Trayvon Martin’s murder trial began this week and, again, I am devastated about the murder of an unarmed child. And what’s also devastating, unbelievable, and inhumane, is the defense’s opening statement, which I can’t stop replaying in my head.
I can’t believe that someone, anyone, would think that this is a situation you could make light of. It is as though we’ve already forgotten what this trial is about. Like we’ve forgotten this was someone’s child. Like we have forgotten that the parents of a murdered 17-year-old are sitting in the courtroom with the man that murdered their son — a situation I’m sure they do not feel is funny.
Would this “joke” be allowed if this were the trial of white child, shot by a black man with a gun? I find it hard to imagine. A lot of people have cited the controversial nature of the trial as an excuse for these comments. This case may have warranted a lot of attention but it is people’s ignorant comments, which make it controversial. In fact, unlike most trials, there is no question about who is guilty. The only controversy is about whether or not he should be prosecuted.
We need to remember that these are real people we are talking about. Can you imagine if your child was shot and killed at 17? Can you imagine if he was unarmed at the time, walking home from the corner store? Can you imagine sitting in the courtroom, listening to a lawyer tell a knock-knock joke while you relived his murder?
As a mother, I find even the thought of that kind of behavior almost unbearable. It is time that we give the same honor and respect to the lives of all children, regardless of color. That would be the real way to achieve Justice for Trayvon.
-Chirlane McCray Twitter: @Chirlane
