Being black in America

Trayvon Martin shooting (Photo credit: ChrisWaldeck)

Most or many people of color are saying that the George Zimmerman acquittal defines the state of racial treatment in the US by police and the judicial system. Not being black myself, I have never experienced what they claim to experience, but I believe that so many with the same complaints must be taken seriously. Even if our system of justice were perfect and the complaints raised were false, we would still need to address the complaints. And I believe them and I believe that those who complain have merit on their side. What shall we do?

I think that the most effective way to change minds is to change perspectives, to walk a mile in the other person’s shoes. Since I am not black and cannot become black, we must find another approach. Perhaps a role-playing game, played in the schools or available electronically for home use might begin to change existing stereotypes. It’s a huge problem to which I don’t have all of the answers. It is mandatory that it be discussed.