Prejudice is an attitude, belief, or opinion that is unassailable by rational argument. The sociological literature is replete with evidence of African-Americans discriminated against in medical care, the criminal justice system and other areas. Americans with prejudicial attitudes towards African-Americans are not persuaded by such inequities. It is worth recalling that less than sixty years ago, African-Americans found themselves segregated in schools and housing; they were subjected to codified behavior that constituted a caste system. The popular view was that they were uneducated and possessed many negative qualities. Southern society then proceeded to ensure
This self-fulfilling prophecy was realized. Approximately twenty years ago, the Harvard School of Criminal Justice concluded that race was a factor at every stage of the criminal justice system. Is that finding any less true today?
Let each one of us take a moment to imagine the pain felt by felt by Travon Martin's parents in hearing Juror B 37 accept as credible George Zimmerman's assertion that
Travon was a suspicious person, "a punk" How did they feel hearing her contend
that rather than criminally profiling their son, Mr. Zimmerman's "heart was in the right place." as he confronted him with a loaded gun.
Racist attitudes constitute a poison within American Society. Will we come together as a people to find an antidote for this poison that decreases the social distance between Americans? Will we be able to share common dreams and aspirations for a better life? To continue the current discrimination that disproportionately places African-Americans on death row and in prison, where they serve longer prison sentences than other racial populations, is to ensure that the poison will spread. Meanwhile, let each of us try to feel
the pain of Travon's loved ones at his not only being murdered, but convicted of "walking while Black."
Bill Honer
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
