It is a tragedy whenever a child dies. Think of all the goals unreached, dreams unlived and adventures never pursued. If any of us have watched the news, picked up a paper or perused social media within the past week, we have seen the ramifications of such a tragedy involving Treyvon Martin. Even now, there are parts of the country rioting because of the acquittal of George Zimmerman. Why?
Personally, I did not see enough evidence to believe George Zimmerman killed Treyvon Martin as an act of hate, premeditated murder or racism. In that list, the latter seems the most likely, but even so, I am unsure. Do we really need to attach a sociological reason as to why this tragedy happened? Or could it just be an accident? I know that is not an ideal outcome for one of the most watched court cases in recent history, but it seems likely. It is unsettling that we feel the need to make Zimmerman into some kind of sociopath. Why can’t he be a normal guy? Obviously his life will never be the same. It looks like he has packed on more weight since the tragedy last year, his eyes look hazed over, and it seems his hair will take on a hoary hue at any moment.
How would you have responded to your acquittal, if you were in Zimmerman’s shoes? Smile? Hug your lawyer? I would probably start crying. But what did Zimmerman do? He stood there in an uncomfortable monotony. I feel bad for this guy.
I feel as though the country has turned this case into an argument over who was the real villain, Martin or Zimmerman. I realize it takes a lot of provocation for someone to pull the trigger and cause a life to expire. I also realize that some people have a sociopathic, racist hatred toward people of other ethnicities. The argument seems to be between these two items: How did Martin provoke Zimmerman, and how racist is Zimmerman? Both of these are unlikely. I think we need to take a step back and not take Zimmerman’s or Martin’s side, but take a posture that acknowledges and mourns this unfortunate instance of miscommunication and misunderstanding. Even then, that does not satisfy my own interest in the case, nor does it suffice any legal ruling. There are too many unanswered questions.
One thing that indicts the American people because of this case is the wide chasm of racial inequality that still exists. In a radio interview, Rev. Jesse Jackson said, “Trayvon Martin defines this season. It’s the season where young black men are more likely to be jailed, profiled or unemployed or shot.” It is unfortunate that this is still true. We need to be more aware of the injustice being done around us and pray for healing between races.
At the same time, there are too many rash judgments being made by people uninvolved with this case. I understand why people are upset, and I feel for their pain – imagine if one of your younger siblings or their friend was killed. Pain and horror are proper responses. Mourning and tears are natural. Rioting in the streets though? I think that has no place in this case. Justice must be served, I agree. Only God knows what really happened in February of 2012, and there will be an account made on the Day of Judgment. In the meantime, however, we continue to pray for healing for the Martin family. We pray for Zimmerman – guilty or innocent. We do not riot. We do not hate. We wait for the day when truth shall reign and injustice, pain and hurt shall have no place among God’s people. Unfortunately that day has not yet come.
