One thing that REALLY bothers me is about the shooting in Florida, Trayvon's photo

[Snake Alchemist]

Why do they keep using this photo?



At first I thought he was the youngest 17 yo that I had ever seen, but then I found out that this picture is from several years ago.

This is in no way trying to defend Zimmerman. Personally, I think there needs to be a massive, thorough, INDEPENDENT investigation immediately.

[rubberducky]

1. Perhaps because some people need to be reminded that he was a very

INNOCENT, young kid. He was just a kid, could have been yours, could have been mine. What seems to be your problem with showing him as he was?

[Snake Alchemist]

2. What if they showed a slim, younger Zimmerman in a tux at a wedding? nt

[whathehell]

3. Oh well, we'd just say "Hey, that good looking young guy has GOT to be innocent"!

I'm sure I don't need a sarcasm thingy, do I ?

[Snake Alchemist]

5. Some would. Same reason why tall people, and good looking people are generally more successful.

No sarcasm.

[rubberducky]

4. Would that change the fact that he killed a young man?

I really couldn`t care less if he was wearing a superman costume. The man pulled his gun and took the life of Trayvon. I really couln`t care less if they showed us pics of Zimmerman as tiny baby, what he did is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. From the tapes, Zimmerman hunted down this teenager because he didn`t seem to belong in Zimmerman`s imagined terrritory. Maybe you are one of those people who think if Trayvon was armed this wouldn`t have happened this way. Just what we need are more guns! If we all had guns we could just kill whoever we thought MIGHT harm us!

[Snake Alchemist]

6. No of course not, but why use a photo from years ago? There has to be a reason.

If I had to put money on it, I would say it was a way to boost ratings and sell more newspapers.

[rubberducky]

7. Take a chill pill, bud. Nothing sinister here, this was thier baby, this was how they saw him.

He was a very handsome young man, a smart young man. Are you looking for pics that Maybe show him with some less than desirable tats, or perhaps in the company of local street gangs? Would Zimmerman`s killing him make it less of a crime? Fat ass Zimmerman had 100 pounds on a 17-year-old kid and didn`t like his looks( he was black) ,so he capped the kid and now is looking for a self-defense verdict. I would LOVE to be on that jusry, because if there isn`t a trial, this country will erupt. As well it should.

[Snake Alchemist]

11. You prove my point with the "fat ass" comment.

Show the world a fat person and all sorts of prejudices come out. Ugly, smelly, slow, stupid.

[Brickbat]

8. I'm guessing that's the only photo the family has released. And Zimmerman's family can release a

nice photo of him in a tux at a wedding any time they want.

[Snake Alchemist]

9. Could be. I think Zimmerman's is a mugshot though. nt

[Brickbat]

10. Yep. But he or his family could send something out very easily.

[Snake Alchemist]

12. But are they required to use it if they send something out? nt

[Brickbat]

13. No, but I don't see a news organization not using something new.

[XanaDUer]

49. The orange shirt gives it away

Jail tux.

[Surya Gayatri]

71. Why all the speculative concern, Snake...?

This photo happens to be clear, full-color and full-face--closest thing to a mug shot. You can't wear a hoody for an official ID photo.

It may also be a favorite of the family, just because it's so good.

Have seen many other photos of him, but none so sharp.

Considering how fast kids grow at this stage, I'd say the photo is no more than 3 years old.

So what?

[Snake Alchemist]

86. Same reason I'm concerned when a southern accent is used to depict stupidity on television.

Or how missing cute blonde white girls always garner a national outcry.

[madokie]

85. He's still be a murderer

[RebelOne]

14. There is also a photo shown of Trayvon in a football uniform. n/t

[Snake Alchemist]

15. And that one is from years ago as well. nt

[Fawke Em]

16. He didn't look that much different, now, actually.

Face is a little longer, but he still has a very young-looking face for 17.

My nearly 13-year-old is white, but olive-skinned since my ex is Arabic and I'm part Cherokee. He doesn't look 13 - he still has a baby face like I did. I suspect that when he turns 17, he will still look very young, too. We both have rounded, chubby cheeks. I'm 42, but easily pass for 35 or so because of my rounded face and olive complexion.

[Snake Alchemist]

19. Exactly, so why not use the more accurate photo?

Interesting angle, wonder how this was taken.

[Fawke Em]

25. Hanging over a laptop camera, I'm guessing.

My son does that, too.

In fact, other than the fact that Trayvon is darker, he looks a great deal like my son and the descriptions of his personality seem a great deal like my son. They are/were close in age (I hate having to use the past tense, there), so I suspect some of their similarities are age-related, but the fact that they are both baby-faced and that my son has dark curly hair makes the resemblance stunning.

I have cried and hugged my kids so much this week. My son is half Arabic, as I said - I'm concerned that someone might think he's some "Muslin turrist" and blow him away. Freaks.

[Cali_Democrat]

17. Does it really matter what photo they use?

Jeeze.

