When historians look back at 2013, they’ll realize this year-like so many others-had its share of highs and lows. They’ll be taken back by the asstastic talents of the twerk teams, annoyed by phrases such as “turn down for what” or “bae” and curious as to how Blackberry’s BBM was able to make an astounding leap back into the cultural zeitgeist from the inner, most darkest crevices of whackness.
They’ll also see that 2013 was the year “selfie” became word of the year, according to Oxford Dictionary, while Steve Whiite insisted his creation ‘gif’ is actually pronounced ‘jif’ (yeah, whatever dude) Obamacare turned into Obama “Kinda Cares” and a 1,000 rivers of Billy Ray Cyrus’ tears couldn’t stop his daughter Miley from, well…showing her ass, literally and figuratively
But above all political, cultural and technological advances that took place, racism still reared its ugly head. It proved that 50 years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 149 years after slavery was abolished in 1864, America still hadn’t put to bed its ugly, blood-ridden past.
GIANTLife.com put together a list of the top racist moments in 2013 to showcase that unfortunately, ain’t sh*t change.
1. George Zimmerman Found Not Guilty In The Shooting Death of Trayvon Martin
Not quite the trial of the century, but all eyes were on the Florida courtroom where George Zimmerman stood trial for shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. On July 13 after a four-week trial, a jury found Zimmerman not guilty. The verdict came as a slap in the face to the African-American community, littered with a history of police injustice. The news of Zimmerman’s acquittal even prompted The Commander In Chief to hold an impromptu press conference to address the American people and explain why the verdict was so damaging. President Obama even recalled his own racial experiences as a black man in America prior to becoming president.
2. Miss America Crowns First Winner Of Indian Decent
White America had their panties in a bunch when 24-year-old Nina Davuluri won the crown as Miss America. The Indian-American beauty was born and raised New York and earned her degree in brain behavior and cognitive science from the University of Michigan, with hopes to one day be a physician. Her father, who immigrated from India 30 years ago, is a gynecologist.
But despite all the education, and beauty, some folks were just flabbergasted that she won the title. I guess being of Indian decent yet being born in America is code for you shouldn’t be Miss America. Either way, Davuluri wasn’t phased by any of the haters. She earned a $50,000 scholarship to go to med school and was still able to keep her poise throughout the entire racial backlash.
3. Barney’s Comes Under Fire For Racially Profiling Teen
Barney’s New York employees were accused of calling the police on 19 year old Trayon Christian, after the college student purchased a $350 Salvatore Ferragamo belt with his Chase debit card. The sales clerk believed the purchase had to been some kind fraud and called the police on Christian, despite being able to produce his receipt as proof of purchase.
The event came just weeks before Jay Z was to release his holiday line with Barney’s, which caused an outrage among the black community, which urged the Brooklyn emcee to drop the line.
4. Blackface Halloween Costumes
Two Florida men, Greg Cimeno (22) and William Filene (25) showed up to Caitlin Cimeno’s Halloween party dressed as Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman. The photo, which was taken just months after Zimmerman was found guilty in the shooting death of 17 year old Trayvon Martin, was posted to Cimeno’s Facebook page and soon went viral. The public outrage to the tasteless Halloween costume ignited a firestorm of backlash, resulting in Cimeno’s termination from her job. While her losing her job was a sweet high-five it still showed that not only was the death of an unarmed 17 year old not important, but it was worth making fun of.
5. Marissa Alexander Sentenced To 20 Years For Firing Warning Shot
Marissa Alexander, 31, of Jacksonville, FL was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot into the ceiling during an altercation with her husband. The mother of two, argued that her husband, Rico Gray, abused her during their marriage and she feared for her life. Alexander attempted to use the same “Stand Your Ground” law that protected George Zimmerman. Instead it backfired, resulting in her lengthy sentencing.
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GIANT Life (@giant_life) July 09, 2013
