The Murder of Trayvon Martin

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

No, it doesn't. It means that there are multiple aspects to this issue and the discussion is allowed to have multiple layers. Speaking of attire, stereotypes, and perceptions is not a distraction from the issue (at least in this thread) but rather a seperate conversation alongside the main issue (as most threadjacks are) and, as has been stated way more times than necessary, discussing the hows and whys of stereotyping in no way means that anyone here is blaming the victim.

As I have said before, overstating this obvious point has gotten away from the main point. The separate conversation has become the main conversation. In overstating the correlates to the issue, people have become perplexed as to whom they want to blame (even if Zimmerman is not brought up on charges).

Just as if this was a GC discussion of an alleged rape victim and perpetrator. A brief mention of what the victim was wearing would suffice--and even that would get an eyebrow raise from those who believe rape victims are never victim precipitators. If there were two GC pages on what the alleged rape victim was wearing or doing, it would be interpreted as forcing the alleged victim to share the blame with the perpetrator. If only that rape victim had not worn that sexy outfit and had that "come hither...my sex is awesome" look on her or his face. For generations courts have torn (alleged) rape victims apart by talking about their past (i.e., discussing what Trayvon Martin has been doing at school) and what the alleged rape victims were doing or wearing at the time that encouraged the alleged attack (i.e., discussing what Trayvon Martin was wearing when walking around a neighborhood in the rain). If that is not acceptable as far as people are concerned, neither is where this discussion of Trayvon Martin has gone.

I surely hope that the outfit I wear to the gym and to the grocery store afterwards does not confuse people and invite something. I typically look younger than my age and not as educated and occupationally attained as I am---I may look like a thug or even a sex kitten with an afro or a twist-set. To avoid that, I will print out a handout of my resume` and introduce myself as "Dr." to everyone in my nearest vicinity--just in case!!! This will be fun!!!