Young Black Men and Trayvon Martin's death

[Cheshire Cat]

Wasn't sure where to put this topic and I figured that "History" may be the best place for a discussion about the racial components in the death of Trayvon Martin which in our country have a pretty clear lineage.  Over the years of our history some of the ideas that propel racist attitude have morphed and we all need to understand why.  Clear and open discussion is the only way to get to what is beneath all of the raw emotions behind race based hatred.

This piece from Times Unions seems like a good way to start the conversation.  As you can see, the article is meant to focus on what can be done to keep today's young black me safe.  As a mother I can see this conversation as applicable to young men of all races in many ways.

http://ideas.time.com/2012/03/21/how-to-talk-to-young-black-boys-about-trayvon-martin/

 
Follow @TIMEIdeas

1. It's unlikely but possible that you could get killed today. Or any day. I'm sorry, but that's the truth. Black maleness is a potentially fatal condition. I tell you that not to scare you but because knowing that could save your life. There are people who will look at you and see a villain or a criminal or something fearsome. It's possible they may act on their prejudice and insecurity. Being black could turn an ordinary situation into a life-or-death moment even if you're doing nothing wrong.

2. If you encounter such a situation, you need to play it cool. Keep your wits about you. Don't worry about winning the situation. Your mission is to survive.

3. There is nothing wrong with you. You're amazing. I love you. When I look at you, I see a complex human being with awesome potential, but some others will look at you and see a thug — even if their only evidence is your skin. Their racism relates to larger anxieties and problems in America that you didn't create. When someone is racist toward you — either because they've profiled you or spit some slur or whatever — they are saying they have a problem. They are not speaking about you. They're speaking about themselves and their deficiencies.

(MORE: The Sights And Sounds of the Million Hoodie March)

4. You will have to make allowances for other people's racism. That's part of the burden of being black. We can be defiant and dead or smart and alive. I'm not saying you can't wear what you want, but your clothes are a red herring. They'll blame it on your hoodie or your jeans when the real reason they decided you were a criminal is that you're black. Of course, you know better. Racism is about reminding you that you are less human, less valuable, less worthy, less beautiful, less intelligent. It's about prejudging you as violent, fearsome, a threat. Some people will take that prejudice and try to force their will on you to make sure you feel like a second-class citizen and to make certain you get back to the lower-class place they think you're trying to escape. The best way to counter them involves not your fists but your mind. You know your value to the world and how terrific you are. If you never forget that, they can't damage your spirit. The best revenge is surviving and living well.

5. Be aware of your surroundings. Especially when it's dark. Or bright. Some people are on the lookout for muggers or rapists. You need to be on the lookout for profilers who are judging you. Don't give them an opportunity to make a mistake.

6. If you feel you are being profiled and followed or, worse, chased by someone with a vigilante streak — if you are hunted in the way it seems Trayvon was, by someone bigger than you who may be armed and hopped up on stereotypes about you — then you need to act. By calling the police. That is the exact time to snitch. I know there are times the cops will be your enemies, but sometimes calling 911 and letting the threatening person know that you're doing so could save your life.

(MORE: The Shooting of Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage)

Reuters

7. What if it's the cops who are making you feel threatened? Well, then you need to retreat. I don't mean run away. I mean don't resist. Now is not the time to fight the power. Make sure they can see your hands, follow all instructions, don't say anything, keep your cool. Your goal is to defuse things, no matter how insulted you are. We'll get revenge later. In the moment, play possum. Say sir. They may be behaving unjustly, but their lives aren't in danger. Yours is. If you survive, you will be able to tell your lawyer what happened. If you don't ...

8. Never forget: As far as we can tell, Trayvon did nothing wrong and still lost his life. You could be a Trayvon. Any of us could.

[comncense]

I'm a professional Black male, however I don't walk around with a name tag saying "Hello, I'm a professional Black male" on me at all times. I'll also note, I don't walk around carrying myself or dressed how society would have everyone believe Black males dress, act or talk. That doesn't prevent me from being viewed as a Black male by those who only care about what skin color someone is. So yes, I can agree that Black maleness is a potentially fatal condition.

[thelakelander]

Wasn't sure where to put this topic and I figured that "History" may be the best place for a discussion about the racial components in the death of Trayvon Martin which in our country have a pretty clear lineage.  Over the years of our history some of the ideas that propel racist attitude have morphed and we all need to understand why.  Clear and open discussion is the only way to get to what is beneath all of the raw emotions behind race based hatred.