[Snake Alchemist]

20. Accuracy always matters. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

53. So it's not an accurate photo of Trayvon?

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

54. He doesn't look menacing enough. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

57. Yup. The OP is REALLY bothered by the fact that the media isn't showing a more menacing photo

Very telling.

[Snake Alchemist]

60. I'm bothered by comments like this from someone below

"Zimmerman would give me more of a fright, based solely on appearances and NOTHING else"

Should I not be?

[Snake Alchemist]

56. So you were comfortable when Time darkened OJ Simpson on it's cover?

He was a murderer after all.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

59. How did they alter this photo? You're just not too good at this. Are ya. nt

[Snake Alchemist]

62. Bless your heart for trying. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

64. I'm very good at recognizing RW bullshit when I see it. But thanks anyway for playing Really Bad

Analogies.

[Snake Alchemist]

66. Bless your heart junior detective. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

67. Yours too, not too inconspicuously concerned tr.... person. nt

[Surya Gayatri]

73. Agree about the "not inconspicuous concern", Guy...

See my posts:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=456506

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=456573

[Cali_Democrat]

61. And how exactly has Trayvon's photo been manipulated?

[Snake Alchemist]

65. If you don't see the similarities between the phenomena then I guess you don't want to see them. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

76. One photo was manipulated and one wasn't

What's the issue? Why are you so "REALLY" bothered?

[Snake Alchemist]

77. I am just against being manipulated in any way. Ever wonder why gentlemen prefer tiny blondes.

Because the media floods us with images telling us what we like.

[Chorophyll]

79. Your concern grows trolly.

[Snake Alchemist]

81. Wanting accuracy is so last century. I like the new posse and lynching mentality that seems to be

catching on. It's very Cowboyish. Wanted dead or alive and all that.

[Chorophyll]

91. You're responding to someone, but not to me.

I feel like I've been through this before with you.

The thread is about the kid's picture. I don't see a problem with it. I'm sure as hell not calling for Zimmerman to be murdered.

[Surya Gayatri]

72. He's dead and in the grave, not on the run or missing...

There are no search parties out looking for him.

Why is "accuracy" REALLY such an issue for you?

What does it matter that he had a little larger Adam's apple or a few new whiskers when he was gunned down?

Did that somehow make him a more suitable target?

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

18. Who gives a shit? nt

[Snake Alchemist]

21. People who like accuracy in reporting. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

24. Accuracy? Are you saying it's adifferent person in that photo? nt

[Snake Alchemist]

26. What if they used a young svelte photo of Zimmerman and the older photo of Trayvon?

DU would go up in flames.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

29. And if my aunt had a dick she'd be my uncle. Nobody gives a fuck but you. This is clearly

one of those "Hey look at me! I'm so different from the moonbats on this site" posts.

[Snake Alchemist]

31. Maybe she does? Start a thread on it. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

34. I could, but I think I'll hang out here and call attention to your bullshit. nt

[Snake Alchemist]

37. Whatever floats your boat. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

40. Just pointing out the absurd idiocy. That's all. nt

[Snake Alchemist]

42. You bring a lot to the discussion. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

48. There is nothing to discuss. Your whole "if this were blah blah blah. DU would yadda yadda yadda"

shtick is very telling.

[Snake Alchemist]

50. You seem to be discussing a lot? nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

52. Just rying to keep this gem of a thread afloat. That way DU can be told how it

is they would react in imagined scenarios.

[ecstatic]

22. What REALLY bothers me is that Zimmerman is still free

Really? Of all the disturbing aspects of this case, Trayvon's photo is the part that REALLY bothers you? Wow!

[Chorophyll]

23. THIS is what REALLY bothers you about the shooting?

Got some time on your hands, huh?

[Snake Alchemist]

28. Apparently, you do not know the meaning of "one thing". nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

32. Clearly, you don't know the meaning of REALLY. nt

[Snake Alchemist]

39. If p then q.....nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

41. REALLY??!!

[Snake Alchemist]

43. Flew right past you didn't it. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

44. No, not really. At this point I'm just laughing at you. nt

[Snake Alchemist]

46. I appreciate the laughter. nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

51. Yeah, I've been known to use laughter to manipulate others. nt

[Chorophyll]

78. Oh, but I do.

Would I start a thread over it? No.

[spanone]

27. what REALLY bothers me is that an innocent kid is dead.

[Remmah2]

30. Lawyers are involved.

Both sides are obligated to lobby for public opinion.

In the original OJ Simpson criminal trial. Time magazine darkened the tone of his skin to participate in the demonization process. Zimmerman looks dumb and slobish in his photo.

It's a game.

[Snake Alchemist]

33. It's the smart thing to do, but I dislike being manipulated either way. nt

[Remmah2]

35. The ploy is we're suckered in by emotion rather than the truth. nt

That's how the whole mess started.

[Texasgal]

36. Why does it matter?

The boy was still harrassed and shot for NO REASON.

[Snake Alchemist]

38. Just hate being manipulated. Even if for good reasons. nt

[Texasgal]

45. Showing an old picture is

manipulation?

