http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-opfocus5518442dec30,0,182822.story
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-limill1211,0,1911067.story?coll=ny_breaking_500
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-limill1212,0,1976604.story?coll=ny_breaking_500
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-limill1128,0,2304290.story?coll=ny_breaking_500
Click on the links above, or copy, and paste the links above into your browser. Read the articles. Then answer the questions below in the form of a paragraph.
1. What role, if any, do you think race played in this trial?
2. Do you think race SHOULD have played a role in this trial?
3. Do you think the outcome of the case would have been different, if the races of the people involved were reversed? Why?
4. Do you believe that John White received a fair trial?
5. What other actions could/should Mr. White or Mr. Cicciaro have taken in this case?
54 comments:
I think that race did played a role in this case. I think that if the races involved were reversed the outcome would probably have been different because the accused would not have got a severe punishment because the person who is involved in the killing was of a minority group and not of a dominant group. I think that Mr. White did not recieve a fair trial and he should not have been sentenced into jail for 15 years. Mr.White could have argued that his rights were being violated stated under the Bill of Rights which prevents everyone from cruel and unusual punishment.
Praveen Sharma
1) I think that race didnt play a big role in this case. All that were said was a few offencive words. I think that this case was about peoples actions other than their race.
2)I dont think that race should have been a part of this trial because it can happen to anyone.
3)I dont think the out come would be any different because even if their roles were switched they both might care about a friend enough to do what Cicciaro did.
4) I believe that John White's trial was fair. The jury desidesd that he would go to jail because of the shooting. Maybe he didnt intend to shoot Cicciaro but he still shouldn't have had a gun.
5) Other actions toward this case might've been that Cicciaro left Aaroon white alone and hadnt terrorized him further than they had.
kristina papa class 901
I think race was played in this trial by not giving Mr.white the best trial.He should have been heard out.If what Mr.whites son said the truth about the 5 boys killing him.
No i don't think race should have played a role because we are all equal no matter what race you are.I think it would have been a little different if the roles were reversed by not giving as many years as the reversed man who would shoot.I think he didn't have a fair trial because i think he was sentenced to jail way to long.I think Mr.white should have just go outside and yell at the boys.Mr.Cicciaro should have just kept off the whites property.
i think race shouldnt have played a role in this trial. I think the outcome of the case would have been different if the races was reveresed because, most people would blame the african americans [blacks] for every bad thing. Like if a white grownup shoots a black kid because they were infront of their house ready to 'kill' their son..the police would arrest the kids. yes, I do believe john white received a fair trial because no matter what he shot a kid for no reason, he didnt realy know if they were realy there to 'kill' his son... I think it was a fair trial and he deserves on what he got.
I believe race played a big role in this trial.I dont think it should haveplayed a role at all.I believe it would have been reversed because if it was a white person they would have been nicer and more easy on them.I dont believe he recieved a fair trial.They should have calmly talked this out and no violence should have taken place.
-Chrissy Thomatos Period 4
I think that race had nothing to do with the sentence of Mr. Whites trial because if a white man did the sme thing to a black teenager, The white guy would get the same sentence. Killing someone is killing someone no matter the race. I don't think that race should have played a role in this at all in this trial. I don't think that if the race of the people involved were reversed it would have changed the outcome of the trial because killing someone is killing someone no matter the race. I think that John White recived a fair trial. Mr. White could have called the police instead of shooting into the crowd of kids in his drive way along with his child and Daniel should not have followed him hame to go beat him up or kill him and should have called him the next day and talked to him. Following someone home in the middle of the night is pretty scary.
Richard Panio 902 per 6
1. I think there was no role played in this trial.
2. No I think race shouldnt of played a role in this trial because all it is is a different skin color. It doesn't change how the person is on the inside. A person can be black but have a great personality and all.
3. No I think that the outcome of the case would have been different, if the races of people involved were reverse because the people still wouldnt like them just because of their skin color.
4. No I believe that John White did not receive a fair trial because they accused him of being racist thats why he shot Joanne Cicciaro.
5. Other actions that Mr. White or Mr. Cicciaro should have taken in this case were not o be racist ecause its just a skin color, because some people take be racist very affensive. Another action that they shgould have taken should have been is not to use violence because some people believe that however they get treated thats how they would treat the other person.
