Profiling Trayvon: Young Black Males, Suspicion and Surveillance

• In Event: Race, Crime and Justice: Understanding the Death and Trial of Trayvon Martin

Abstract

George Zimmerman’s forcible intervention into Trayvon Martin’s life reflects widespread beliefs about black criminality in American society. The American public often supports police policies that direct scrutiny toward young Black males. In part, this support arises from stereotypes about Black males’ dangerousness and the presumption that they are uniquely prone to crime and violence. These presumptions can legitimize interference into their privacy and liberty for the sake of public safety. Against this backdrop of suspicion, Zimmerman took actions that he – and large portions of the public – believes were rational and warranted. This chapter places Zimmerman’s actions within a broader context of a racially stratified society where young minority males are often subjected to greater police suspicion and where racially motivated police practices are widely viewed as fact-based and necessary. The chapter concludes with recommendations for having open, honest public dialogues about race and about the role of racial profiling in policing practices.

Authors

• Jacinta Gau, University of Central Florida

• Kareem L. Jordan, University of Central Florida