The Trayvon Martin Shooting: Who Will Be Superhuman First?

     In the face of tragedy, humans have a basic need to make sense out of randomness. For some reason we all desire to understand why evil exists or why bad things happen to good people. It is no different in the case of the heartbreaking death that occurred in Sanford, Florida on February 26^th.  17 year-old Trayvon Martin, who is black, was shot and killed by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, who is being profiled in the media as being white. (Zimmerman’s mother is Hispanic). The explanation for this killing has been the bitter charge of racism. While the police are still gathering evidence and a grand jury is scheduled to convene on April 10^th, the court of national opinion appears to have already arrived at a verdict:  White man George Zimmerman is a racist who killed Trayvon Martin because he was black.

     While it may be true the Sanford police didn't do enough to investigate Martin's death, the charge that Zimmerman is a racist seems a little difficult to make. Zimmerman’s background and associations cut across racial lines, and even his own racial identity isn’t easy to determine.  Based on the evidence I have seen thus far, I don’t believe George Zimmerman is a racist; however, I will let a jury decide whether or not he is a murderer or a man slaughterer.  What concerns me most about this case is the black community’s rush to assume Zimmerman to be a racist and the mainstream media’s willingness to feed that assumption.  Such charges, if proven unfounded (like the Tawana Brawley and  Duke lacrosse team allegations) will certainly erode the credibility of the black community in the eyes of whites who respect fairness and the rule of law.  

     It is difficult to tell from the mainstream media if a majority of black Americans are truly interested in interracial respect and trust. Let’s assume for the sake of this article that they are. If the Seminole County grand jury determines there is not enough evidence for a criminal trial, what will be the black community’s response? Will they take to the streets to destroy private property and attack innocent whites, or will they seek reconciliation and healing like Reginald Denny? If interracial trust and reconciliation are the goal, I hope the black community selects the latter and rejects  the former.

    It is possible Trayvon’s death could have been avoided if Sanford, Florida had different self-defense laws or more restrictive gun ordinances; however, I am not sure life in Sanford would be better or even safer. Commissioned police officers shoot innocent people more often than we can easily accept. While George Zimmerman’s history suggests a bent towards zealous law and order and vigilante justice, his neighbors appeared appreciative of Zimmerman’s interest and willingness to patrol their neighborhood.  In counties that have adopted less restrictive gun laws, there seems to be a correlation between an increase in concealed gun permits and a decrease in confrontational crimes. Activist groups in favor of more restrictive gun laws are latching on to the Martin case as they see it as an “I told you so” opportunity. Even though citizens have a self evident natural right to defend themselves, it’s possible Florida may succumb to the intense pressure and re-think their self-protection laws.   

       In the absence of criminal charges and a conviction, the only way Sanford, Florida (and America) will heal from this tragedy is for someone to blink first and lead with grace.  While I don’t know if I would ever be strong enough to do so personally, it would be superhuman for George Zimmerman to take personal (not necessarily criminal) responsibility for his part in the wrongful death of young Trayvon. Equally inspiring would be if Trayvon’s parents forgave George Zimmerman for his role in the same. Grace, not vengeance will calm the exposed nerves of this nation. Without forgiveness offered and responsibility taken, I am afraid the flames of American racial tension will only burn hotter.