Maria A period: 7
After reading the articles provided, it would appear that race played a significant role in the case being discussed. I think, though, that the articles seemed a little bit partial to the point of racial discrimination. The version that we read in class today did not discuss the events in detail, nor did it make s significant point connecting the shooting to Mr. Cicciaros race. Throughout the span of the case, I am sure it will be brought up time and again though I cannot say whether or not it should. The case events are seemingly muddled by the various testimonies that have been given. I think that should the positions of those involved be reversed, the question of discrimination and racism should not be disposed of nor heightened. With the knowledge that I have, I would say that John White received a fair trial.
Bridgette C
Period 4
I don't think race played a role in this trial. However, some individuals, such as Mr. Whites attorney believe racism is what has Mr. White in jail. I really don't think race should have played a role in this trial.I don't think the outcome would have been different if the races of the people involved were reversed because the police would still have intervened and the culprit-white or black, would have been arrested anyway. I believe John White did receive a fair trial because as the prosecutor stated "he could have locked the doors or called the police." Mr. White should have been part of the solution and not part of the problem. Instead of causing more trouble and risking somebody's life by bringing out a gun with him, he should have stayed inside and called the police. Now, he is just paying for his actions- just like anybody else that does something wrong.
By:Mariela Ortiz (per. 4)
I think that race should of been a small part, but was a huge part, simply because of what happend in history between white & black people. The outcome of the case maybe would of been changed, it'd be same. A white person kills a black, race would of been a BIGGER part of the case.I'm not sure if John White recieved a fair trial, he did kill someone and thats no excuse. The police could of been called instead of defense. It wasn't THAT neccassary.Mr. Cicciaro & Mr. White were both handling this very wrong. Firstly there was no need to KILL, simply call the police and talk it through until they arrive. Also its pretty immature that the mob was lynching because thats really cruel & stupid. Both should of handled this like mature adults.
Livi Cabrera
Period 4
i think that the race played a big role in this trial becouse even John White atuarne stated that if a gang of african american guys went to a white persons house this wouldnt be happending becouse the judge would go along with the white family.
i dont think race shouldn't have played a role in this trial becouse every one should have the same rights no matter if you are white, black,spanish or whatever else you can be.
yes and no to the outcome of the case being different, if the races of the people involved were reversed yes becouse whites are always treated better and blacks are always going to be picked on.no becouse it doesnt matter if you did something wrong you did it no matter who you are you will have to pay for it.
no i dont believe that John White received a fair trialbecouse they treated him differently from the others.
5. What other actions could/should Mr. White or Mr. Cicciaro have taken in this case?
I think that race should of been a small part, but was a huge part, simply because of what happend in history between white & black people. The outcome of the case maybe would of been changed, it'd be same. A white person kills a black, race would of been a BIGGER part of the case.I'm not sure if John White recieved a fair trial, he did kill someone and thats no excuse. The police could of been called instead of defense. It wasn't THAT neccassary.Mr. Cicciaro & Mr. White were both handling this very wrong. Firstly there was no need to KILL, simply call the police and talk it through until they arrive. Also its pretty immature that the mob was lynching because thats really cruel & stupid. Both should of handled this like mature adults.
Livi Cabrera
Period 4
I do not think that race played a role in this trial. I think that this mainly had to do with John White's actions and how his own opinion dealt and focused on the situation, itself. It is mainly his own questioning and fault, as to why he even did this. I believe that he felt threatened by Daniel Cicciaro. I do not think that race should have played a role in this trial, but I think that people are misleading and judging this trial, as something that had to deal with race, because it had to deal with black people and white people. I don't think that the outcome of this case would have been different, even with the same races, because that can still happen with two of the same race. One white, or black person can easily insult another person of their same race, and the same end result can happen in someone getting killed. Just because you may be the same race, dosen't neccessarily mean, you get along at all with the person of that same race. I think that John White did derserve a fair trial for what he did. He was given a second degree of manslaughter and a third degree of weapon possesion, because I think they said he had those weapons illegally. I think he deserved what he was given, because he murdered a teenager for almost no reason at all. I don't understand at all why he would do such a thing. Ok, so his son told him that he was being threatend by him, but did that give you the right to kill him?
