A Tribute and a Change.!

“Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum,” Representative Bobby Rush said as he provocatively pulled up his hoodie and put on dark sunglasses. Standing in the middle of the House floor and addressing a room full of government officials, Rush began to recite versus from the Bible as he battled to be heard over the slamming gavel in the background. Although Rep. Rush knew he was out of order and the hood wearing would be frowned upon to say the least, he continued on unshaken.

As you probably assumed this controversial action was in reference to Trayvon Martin, the seventeen year old boy who lost his life just a month earlier. Rush’s objective was to draw attention to the case that has caused much speculation as to if the killing was motivated by racial profiling, while showing support for the grieving family.

Following the incident, Rush commented, "I don't mind being out of order if it means standing up for truth and justice."

Now whether one agrees or disagrees with the measures Rep Bobby Rush took to push the case into the media to be discussed on a federal level, operated just as he intended. He got people talking! Up until now then, the tragedy was generally being discussed on a state level, specifically the details of the Florida State Law that is being used to justify Zimmerman’s actions.

The rhetorical function of this demonstration grows deeper as one understands Rush’s political background as a Black Panther. Knowing that racial profiling is an issue that Representative Rush spent years fighting in the 60s speaks to his ethos and the background knowledge he has relevant to the case.

I must say in my opinion, Rush’s actions are ones I can respect. I mean think about it how many of the individuals who have made a change followed all the rules? Rules sometimes are made to be broken.