Eyes on the Prize - Daniel Frederick

           I find that the most upsetting aspect of the Eyes on the Prize series was the court ruling in favor of Emmett Till's murderers, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, and how the two reacted and responded. As the results of the court case were made public, both Mr. Bryant and Mr. Milam appeared to be surprised by the decision, most likely due to the fact they expected to be convicted based on the severity of the crime they committed. The manner in which this criminal case was executed by the jury and judge, as well as the reaction and celebration of the two murderers was, and still is, unacceptable, which is the basis for the majority of my criticism. I believe this event was important primarily because it highlighted the many inequalities within the legal system of the United States, further prompting a series of important legal actions, and led to the organization of many protests, which resulted in the proposal and adoption of various pieces of legislation that furthered those affected by de jure and de facto discrimination and racism. The fact that this form of racial discrimination and bias was tolerated and commonplace in the South, and that court rulings with similar outcomes still occur within our current society, such as the case involving George Zimmerman, is disgusting. As individuals and as a society, we must become aware of the inequalities and injustices that are present around us, and act accordingly by any means, whether it involves protesting or writing a letter to a politician if we are to overcome centuries of wrongdoing.