Some other actions that I think John White should have done, was to stay in the house and to call the police. He should not have confronted the boys at all, because it just got him in more trouble, by killing the boy.
Anastasia P. 903
1) I think race did play a part in this trial because Mr.White didnt know what the boys were really going to do and the son might of jumped to conclusions.
2)I dont think race should have mattered because it shouldn't really matter what color the person is.
3)No because the situations would've been the same.
4)Yes because they shouldn't really change the rules because of the persons race.
5)Maybe they both could've said the complete truth or not jump to conclusions
Eirene SKocos
903
I think that the role played in race is being that the White family, being a family of an African American culture, lived in a ruraly white neighborhood, where their was a percentage of more whites then colored or hispanic. I think that because Cicciaro was trying to follow the White's boy, the White's family thought that this would be a racial issue.
Yet I do think it might have taken a small part of it, I do not think that race should have taken part in this trial. I think this because, this action could have happened to anyone. What if the Cicciaro boy who died was colored? Would it have made a difference?
I do not think it would be different. Even though sometimes our government might be not right in some way or unfair, what race who shot what race shouldn't matter. The only thing that should matter is that somebody killed a person, which is uncivil.
I think that John White should be put in prison for life. He shot a person, a teen, for no apparent reason. The teen did not touch or harm his family, just some words were spoken. But White had no reason to fire. He could have called the cops at the worst, but killing a teen, is a unnecessary, cold thing to have done.
I honestly do not think any other actions should have taken place. White killed Cicciaro's son, and if I was him, I could have never forgive him at all.
1)i think race played a negative role. this so because nothing happened to the white people when they were the one that are at fault. i think this because really what business did they have to follow Mr. whites son but nooo the black man is charged for murder regardless of the fact that him and his son were threatened.
2)i think this trial should have not been looked at on a raise point of view what so ever . it should have been looked at on humane level and what a normal person would of done and what he did and what he should have done. and probation for shooting the kid but what is that going to do to and old man with a child... and thats how it should of been done not on raise.
3) yes i do. i think if the mob of boys were black they would have been the center of the trial instead of mr white.
4) i don't believe john white received a fair trial, because they are going to give him 15 to life and if he is wrong so are the kids and if he has to suffer the consequence why shouldn't the other kids after all they brought this upon themselves .
5) i really dont know
teila
~sarah bianchi
I think that race played a role in this trial because the white kids were using racial words for Aron. I dont think race should have played a role in this tiral beacuse it had nothing to do with the problem at hand. If the race of the people involved was reversed i dont think that there would have been a different outcome. Things still would have escalated and racial remarks would still proably been made. I do think that John White received a fair trial. Other actions mr white and his son could have taken could have been calling the police right away or staying in their house.
1. I think that race played a part in this case but not a major part because he did murder a person and either way Mr. White was going to jail
2. No, I dont think that race should have played a role because every person should be treated equally and a person did get murdered adn it should not matter the race of either the murderer or the dead person.
3. I dont think that the case would have went any differently because i think our court systems are fair enough to see past race.
4. I think John White got a fair trial becasue i thought he should have got more than 15 years because he commited murder so i thought the trial was fair.
5. Mr. White couold have never taken out the gun, the boys could have never came and when the gun was pulled out Mr. Ciccaro should have left and not antagonized Mr. White.
-Nick C. 9-01
1. What role, if any, do you think race played in this trial? the part when the girl clamed tha tshe was being treted.
2. Do you think race SHOULD have played a role in this trial?
not really becasue it all depends on what the real problem is, and not reallyt the race becasue race has nothing to do with this trail.
3. Do you think the outcome of the case would have been different, if the races of the people involved were reversed? Why?
yes because if the white guy would of shotted the black guy then this case would of been differntly handled.
4. Do you believe that John White received a fair trial?
yes.
5. What other actions could/should Mr. White or Mr. Cicciaro have taken in this case?
im not really sure about this question.
karen c
1, i think race always plays a role because people are always judging people by their race and their religons.
2, i thiink race shouldnt play a role, i think everyone should have a fair trial without judgment.
