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Norfleet: A crime in general
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A year and a half has passed since the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin. More than two weeks have passed since the acquittal of George Zimmerman. Why are we still talking about this? Why the rallies and marches? Why the press conferences and government meetings?

Perhaps, most people feel this case is a racial issue. It seems to me, some people can't get over slavery, and its abolishment, and all the civil rights movements. There is still racial hostility, but sometimes we have to ask ourselves if this case really is a matter of race.

My opinion is this world is stereotypical and prejudiced. We can't help it; that's just how humans are made. We look at something or someone, and we judge them. We make assumptions about people based on our preconceived notions and we make decisions as to how to treat them, thereby judging the book by its cover.

Regardless of your ethnic background you could be a victim of a crime. Examples such as the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, the Boston bombing, the Jodi Arias, Oscar Pistorius, and O. J. Simpson cases have already faded as we soon will forget about Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman.

I think people feel Trayvon Martin was profiled because of his skin color, clothing, and simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I feel we should stop focusing on whether or not this was a racial crime, and focus on this being a crime in general.

A man who has killed a child walks free; not even charged with manslaughter. A mother has lost her son, and the crime has gone unpunished. Has justice been served?


Michal Norfleet is a 13-year-old Rockdale resident and student.