Just last week, I was driving home and really wanted to get there quickly as lightening was flashing and cracking all around. The thunder was loud and continuous with dark, threatening clouds. Not a good time to be outside. Consequently, you can imagine my consternation when I saw some young teens walking by the side of the road. They were obviously hurrying, trying to get to safety.
I can’t say that I didn’t think about it a time or two, but without too much of a mental pause, I pulled over and rolled down the window. They quickly approached and I told them that it was really not safe out there for them and if they would like, I would give them a ride to their house. They climbed in quickly, buckled up and gave me clear directions to where they lived.
As they got out of the car, I introduced myself, shook each teen’s hand and they, in turn, introduced themselves to me. With many thanks to me, they ran to the front door and got safely inside. As a mother of 3 and grandmother of 13, I was very relieved that these children were out of the weather and away from harm.
I reflected, as I continued on my way home, that no shots had been fired, no heads had been bludgeoned, there had been no drama and no TV hype. OH! Did I fail to mention that the teens’ skin color was different than my own? It made no difference to the story until I specifically brought it up, did it? I was clear in my motives and intentions when I talked with the teens and they were polite and gracious in their response. It makes all the difference in the world.
I can't help but think about how the Zimmerman/Martin encounter might have gone if Martin had displayed some manners and civility and if Zimmerman had used some common sense. The scenario I play over and over in my head goes like this:
Zimmerman: (getting out of his car to approach Martin) "Uh, excuse me, young man. I don't believe I've met you before. Are you new to the area? I'm just asking because I'm a member of our neighborhood watch group and I don't think I know you." Martin: (walking back to meet up with Zimmerman) "I don't really live here, I'm just visiting with my Dad at his fiancee's house right over there." (points in direction of house) Zimmerman: "That's great. By the way, my name is George Zimmerman." (extends hand in greeting) Martin: "I'm Trayvon Martin - glad to meet you." (they shake hands) Zimmerman: "Would you like for me to walk with you to your house? It's really dark out here tonight." Martin: "Thanks for the offer, but I'm good." Zimmerman: "OK. You have a good evening."
The men part and both continue on with their lives and there is no court case and no riots and no media hype. All it would have taken is a little civility and common sense, the things we are supposed to learn in kindergarten.
As adults, we need to model manners before our children and teach them by every possible means to be considerate and respectful of others. Who knows? It just might save their lives one day.