Lost in all the controversy over the Trayvon Martin case is that a young black man was killed. His life ended prematurely, and we should all grieve for that. Just as we should all grieve for the thousands of young lives lost each year. But Martin's case has other aspects that keep it in front of the public eye.
Many have alleged that the killing was racially motivated. Others have alleged that Martin initiated the confrontation that led to his shooting, and that George Zimmerman was acting in self-defense. And it's clear that media outlets, and pundits on the left and right have chosen to make this issue about politics, rather than about the tragic death of a young man.
From my own brief review of the case, it would seem that those seeking "justice" for Martin have one very good point - at the very least, Zimmerman should have been detained and an investigation fully conducted. I understand the constraints that law enforcement must work under - and spent a day explaining them to a group of students. However, there is no dispute that Zimmerman shot Martin. Holding Zimmerman for the allowable amount of time, while investigating the shooting would seem to be warranted. I'm sure it would have helped ease the public's mind regarding law enforcement's seriousness towards this case.
But those seeking "justice" need to be prepared that this situation will be all the more tragic because justice will not be found. This case is very similar to that of pharmacist Jerome Ersland here in Oklahoma. Many jumped aboard Ersland's defense when news of his situation first came out. Ersland was seen as a sympathetic victim who decided to protect himself from criminals. As Ersland's trial progressed, it became clear, there were no "good guys" in that situation. Ersland lost claim to that title once he decided to return and repeatedly shoot one of his robbers after he was already wounded and no longer a threat.
This may again be a case in which there are no "good guys." Is Zimmerman a racist? I don't know. If so, his reason for suspecting Martin loses credibility. Did Martin actually initiate the confrontation that led to his shooting? I don't know that either. If so, he, and his supporters, can not escape the fact that his own actions are, in part, responsible for what happened. No good guys, and, perhaps, no bad guys. Just guys caught up in circumstances that led to a tragic end.
The more significant problem with this case is the blatant attempt by media outlets, politicians, and pundits to create a narrative of this story, rather than simply explaining what happened. Some, on the right and the left, have a vested interest in creating division where none should exist. And some seem to be more concerned with the political aspects of the case, rather than the human aspects.
Passions run high, and people are quickly jumping to one side or the other. However, as I told my class today, let's be slow to take a side. Let this situation play out and see what eventually happens. Whether or not Zimmerman is arrested and/or prosecuted, we all have an interest in ensuring a full explanation of the decision is provided. Let's allow time to help reveal more of the truth of this situation, and quit trying (or allowing others) to create their own "truth" about it. Both Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman deserve that. Justice will only come if people on both sides will resist the urge to accuse, blame, and demonize the others.
Sadly, this looks like another case where "justice" will be elusive, and we will not have a satisfactory ending to the story. No good guys, no bad guys...just guys caught up in bad circumstances...Law enforcement can minimize this situation by going out of its way to ensure the public it is acting appropriately and taking this case seriously.
