Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Trayvon Martin - AACC's Reaction


Have you heard of the Trayvon Martin incident?

According to a brief survey, many Anne Arundel Community College professors had heard of the incident, but most of the college's students weren't as knowledgeable.

The Treyvon Martin incident has drawn national attention in recent weeks.  According to police, on February 26, in Sanford, Florida, Trayvon Martin - a 17-year-old black male - was walking from a convenience store to the home of his father's girlfriend, located in a gated community nearby.  George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old man of multiple ethnicity and community watch captain, followed Martin and called the Sanford Police Department to say he witnessed suspicious behavior.  A physical altercation occurred, at which time Zimmerman fatally shot the 17-year-old.

Sanford police did not arrest Zimmerman, stating that they did not find evidence to refute Zimmerman's claim of self-defense.  This decision has resulted in accusations of racism, drawing criticism from political figures like President Barack Obama and activists like Rev. Al Sharpton.  The incident has also lead to organized protests like the "Million Hoodie March", which took place in Manhattan on March 21.

Matt Wagoner, an AACC student, was unfamiliar with the incident or its controversy.  He was given a brief synopsis of the incident, and was then willing to give his opinion.

"Sounds like someone needs to go to jail and stay there," said Matt Wagoner.  "He killed a random kid just because he thought he looked suspicious - that's total racism right there."

Michele Brown, a professor at AACC, appeared to be very upbeat when first approached for an interview, but when she was asked about her opinion on the Trayvon Martin incident, the professor appeared to become increasingly somber.

"Well goodness gracious," she said initially, taking a step back and pausing for a moment.

Brown suggested that in order to formulate an accurate opinion, knowing the weather and time would come into play.  Perhaps, she said, the alleged shooter was confused...perhaps it was raining.  Brown said she wasn't sure what was fact or fictitious at the present time, stating that she hadn't looked into the incident enough online to make a judgement call.

"What it boils down to is the transactions before a life was taken," said Brown. "The bottom line is a young man is dead."

Brown emphasized that authorities need to figure out why Martin is no longer living.  Brown spoke of her distress regarding the loss of a  young man's life.

"It's a shame," Brown said.

AACC student Christa Frake, like Wagoner, wasn't familiar with the incident or its controversy.  Once given a brief synopsis by the reporter of the alleged incidents leading up to Trayvon Martin's death, Frake was willing to offer her opinion.

"I think he's guilty," she said regarding the alleged shooter.  "He has no reason for shooting [Martin]".

Like Brown, Kirsten Meister, an AACC professor, was also familiar with the incident.

"Oh God," Meister said.  "I don't even know where to start.  It's so disturbing.  I can't get my head around it."

Meister had no further comments regarding the Trayvon Martin incident.

Below, readers may find a link to details regarding the case:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/03/trayvon-martin-case-timeline-of-events/