One element of the Eyes on the Prize video that moved me was the part when Emmett Till's murderers, Milam and Roy Bryant, were acquitted in 1955. Milam and Roy were actually stunned when they were found not guilty because they knew what terrible thing they had done, saw the hard evidence against them that was presented in court, and were still found innocent. When the cameras are on them after the trial, they look shocked because maybe they realized how screwed up the court is. It reminded me of the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2012 and how George Zimmerman was also acquitted. Both cases show how unjust the court systems are and it also shows how even 57 years cannot change the bias and injustice in the American legal system. Even a 14 and 17 year old boy cannot receive justice and equal rights from this country, just because of the color of their skin. It's important to look at both time periods because we see some improvements, which alerts people that change can be made. But comparing the two cases also makes us realize that there are issues engrained in the structure of our nation and no matter how much change people fight for, it will take years to reform the ideals of this country. Although that sounds very sad and daunting, I believe movements, strong and large enough, can make change whether it be in my lifetime or my future grandkids' lifetime.
No comments:
Post a Comment