Zero Tolerance For A Condescending Society

As my husband and I watched video footage of Rachel Jeantel testifying at the George Zimmerman's trial, I felt complete sympathy for her because of how she was mistreated by the defense. In fact, on her first day of testifying, the further along she got into the testimony was the more her testimony became a sinking ship of despair. It was painful to watch to say the least. There was nothing subtle about the derision and condescension that assaulted her on the witness stand. The defense did not spare her feelings as the lawyer attempted to portrayed Rachel Jeantel as a non-viable witness for reasons ranging from communication skills to her demeanor. As such, despite the wealth of knowledge that this witness had to offer as key evidence to the jurors, the fact that she was from the "hood" and lacked  a certain level of education and social graces, it was almost as if the fact that she was the last person to speak to Trayvon Martin did not matter. This is rather shameful.

Then, the aftermath of her testimony unleashed a host of rude and crass comments and her character was further place on the chopping block as the public honed in and attacked her language skills and her intelligence. It clearly does not matter to many that she prevailed under the stressful court circumstances and did the best she could in order to assist in proving that Trayvon Martin was a victim. It could not have been an easy thing to do, especially with the defense's lawyer being as condescending as he was being.

The horrible things that are being said about Rachel Jeantel are not funny and we should not punish her by ridiculing her so relentlessly. Rachel Jeantel, in my view is a product of her environment. Within her environment, there is more than likely a culture to speak a particular way and to use certain terms. There is even a culture to behave a particular way as well. I am a firm believer that one should take responsibility for their actions and this also applies to how a person represents themselves. However, when a person is raised a particular way, with limited exposure and guidance from other sources to influence their behavior, then one will find that that person will behave accordingly. My question is, since when did it become okay to turn one's nose up at a person that is less educated or less privileged?

The fact that this young lady lacks the social graces and education that would equip her with the skills to represent herself better in the court of law and also in the world is related to so many sociological and socioeconomical issues that prevail within poor communities and poor families that for people to even laugh at Rachel Jeantel is almost a sin. Society should be viewing Rachel Jeantel's circumstances as an eye opener as it relates to the issues and struggles our youths are facing and should be entering into a problem solving mode to evaluate and assist our youths. Instead of ridiculing them and tearing their character to shreds when they make an attempt to actually step up and and do the right thing as in the case of Rachel Jeantel who apprehensively accepted her responsibility and role as a witness and delivered as best as she could despite her shortcomings. The attacks she is experiencing is appalling and disgusting.

I am beseeching to society to stop being ridiculous and let us become more understanding and proactive as it pertains to our youths adversities. Let us not consciously choo

se to be a catalyst with these adversities but instead a good Samaritan in order to become a part of a change or movement that will benefit our children and young adults. Thank you Rachel Jeantel for your testimony and for being the looking mirror that society needs in order for us to see the extent to which we are failing our young people. Thank you.