Every American remembers Trayvon Martin, a young African American fatally shot by George Zimmerman on Feb. 26. A few days later the outcry of injustice from protesters was heard around the world. Authorities determined that Zimmerman, a Hispanic, was on Neighborhood Watch when he shot Martin. Revenge was brewing around the nation against anyone who was Hispanic. Those emotions surfaced in Washington D.C. later that week when an innocent, homeless Hispanic man was brutally attacked after he and his friend came here to pursue the so called American Dream.
Despite their language differences they were able to form a strong friendship. Though neither arrived here imagining America’s asphalt would become their home, their good life and bright future slowly turned into despair, poverty and suffering. Leisurely drinking became a habit and returning to their home countries became their only survival motivation. Their steady work vanished. Frequently overwhelmed by heat, cold or just an empty stomach, their pain and shame were only visible by the tears each tried to hide. Among their so-called friends, alcohol was plentiful but food was scarce.
A few weeks after Trayvon’s tragedy, the two amigos were talking under a tree. When one went for a drink, the other fell asleep. A few minutes later about 10 black teen-aged girls stood over the sleeping amigo. One dropped a very heavy brick on his leg and broke it. When the other amigo returned, his friend was gone. Later some friends explained what had happened. The injured amigo stayed in the hospital for weeks before he could walk well enough to be released.
The homeless amigo’s friend nursed him, cared for him and did everything he could to speed the healing process. When the injured amigo cried when he told me his story. But he never used a racial slur or said a negative comment about what those girls did to him.
When I reflected later on what had happened, I was furious. I wanted those responsible to be caught right away. Fortunately, they were. This incident shows that hatred, ignorance, stereotypes and prejudice always produce injustice rather than justice. Nevertheless, I believe tragedies are our greatest teachers and we can all be changed for the better if we enable calamities to educate us about how to care for each other without bias and prejudice.
If my amigos can heal from such a tragedy why can’t we? Well, we can. So, move on and make the world a better place. And start today!
