I found Mr. Zimmerman’s remarks after the event even more troubling than his actions during the alleged struggle in the alleyway. “No Remorse. No Regrets.” What a hideous state of mind for one who has just killed and should at least by then have realized he was an innocent young man.
“No Remorse. No Regrets.”
Mr. Zimmerman suggests that it was “God’s Will”. What kind of God does he think is working its will in the world? This is sheer ignorance of the worst order. And the first juror that we head from is equally ignorant and insensitive to the tragedy that the case really was.
On guns: Bringing one to the alleged fistfight is almost always going to escalate from an argument or altercation to a point where someone gets shot.
“Yes, prejudice is deeply rooted with its distortions/misperceptions abounding, often beneath our consciousness.” Michael Kulla, Ph.D. (2013)
- Michael Kulla Ph.D.
- Pleasant Valley New York
- 845-635-1948
Dr. Michael Kulla 