[Snake Alchemist]

47. Minor, but yes. nt

[Fawke Em]

55. Here's another recent photo

Which doesn't change a THING. He still was simply walking to his father's fiancee's house from the store and he still looks about a "threatening" as my cocker spaniel.

Zimmerman would give me more of a fright, based solely on appearances and NOTHING else, than Trayvon. Trayvon looks like he could be one of son's friends. Zimmerman LOOKS hate-filled.

[Snake Alchemist]

58. This is a great photo. Will never understand why they don't use this one. nt

What the heck?

"Zimmerman would give me more of a fright, based solely on appearances and NOTHING else"

[Fawke Em]

68. I meant that if I was walking alone outside somewhere

and I was to run into either one of them that I'd feel more threatened by 250-pound, sour-faced Zimmerman than I would have been a 140-pound teenaged boy if the ONLY thing I had to go on was looks alone.

To clarify: I don't understand how a big guy like Zimmerman felt threatened by Trayvon.

[Snake Alchemist]

83. Okay, thanks for the clarification. nt

[NotThisTime]

93. I believe Reverend Al said that professional photo was taken two or three weeks prior to his death

So unless the Rev is lying, I'll take his word on it.

[ecstatic]

89. Because one is a professional photo, and the other is a blurry (phone?) photo

That's how most victims are shown, by the way--in professional photos (if available).

[unapatriciated]

92. Thanks, I was afraid to be the first to point that out.

The fact is. when the police or news ask for a recent photo (in regards to children) they usually ask for the most recent school photo.

[nadinbrzezinski]

63. They are using the photo provided by the family

Things to get a hang up over.

[chowder66]

69. What's the problem?

There are all kinds of photos of him, some when we was a wee lad, some when he was a pre-teen and some as a teenager. He looks nearly the same throughout his teenage years but I think this is a good straight-on photo and who wouldn't want to show their child smiling??? I can't tell how old he is in the photo but I can tell he is a teenager with a baby-face and an adorable smile. It is a very good photo and who knows maybe it was his favorite of himself. He is their son, those are their photos and that makes it their choice.

There are actual issues here that are entirely more important than the parents photo choice.

[Fozzledick]

70. Looks like the family chose a posed portrait over a casual snapshot.

BFD!

[Catherine Vincent]

74. I think that was the first photo the news outlet had

And the rest continue to use it. Maybe the family gave more photos after it happened. Now there are several out there and the one with the hoodie and football pic are the most recent I think.

On another note, I could be wrong but I have the feeling that one pic of Zimmerman that they show looks like it may have been darkened (remember OJ?). When this story first broke, the video showed a few cops huddled talking to Zimmerman. He turned and he looked to be much fairer than that picture that we see.

[CTyankee]

75. So what? All the things in the world to get upset about and you choose this?

More than likely, it was one of the best photos the family had of him, altho I have seen others just as regularly as that one, particularly the one in his football uniform.

sheesh.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

80. Thanks for the big, fat, giant TELL

It's been a really instructive thread.

[Snake Alchemist]

82. Sorry I can't join your mob just yet. nt

[DisgustipatedinCA]

87. De nada. Your application would've been rejected anyway

[Warren Stupidity]

94. "lynch mob" is the rightwing talking point they are told to use when discussing this case.

[SwampG8r]

95. am i seeing irony where it doesnt exist in

them using "lynch mob" as a talking point to excuse a young black man being killed?
wasnt zimmerman a one man "lynch mob"?

[Warren Stupidity]

96. it is the common practice of 'turning the tables'.

One of the items in the rhetorical bag of tricks fashionable with the rightwing liars. Zimmermen was indeed a one man lynch mob, and that is a problem for Hollywood Cowboy Culture enthusiasts on the right, so accuse your opponents of what you have done. Classic Rove Playbook maneuver. I don't listen to The Fat Bag of Gas, but I'll bet he is talking the same talk.

[Snake Alchemist]

100. I'll describe a few. Richard Jewel, Duke Lacrosse, Hofstra students.

The list goes on and on. Then there are a few that kind of work in reverse like OJ. Maybe that will assist you.

[JI7]

84. seriously, This is what Bothers you ?

[Warren Stupidity]

88. One thing that really bothers me is this totally fucked up OP.

This is your OP on this event? The photo of this dead boy isn't recent enough? Seriously?

[Snake Alchemist]

90. Sure, every other facet has 90 threads on it. This was just something that was bugging me. nt

[MineralMan]

97. Why would that bother you?

I've seen several photos of this kid. Doesn't he look menacing enough to suit you?

[DisgustipatedinCA]

98. Not all rectangles are squares. But all sqares are, in fact, rectangles

By the same token, I'm not saying you're a hateful racist. But I am saying you're using the same arguments employed by hateful racists. Take care when you decide what company you're going to keep.

[Snake Alchemist]

99. It is fairly funny to think of myself as a racist considering my family, but have fun with that.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

102. I'm not having any fun with this, for the record

[Rex]

101. Why is it bugging you? I fail to see that in your OP.

They have no new pictures? They should have a somewhat recent picture? Is that what you mean?