Hello and welcome to an episode of Yo, Is This Racist where we will address systemic injustices within our society, specifically racism. We are your hosts, Ashley and Alina. Today we’re going to be talking about racism and how it affects everyday lives. We’ll discuss the ins and outs of individuals whose lives were lost.
Ashley: “When you think of racism and people whose lives were lost, who is the first person or what is the first thought that comes to mind?”
Alina: “Racism is such a serious and prevalent topic in our society today. I think the story that comes to my mind first is Trayvon Martin and how his story exemplifies just how serious racism and discrimination is. Have you heard about his case?”
Ashley: “Yes, unfortunately he was just an innocent 17-year-old boy who was going to the store to get tea and some skittles. When he was on the way back he was seen by a guy in the neighborhood who stated he looked suspicious. Which only makes sense as racism, so they had an altercation. This then led to Martin being shot and killed. At the beginning of this incident Zimmerman, the one who shot Martin didn’t get in any trouble. It was claimed to be self defense until people stood up for Martin and then he was eventually charged. He was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, this wasn’t until July of 2013.”
Alina: “You mean to tell me it took a whole year for Zimmerman to get charged?!”
Ashley: “Yes! Racism is everywhere and it’s extremely hard to realize that it’s even in the people we should trust the most. He was not charged at the time of the incident because in Florida there is a stand your ground law. So he stated he shot because Martin was coming after him. Which is absolutely absurd because they didn’t look into it enough. They stated he was innocent because there was no evidence to refute his claim of self-defense. It was up until everyone came forward for Martin for Zimmerman to be charged!! It’s sick to think about isn’t it?”
Alina: “Yes, it’s unbelievable to see that people jump to conclusions simply because of someone’s race and where they come from. What’s even worse is that Trayvon is one of so many others who experience this daily. Even though the repercussions might not be to the extent of Trayvon’s, people of color have to deal with racism and discrimination too often. I remember reading an article about police brutality and the statistics showed that Black Americans account for less than 13% of the population but are shot and killed by police at a rate that’s over twice as high for White Americans. My jaw dropped when I read that and to think that people as young as Trayvon are included in this statistic. Do you think age is a factor of racism? Like if Trayvon was a different age, would the situation have been handled differently?”
Ashley: “It’s extremely unbelievable. But personally I do not. I think racism is a learned behavior and will continue to go on through our society sadly. However, I think people need to be more open, go to new places, explore diverse cities, and see that we are all the same human beings. But that won’t change some people’s mind unfortunately. I am not sure what the right approach is but I believe the only factor in this incident was racism. What are your thoughts on it?”
Alina: “I agree with you in that no matter if Trayvon was a grown man or a young boy, it was the color of his skin that provoked Zimmerman. I think this is extremely unfair and you are right that traveling and exploring new places is a great way to see we are all equal plus we can learn to respect our differences. I’m sure Zimmerman was raised to see people of color a certain way and the people he was surrounded by had similar opinions which influenced his decision. I think a person’s environment has the biggest impact on their beliefs. Do you agree?”
Ashley: “I totally agree with you! The sad thing is, I am sure Zimmerman would’ve and did teach his family or the environment he lived in the same things. It’s very disturbing to think that just because someone is African American, people can be disgusted by them. This poor boy was only 17 years old and looked small and innocent. So what if he had his hood up? Any race would be walking with their hood up in the rain, it was raining when this took place. Would you believe him to be a criminal just by looking at him?! That’s discrimination!”
Alina: “He looks like a normal young boy to me who chose to wear a hood that day! There is no reason to assume he is any sort of criminal just based on what he is wearing, his appearance, or his race. Another major topic of concern that comes to mind is how people of color might respond to racism or how it impacts them. I think of the concept of the “other” in this situation and how people of color are seen as “less than” in our society which results in their discrimination. What do you think of this concept and how it applies to Trayvon’s case or racism in general?”
Ashley: “I also agree with you here too! I am 100% sure it impacts them in negative ways and not positive. No one could be positive about being born a certain color and then being bashed for it. It would be hard to have to live like this, could you imagine? Could you picture yourself feeling “less than?” Or feeling like the “other?” Having to face systemic injustice everyday? You would think it would get better as time goes on, but it doesn’t. Although it shouldn’t be a problem anymore, it still is.”
Alina: “I could not imagine having to go through what most people of color experience on a daily basis. One of my best friends is African American and she calls me all the time telling me certain situations she has had to deal with in which she feels not included or out of place. Like you said, you would think in today’s society racism wouldn’t be as big of an issue and my best friend wouldn’t be telling all of the times she has felt discriminated against. It’s crazy how our world is still trying to figure it out and not everyone has come to realize that we are all the same.”
Ashley: “Yes! That’s extremely sad and super unfair to her. This all reminds me of the book, March 1, by John Lewis. Have you read that? Another child who had to see the ins and out of racism from life right away. He was terrified constantly. He had said so many things in the book that was absolutely terrifying, things I couldn’t imagine feeling. Like not being able to stop at restaurants or stop to use the bathroom while they were in the South. How they had to be extra cautious in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky. The book states, “Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky. These were the states we had to be careful in as we made our way North.” It was up until he interacted with Dr. King and finally started to believe in himself that he stood up for his rights. He was so young facing these difficulties and it was 5 days before his 16th birthday when he preached his first public sermon. He was still a child but he knew what needed to be done. These are the movements we need still to this day.”
Alina: “I have read that book, and it definitely opened my eyes even more to the serious impact of racism. Is that John Lewis pictured? I couldn’t really tell his actual appearance in the book. Another example of a young boy having to take on discrimination and in even worse times. I completely agree with you that we need more people like him today to speak up and make a change. The Black Lives Matter movement is a big one that definitely has a large impact on the African American community, but it takes everyone actively contributing and educating themselves to make a difference.”
Ashley: “Yes! That is him! He is a very intelligent, strong, empowering, independent man! Just like any man, any race could be. That is a very good movement! We need more and more movements though so this can become a thing of the past. Systemic injustices of any kind should not still be going on. Dr. King was also a huge movement. He is another great example of a leader! Also, Rosa Parks. Do you know of anyone else?”
Alina: “No, but those are good examples. Dr. King became the most visible spokesman and leader for the American Civil Rights movement. His speeches, the goals he had, the truth he told. Also, Rosa Parks for standing up for her rights. She was an activist in the civil rights movement also. She is most known for the Montgomery bus boycott. She didn’t give up her seat for a white person like everyone else did, she wanted change!”
Ashley: “Yes! Such important people in history. Only if people were still standing like this today. We will get to the end of this hopefully one day. It was nice to hear your opinions too! Thanks for your time!
Alina: “Thanks for your time! It was great to talk about this, hopefully people are listening and on the same page so we can all make a difference. Thanks for coming to Yo, Is This Racist, until next time!”
Group Members:
Alina Serafin
Ashley Overs
Works Cited
Lewis, John, et al. March. Top Shelf Productions, 2016.
“Say Their Name.” Gonzaga University, https://www.gonzaga.edu/about/offices-services/diversity-inclusion-community-equity/say-their-name.
“Trayvon Martin.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 23 June 2020, https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/trayvon-martin.