This piece from Times Unions seems like a good way to start the conversation.  As you can see, the article is meant to focus on what can be done to keep today's young black me safe.  As a mother I can see this conversation as applicable to young men of all races in many ways.

http://ideas.time.com/2012/03/21/how-to-talk-to-young-black-boys-about-trayvon-martin/

 
Follow @TIMEIdeas

1. It's unlikely but possible that you could get killed today. Or any day. I'm sorry, but that's the truth. Black maleness is a potentially fatal condition. I tell you that not to scare you but because knowing that could save your life. There are people who will look at you and see a villain or a criminal or something fearsome. It's possible they may act on their prejudice and insecurity. Being black could turn an ordinary situation into a life-or-death moment even if you're doing nothing wrong.

2. If you encounter such a situation, you need to play it cool. Keep your wits about you. Don't worry about winning the situation. Your mission is to survive.

3. There is nothing wrong with you. You're amazing. I love you. When I look at you, I see a complex human being with awesome potential, but some others will look at you and see a thug — even if their only evidence is your skin. Their racism relates to larger anxieties and problems in America that you didn't create. When someone is racist toward you — either because they've profiled you or spit some slur or whatever — they are saying they have a problem. They are not speaking about you. They're speaking about themselves and their deficiencies.

(MORE: The Sights And Sounds of the Million Hoodie March)

4. You will have to make allowances for other people's racism. That's part of the burden of being black. We can be defiant and dead or smart and alive. I'm not saying you can't wear what you want, but your clothes are a red herring. They'll blame it on your hoodie or your jeans when the real reason they decided you were a criminal is that you're black. Of course, you know better. Racism is about reminding you that you are less human, less valuable, less worthy, less beautiful, less intelligent. It's about prejudging you as violent, fearsome, a threat. Some people will take that prejudice and try to force their will on you to make sure you feel like a second-class citizen and to make certain you get back to the lower-class place they think you're trying to escape. The best way to counter them involves not your fists but your mind. You know your value to the world and how terrific you are. If you never forget that, they can't damage your spirit. The best revenge is surviving and living well.

5. Be aware of your surroundings. Especially when it's dark. Or bright. Some people are on the lookout for muggers or rapists. You need to be on the lookout for profilers who are judging you. Don't give them an opportunity to make a mistake.

6. If you feel you are being profiled and followed or, worse, chased by someone with a vigilante streak — if you are hunted in the way it seems Trayvon was, by someone bigger than you who may be armed and hopped up on stereotypes about you — then you need to act. By calling the police. That is the exact time to snitch. I know there are times the cops will be your enemies, but sometimes calling 911 and letting the threatening person know that you're doing so could save your life.

(MORE: The Shooting of Trayvon Martin Sparks National Outrage)

Reuters

7. What if it's the cops who are making you feel threatened? Well, then you need to retreat. I don't mean run away. I mean don't resist. Now is not the time to fight the power. Make sure they can see your hands, follow all instructions, don't say anything, keep your cool. Your goal is to defuse things, no matter how insulted you are. We'll get revenge later. In the moment, play possum. Say sir. They may be behaving unjustly, but their lives aren't in danger. Yours is. If you survive, you will be able to tell your lawyer what happened. If you don't ...

8. Never forget: As far as we can tell, Trayvon did nothing wrong and still lost his life. You could be a Trayvon. Any of us could.

"Black maleness is a potentially fatal condition." Is this also true for the Professional Black Male?

If he bucks the system and doesn't stay "in his place" (aka. MLK). This world is full of wackos.

[thelakelander]

I'm a professional Black male, however I don't walk around with a name tag saying "Hello, I'm a professional Black male" on me at all times. I'll also note, I don't walk around carrying myself or dressed how society would have everyone believe Black males dress, act or talk. That doesn't prevent me from being viewed as a Black male by those who only care about what skin color someone is. So yes, I can agree that Black maleness is a potentially fatal condition.

+1. Same here.

[thelakelander]

No program needed. It's not that complicated. Just treat everyone with respect, accept there are other cultures out there, not all of us have the same view, and you'll be fine.

[comncense]

"What it means to be Black" makes about as much sense as "What it means to be White". I don't think all White people, think or act the same. I know I definitely don't think, act or view things the same way as all Black people do. It's stupid to try to define someone by something like color. I think it's just an example of people being too lazy to get to know others and see past race. Unfortunately a lot of people rely on media to define a culture of people.

