Before You Profile Me

All of America is weighing in on the George Zimmerman verdict. Not guilty says the jury. But,  every day society finds me guilty of being a young black man. A 16 year-old to be exact, a few months younger than Trayvon was when he was shot and killed by George Zimmerman.

Since we live in a society that likes to assign guilt or innocence, may I suggest there is very little innocence in the country and its understanding of who I am. Much of this is attributable to the media. In fact, society is first in line to tell me who I am.

Much of their perception is because of the media. When you see young blacks on TV, we are  sagging, yelling, cussing, smoking, disrespecting women, and fighting. Obviously, this only a snapshot, but it’s how we are viewed. And to make matters worse, if I don’t do those things, some of the people within my own culture will isolate me. Naming me the “Oreo” in the classroom.

Think about it: isn’t that part of the reason we often emulate those negative stereotypes? It’s insurance against ostracism from the people who look like you. And in time, we begin to see ourselves in the pictures someone else painted of us.

This is why George Zimmerman was suspicious when he saw Trayvon was walking in The Retreat at Twin Lakes that fateful night. We are all expected, not only by others, but even by ourselves to be violent thugs because it has become a familiar story.

So, what does all of this mean? As young black people, we have to stop looking to others to tell us who we are. If we are to be viewed as more than violent thugs, we have to keep showing America who we are…peaceful demonstrators, smart students, future leaders…or things will never change.