3, yes defiinatley, because most people look at someones skin color before thinking anything about the person,
4, yes i do
5, instead of the five boys following mr.white and looking for trouble they should have talked it through or confronted him in another time, but defintaley not follow him home,
Ok. First of all it was said that the N word was used. How are you going to say it was not racial. If not don't say the word. That is a word that goes back to an African American's past of their ancestors. It brings up pain and anger especially when used by the opposite race. As if to hurt someone, John White did. The boy got what was coming for him.
I really dont know because what if it were the same race would it be the same. What racial name could you call your own type. You can't call a person who is not an African American a (N) and mean it.
Most likely if the races were reversed the outcome would be different. Come on now. If it were the other way around obviously if there are black kids in an prodominently white neighborhood immeadiately they don't belong. So if one of the kids were to get shot and one of his buddies call the police they are going to want to know why they are there.
After all I just said I do believe he got a fair trial. Because really all I can say is that he wasn't thinking like an adult, by locking doors and windows and calling the police. I mean man look where you live they'd probably be there in 5 minutes. Instead he gets a gun and gives a visual threat. And shoots someone.
Joshua Howard
Class:901
1- i think that the race didnt play a major part in the case becuase aonly a few ofencive word was stated.
2-i dont think race had anything to do with it becuase racial slurs can be used against anypne.
3-i dont think they would be any different because even if they switch thet would still are about a friend
4-i beleieve that that john whites john whites trail was fair because he didnt have to shoot the kid. he could have acted in a different way.
5-if thw kids did not follow him home this would have never happened.
**Danny Thakurdyal***
I think racism did play a large role in this trial.I think if both races were the same the case wouldve have been very fair.However, this case involved mansslaughter a very important issue.Since the case involved mansslaughter the sentence of 15 years was fair his rights weren't being violated.To think of it now the sentence and case would've been the same even if the victim and suspect were both white.
Billy Poulos class902
I think that race in this case did play a role. I think race should not play a role in this case or any other. I think the outcome of the case would have been different, if the races of the people involved were reversed because of the use of “N-word”. Yes believe that John White received a fair trial. Other action that Mr. White or Mr. Cicciaro could/should have taken in this case is to remember more.
By: Monica T.
Period: 7
1. I believe that race did not play big role in the trial because he got the average sentence of 15 years for a murder. Sometimes people commit murders and get 25 to life and some of those guys were white. But then again he deserved some leniency because if his son was telling the truth his actions should be kind of justified.
2. To some extent because of a lot of people will believe that white girl and her made up story. But still, if he did this crime and she is telling the truth, he is at fault along with the dad regardless of their skin color.
3. Maybe, Maybe not. Most likely, most people are in favor of Mr. Cicciaro and not for Mr. White, but it is hard to determine because there is no clear evidence whether or not Mr. White is telling the truth in testimony.
4. Not necessarily because no one really acknowledged his side of the story in a manner.
5.Mr. White should been more calm and try to settle things with Mr. Ciccario in a reseasonable manner, but if Ciccario Jr intended on killing the black family and the girl lied, Mr. White did the right thing. After all, it would have been self defense. Jason K 902
I think the race did play a role in this case. If the race was reversed then eveything will not be diffrent because the Cicciaro would have also cared if that happened to a friend and done the same thing as Mr.white. I think the trial was fair because Mr.white didnt have to shoot Cicciaro and should'nt have a gun either with out a permit.
Christopher Caraballo Period 7
I think that race did play a role in this case. I do not htink race should have played a role in this trial. I think that if Mr.White was white there would not be much of a difference in the case but he would pobably be respected more by authorities. I do not think he had a fair trial. I do not think they should have solved this prblem by threatining eachother and using violence as a way out.
Christina Wylie, period 6
I think race didn't play a role in this trial. I don't think race should have played a role in this trial because all people are capable of doing the same actions no matter their race. I don't think that the outcome of the case would have been different if the races were reversed because the constitution makes everyone get equal treatment in a court. I don't think Mr.white received a fair trial.Mr.White could have argued that his rights were being violated stated under the Bill of Rights which prevents everyone from cruel and unusual punishment.
