When I think about Trayvon Martin’s tragic and horrific death, I can’t help but view it through the lens of a father, pastor, and drum major for social justice. Before we begin, please allow me to offer my condolences to the family as they deal with the aftermath of this tragedy. Today, we’ll take a look at Trayvon’s tragic death through the lens of a father of two teenage sons.
When I think about Trayvon’s death, I think about my two sons, Myles (17) and Joshua (15). You’d have to be a parent (especially sons) to understand that just because you’re free to wear anything, that freedom comes with consequences and responsibilities. Furthermore, living in a racially diverse neighborhood comes with a set of unwritten rules and a certain way of doing things. The rules were there before we moved in and they’ll remain when we’re long gone.
Before my sons leave the house, I give them my standard stump speech:
- If you can, please don’t wear hoodies. If you do, take the hood off.
- No saggin
- Always respect official law enforcement
- If anything goes wrong, CALL YOUR PARENTS IMMEDIATELY
Why?
Unfortunately, baggy/saggin jeans, hoodies, doo-rags, & New Era Caps, made popular by the hip-hop culture, are WRONGLY associated with criminal intent. It’s sad and shallow to think that people make snap judgments and reinforce their biases based solely on first impressions.
Again, although my sons are free to wear whatever they want, I teach them to limit their freedom since we live in a racially polarizing world. I know some will push back and label me an assimilationist. I’m fine with that. I’d rather be an assimilationist with my sons alive than burying them for expressing themselves. They’re mine and I’ll do whatever I need to do to protect them.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?
