Southern Girl in the City

And People Wonder Why…

Most of my Facebook friends have already commented on this, but I’ll go ahead and piggy back off of them (If you are one of my linesisters, you know how much we detest that phrase.)  Rachel Jeantel is a 19 year old girl.  Yet, people have been tearing her down.  Some have taken it upon themselves to think “Today’s youth are a mess” and “Why does she sound like that?” and “Why doesnt’ she speak up” and “What’s with the attitude?”.  She may not be the brightest student or the most articulate person or whatever else mean thing you may think about her.  But at the end of the day, she’s a human being.  She’s a young girl that has to deal with the loss of a really good friend.  And she has to deal with a defense attorney that was annoying (to her).  She may not understand the gravity of the situation she’s in.  She may not understand how important her testimony is.  Is that her fault?  Maybe, maybe not.  But if the WORLD is treating her with such disdain and talking about her, no wonder she didn’t want to come forward or want anyone to know her identity.  You people are vicious.  And without a heart.  It’s no wonder our young women have self-esteem issues.  Because instead of offering to help her or find someone to help her, you ridicule and joke and make fun of her.

Focus on the facts.  She stated that when she was on the phone with Trayvon, he stated someone was following him and that he was going to try to lose him.  THAT’S what’s important about what she said on that stand.

I don’t think I need to say much else.  But I felt compelled to write this after seeing a photo posted of Ms. Jeantel comparing her to a not-so-nice and not-so-attractive movie character.  You may get a chuckle and your friends may find it hilarious that you’re making jokes about this person.  But at the end of the day, is it worth this young girl’s (or a young girl that looks like her or sounds like her) self-esteem and self-worth???  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

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4 responses to “And People Wonder Why…”

  1. Nae Avatar
    Nae

    *round of applause* I found the negative commentary quite exhausting.

    Reply
    1. EvolvingElle Avatar
      EvolvingElle

      You and me both.

      Reply
  2. authorsherysenoelledubose Avatar
    authorsherysenoelledubose

    I have avoided watching the trial because I thought I would get angry with the lying that was sure to be told by the defense. I couldn’t imagine people would tear apart a witness that coberates TM slaying.

    Reply
    1. EvolvingElle Avatar
      EvolvingElle

      The prosecution is still calling its witnesses. I think people who don’t understand the ethnic make-up on South Florida understand her. The part of the state has people from SO many countries and so many different cultures, I’m not surprised she has somewhat of an accent. She grew up in a house that speaks 3 different languages. If anything, I think it speaks to her ESL teachers and/or other teachers not doing their jobs. But our nation’s education system is a whole ‘nother story…

      Reply

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