The tragedy of the 17 year old American teenager, Trayvon Martin, continues to tug on the hearts of Americans across the US. Rallies, Marches, and Vigils are being organized in many states. People are taking a second look at Florida’s and their own states Self-Defense laws, and trying to determine whether or not these laws do more harm than good, but while all of this is taking place there is another phenomenon going on as well. People are buying products (Skittles, Arizona Iced Tea, and hoodies) to demonstrate their outrage, support, and express solidarity.
While these companies are definitely benefiting from the surge of increased sells, some people have started to express concern about whether or not these companies are donating a portion of their proceeds to the family. Of course, the family is accumulating a variety of expenses dealing with this tragedy. While, I am sure some of their expenses are getting covered by someone, not all of them are. As a result, Skittles, Arizona Iced Tea, and companies that make hoodies have been put in an interesting position overnight and have released statements that I can respect and understand.
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, a division of Mars, Inc. who produces Skittles released the following statement, Jennifer Jackson-Luth a spokeswoman for Wrigley stated “We are deeply saddened by the news of Trayvon Martin’s death and express our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”We also respect their privacy and feel it inappropriate to get involved or comment further as we would never wish for our actions to be perceived as an attempt of commercial gain following this tragedy.” (Source)
According to an email to HLN from Jackie Harrington, the global communications director for Arizona Iced Tea’s (which is now owned by Hornell Brewing Co., Inc.,) the company would like to “express our sincere sympathies to Trayvon’s family and friends. At this time, we will make no further comment as we wish to respect the family’s privacy and grieving time and feel it is inappropriate to become involved in a private family matter.” (Source)
I think this is something people have to think about, “Is it worth buying these products which increases these companies bottom line or putting the money into a different source like a scholarship fund or foundation for young boys like Trayvon.” This is just something to think about. Of course, if you read my blog, you would know where my heart lies, in education, use this opportunity to help young American boys just like Trayvon.
*If you feel compelled to purchase them, I definitely do not advocate doing so in Sanford, Florida where this tragedy took place.
In the incredible non justice of the Trayvon Martin case thus far tonight I heard a different perspective. The lawyer on HLN stated with the recent Zimmerman statement that his nose was broken by young Trayvon during the scuffle. She said Trayvon was being stalked and chased after while on the phone with a friend. He was young and scared and may have spotted the gun before striking Zimmerman if this so called occured. If that did occur…wasn’t Trayvon the one standing his ground by a stalking agressive murder minded Zimmerman?Again…another right denied by our victim Trayvon Martin. An outright inhumane happenning going down in Florida.
I have heard reports about the scuffle and can see how all parties could be have been frightened in the situation. I believe Zimmerman’s desire to be the hometown hero and his curiosity led him to continue to pursue the teen after the cops suggested he go home. The fact that he followed Trayvon really took the events that followed to another level. I hope that the media will let the 3rd party team on this case do their jobs. We need this case to be handled professionally and fairly, only time will tell. Trayvon has now been dead for over a month and the longer they take the worse this case seems to get. Thanks for visit my site and sharing your comment.