[Cheshire Cat]

"What it means to be Black" makes about as much sense as "What it means to be White". I don't think all White people, think or act the same. I know I definitely don't think, act or view things the same way as all Black people do. It's stupid to try to define someone by something like color. I think it's just an example of people being too lazy to get to know others and see past race. Unfortunately a lot of people rely on media to define a culture of people.

Exactly!  Well said by both yourself and Ennis. 

[If_I_Loved_you]

No program needed. It's not that complicated. Just treat everyone with respect, accept there are other cultures out there, not all of us have the same view, and you'll be fine.

I have no problem with that.

[Cheshire Cat]

"What it means to be Black" makes about as much sense as "What it means to be White". I don't think all White people, think or act the same. I know I definitely don't think, act or view things the same way as all Black people do. It's stupid to try to define someone by something like color. I think it's just an example of people being too lazy to get to know others and see past race. Unfortunately a lot of people rely on media to define a culture of people.

Well see here is the problem I was not trying to help? But guess what I have no problem being white and I have been screwed over by more white people in my life then black people. So enjoy your glass house way of thinking and Good Luck!

Respectfully IILU, this statement makes no sense.  What comncense was saying is straightforward really.  Everyone regardless of color are individuals, so there is no way to have person accurately explain to you what it means to be black in the eyes of all Black people.  No more that I can explain to others what is in the hearts and minds of whites.  Simple enough I think.

[Cheshire Cat]

"What it means to be Black" makes about as much sense as "What it means to be White". I don't think all White people, think or act the same. I know I definitely don't think, act or view things the same way as all Black people do. It's stupid to try to define someone by something like color. I think it's just an example of people being too lazy to get to know others and see past race. Unfortunately a lot of people rely on media to define a culture of people.

Well see here is the problem I was not trying to help? But guess what I have no problem being white and I have been screwed over by more white people in my life then black people. So enjoy your glass house way of thinking and Good Luck!

Respectfully IILU, this statement makes no sense.  What comncense was saying is straightforward really.  Everyone regardless of color are individuals, so there is no way to have person accurately explain to you what it means to be black in the eyes of all Black people.  No more that I can explain to others what is in the hearts and minds of whites.  Simple enough I think.

OK how about this? http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/09/black-in-america-its-not-just-about-the-color-of-your-skin/

And?  lol   

[If_I_Loved_you]

"What it means to be Black" makes about as much sense as "What it means to be White". I don't think all White people, think or act the same. I know I definitely don't think, act or view things the same way as all Black people do. It's stupid to try to define someone by something like color. I think it's just an example of people being too lazy to get to know others and see past race. Unfortunately a lot of people rely on media to define a culture of people.

Well see here is the problem I was not trying to help? But guess what I have no problem being white and I have been screwed over by more white people in my life then black people. So enjoy your glass house way of thinking and Good Luck!

Respectfully IILU, this statement makes no sense.  What comncense was saying is straightforward really.  Everyone regardless of color are individuals, so there is no way to have person accurately explain to you what it means to be black in the eyes of all Black people.  No more that I can explain to others what is in the hearts and minds of whites.  Simple enough I think.

OK how about this? http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/09/black-in-america-its-not-just-about-the-color-of-your-skin/

And?  lol

lol

[HisBuffPVB]

I am well past the point in life that I could be mistaken for a young man and certainly would never have been taken to be a young black man. My life experiences have been such that I think I understand the mindset of both Martin and Zimmerman, both did not show the wisdom or maturity to get past this incident. Florida's concealed weapons law exacerbated the situation. Police encourage neighborhood watch programs especially where there have been as many breakins as there were in that neighborhood, which , apparently was a diverse neighborhood, so seeing an African American young man in the neighborhood should not have been a surprise. Zimmerman's past background did not indicate he was a racist. Martin, of course, had a right to be walking there early in the evening. Which leads, there needs to be a discussion about this kind of clash and how to address it.

[thelakelander]

^Great points!

[mbwright]

Problem solving and conflict resolution needs to be taught, and understood.  Escaalting with weapons, often leads to further problems.

[thelakelander]

^It's tough when you have laws that allow just about every Tom, Dick, or Harry to legally pack these days.  Instead of simple misunderstandings ending up in good old fashioned fist fights, someone ends up getting shot.