Friday, March 13, 2015

Sheepdog-ing and George Zimmerman

Recently read an article on the phenomenon of being a sheepdog, which apparently describes citizens who pack and patrol their neighborhood and the violence that eventually ensues.

The article is excellent, although it has an unfortunate title, "George Zimmerman's life is ruined because he thought he was a sheepdog."  Given what happened, it seems more important to say that Trayvon Martin was murdered because GZ thought he was a sheepdog. In other words, he's fucking dead, while GZ gets to abuse women stupid enough to spend time with him.

What is terribly frustrating, despite how clear and thoughtful and careful this essay was written, are the comments.  Gun Nuts Media is a very strange site, but it is very descriptive because these people are nuts about guns and there is a hella-lot of information about guns.  That said, I think the site owner, Caleb, is actually a very thoughtful guy.  I expect he and I wouldn't agree about too many things concerning guns, but he is not afraid to speak thoughtfully about issues, although he is continually derided by some of his readers for those suggestions.  It's actually quite courageous and inspiring.

So back to the comments: what amazes and angers me to no insignificant degree are the responses of many defending GZ. It is stunning and very saddening, because most of them have no regard at all, or little whatsoever, for the child who was killed by him.

As Caleb said at one point, GZ's action was legal, and yes, I think it was, given that a jury has acquitted him.  But it was not a "good kill," to quote an incredibly offensive sign borne by a Darren Wilson supporter after he murdered Michael Brown.  There is no such thing as a "good kill." If GZ eventually grows a conscience and asks for forgiveness, Trayvon will still be dead.  Can we just think about this kid who was walking home by himself when some murderous asshole decided to harrass him for being black and wearing a hoodie?


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