Why the disparity?

I, like many have been experiencing an array of emotions and feelings about the entire situation revolving around Trayvon Martin.  At first I was outraged that Zimmerman could get away with such a malevolent act.  It seemed as though everyone that knew of the story shared this sentiment, however as time has passed we've seen more facts come to light, we've seen the media farce exposed, we've seen the accusatory finger pointing and unjust comparisons arising as some justification for racially motivated insecurities, and to be completely honest it all sickens me.  There is such disparity in so many aspects of this entire situation that it's almost difficult to comprehend.

First off, murder is not only a crime; it is absolutely, undeniably wrong regardless as to anyone's race.  Someone will ask, "what about if it's self-defense?" and to be honest, that is a totally different discussion than that of what has been transpiring in this case and related cases that everyone seems to be buzzing about.  The issues at the heart of the matter that sicken me are:

(1) Disparity in treatment by the authorities:
    So many people are focused solely on race.  What makes this case so ghastly is the disparity in how the authorities handled the situation. The murder itself is awful and absolutely abhorrent behavior... as are ALL murders, but in most situations justice is served.  In this case, the lack of the pursuit of justice is why we are hearing about the murder.  Perhaps we have been desensitized to violence, but I'd presume that if Zimmerman had been arrested and charged, this would be one of those awful news stories that we see once, after which it would fade away into obscurity.  However, Zimmerman actions taken against Zimmerman were out of the ordinary, to say the least.  The preferential treatment he received is the biggest crime of all.  We should be up in arms over this.  Somehow though, the focus of everyone's attention, rather than being on the disparity in actions by the authorities, has fallen on the fact that this was violence between races.  Specifically, as the media put it, the story is of "a White-Hispanic" murdering an unarmed African American teen.
Unfortunately murders and other acts of violence occur every day, some of which are motivated by our own prejudices.  I purposely chose the word prejudices because race is not the only motivating prejudice; class and gender prejudices are also huge motivating factors in how violence is directed.  Yes; these unjust prejudices do exist, but is that the reason we are hearing about this case?  No; we're heading about this case due to the disparity in how the authorities handled the situation.


(2) Disparity and bias in media coverage:
    Why is it that acts of violence occur every day, yet they are only blurbs at best in the nightly news, however this story is plastered all over the news and media outlets?  Whomever coined the phrase "Sex Sells" would probably do well to add " and so does Racism".  Some may disagree, but I feel sure that our news outlets understand very well that the issue making this murder so abominable is the handling by the authorities, yet they keep throwing the racial motivations in our face, trying to throw controversy our way because.... well,... it sells.  Perhaps an apology was made for the editing error, but we all know that the content of the "edited tape" brought in a lot more viewers than the unedited version.  Accident?  I would think that is a great big NO.  In addition to this news marketing technique, you can look at the pictures that were chosen for both Zimmerman and Martin.  I feel certain they had choices here (we've all seen the alternative pictures), yet they chose the ones that portrayed Zimmerman as negative as possible fueling the already burning media fire.

There are so many other important stories that we'll never hear about because it doesn't hit that hot button.  It's a true shame and that's one reason I watch very little news.  Even though written outlets have the same problem, you can pick and choose what you read as opposed to news on tv where they "entertain us" for 30-60 minutes with the news that sells.


(3) The publicity hounds:
    I fully understand that when acts of injustice occur, someone needs to act and I am extremely happy that we have activists that really care about correcting the injustices.  What burns me up are those, which I won't name here, that show their support for their own benefit; those that just want to be heard regardless as to what the issue is; those that are activists less for rectification of a wrong, rather their own political and professional self-preservation. 


(4) The justification of hatred and prejudices
This one really hits home.  Stories are popping up everywhere of irate viewers that are trying to make comparisons to other cases, specifically black on white crime, and these people want to know why those cases aren't getting the same sort of media attention.  This is running rampant in social media with story after story being posted with captions like, "why didn't we hear about this racially motivated killing!" or "why didn't this death prompt a call from the president", etc...  One blog that has been circulating all over Facebook is about Eve Carson and her murder in 2008.  The writer makes some good points and had the best of intentions, but I still think there is too much focus on race.

The question in all of these type posts and articles is, should other racially motivated murders and violent acts get the same coverage?  I think that is the wrong question  This goes back to the root of the story.  IF, and this is a BIG IF; IF we're watching the Trayvon Martin case because it's about race, then we should absolutely see the other stories with approximately equal coverage, however RACE IS NOT the story; the story is how this crime was handled by the authorities.  So if that coverage disparity is not the right question, what is? 

The correct question to ask is, why does the media feel the need to make race the story in the first place?  Then again, what do I know?  I'm not trying to market my news outlet; racism obviously sells so I guess we're stuck with that being the story.  It's all very, very sad.

Do it Right

Going with the flow; that's a good way to describe my general demeanor.  I can be pretty laid back, doing only what is fun or relaxing and can enjoy most any situation, whether it be a night out with friends or even just sitting on the couch watching tv with my boys.  Basically, when there is no cause for action I just take life as it comes.  The key here is the phrase "when there is no cause for action".  I say this because I truly believe that even people like myself that can be laid back and go with the flow, I can only be the best me possible when I break that routine and take intentional action.

Be intentional.  If I choose to do something, I will do it right.  Otherwise, why do it at all?  This can be applied in many aspects of life, both big and small.  Every chance for action is met with a real choice whether the action is worth your time an effort.  When opportunity arises, you can fail to act, act without commitment, or commit yourself to full action.
For instance, consider all of these diverse scenarios:

1. The yard is a mess.  My choices are:
• I could let it stay messy and let the lawn grow out of control.
• I could do the bare minimum and cut the grass occasionally.
• I could commit myself to really making my yard look great.
2. A child brings home bad grades.  My choices are:
•  Do nothing.  Let it takes its course.
• Tell him I expect better.
• Tell him I expect better and spend the time to help him learn why he made those grades and what he can do to not only produce better results next time, but also the satisfaction he'll have knowing he is improving.
3. A relationship with a significant other.  Choices:
• Do nothing.  See what happens.
• Treat them nice.
• Commit to not only doing things together and pursuing my own happiness, but really taking the time every single day to make sure I am bringing happiness to her life.

Wow; 3 totally different scenarios, but in each one it's really worth doing it right.  Life works out regardless of what path you choose, but if you choose wisely it sure will work out a lot better!  I've recently recommitted myself to being intentional in everything I decide to do.  Every situation does not call for action, but when I see the need for action I will not only act, but I'll put in the time and effort to do it right.

If you are going to do it, do it right.