John O.
I think race played a huge part in this trial. Prejudice comments were clearly said by Cicciaro and his friends. I don't think Cicciaro would have taken the situation to the level he took it to if Aron was white. I also don't think that John white would have shot Cicciaro (if on purpose), or even bought out a weapon if the threatening kids outside were African-American as he is.
I do not think race should have played a role in this trial. If in the end White was proven to have shot Cicciaro in the face (it was no accident) then he should suffer the punishment. He is only guilty if he committed the crime. Its all about the law. If he broke the law he deserves the punishment. It doesn't matter if he was black, white, yellow, brown, or purple. If your guilty your guilty. race should have nothing to do with it.
Yes and no. A crime was still committed and the person should be tried and found either guilty or not guilty (depending if it was an accident). If they are guilty they should have the same punishment then any other race would have had. However I think that people wouldn't have made such a big fuss over it. I don't think it would have gotten this much publicity, or
attention.
I do not think John White received a fair trial. Personally I think they should have gotten a better jury.
Mr.Cicciaro should not have gotten into his (sister or friends ) business. That person should have gone to the police and filed for harassment or complained. Mr. White should have called the police locked his doors and windows and stayed inside. The end result shows these two tried to take matters into their own hands. They did not leave it to the police to let justice be served.
I agree with Melissa. Race definitely played a role in this trial. Justice wasn't at all being served. It wouldn't make a difference if the races of the people were reversed because the jury can have more black or white people and they would still be racial to the person who did the crime. I don't believe that John White received a fair trial. This case was all based on racism! The jury thought that Mr. Cicciaro would kill him if Mr. White wasn't found guilty all because of how Mr. Cicciaro showed up with his "gang". It made the jury think he would do such a thing. I felt like they should've put more thought into it, even though it was a few days before Christmas, but so what? They are putting someones life on the line. The jury didn't care. They just wanted the case to get over with. I think Mr. Cicciaro should just leave Mr. White alobe. It's not like he purposely did it.
-TLau
QHST Seniors
I certainly do not think that Mr. White had a fair trial. I agree with Tiffany. Race played a big role in this case. Courtrooms shouldn't be like that, it even said in the article how the courtroom was divided by race with the "white spectators" sitting closer and the "black spectators" sitting to the far side. In my opinion you shouldn't have to worry about race being an issue when stepping into a courtoom, and who knows maybe the outcome of the case would of been different if the races were reversed.
Bryan S.
QHST
I agree with my classmate tiffany... I do believe race was taking place in this situation , only with the crime itself. I feel that the reason his son was a target because he was a african american boy accused of raping a female , most likely a white female. so of course that's gonna put flames in the fire. I feel that race shouldn't have no role in this trial. In class it was stated that there was one african american man who felt that since you killed someone you should pay time for it, but I also feel that if there was more african american people in the stand, maybe a little arguement of racial thoughts probably would have been said. I also think that if there was more black people John White most likely would be off the hook cause they would look at the problem as a black man trying to save his son from a mob of white boys yelling racial slurs. My opinion on John White receiving a fair trial is type confusing cause I think he only did what was right which is protecting his son , But I'm not saying its okay for him to shoot anyone but he only protected his family. My question is , IF MR.WHITE IS IN PRISON, DON'T THEY THINK WHITE PRISONERS WHO ARE RACES WOULD TRY TO HURT MR. WHITE JUST AS WORST AS IF HE WAS A FREE MAN?
Courteney Richardson
Qhst Senior
Honestly, I dont think race played that much of a role in this situation. If you replaced everyone on the jury with a black person, I think the majority would of still found him guilty just because what he did was wrong, whether it was an accident or not. I agree with everyone who said race shoulnt have been involved. If the outcome of the case was determined because of race, that would make the case more unfair than it already was. While most of the jurors found him guilty, the case was still unfair because two of the jurors stated how the judge pressured them find him guilty. If they werent pressured to find him guilty, the whole outcome of the case might have been different. For some reason I dont think that if the races were reversed the case would of turned out differently. While race issues do come up a lot, to me this seems like a case that race wouldnt affect. Both parties are at fault here. Mr. White should not of pulled a gun out on Mr. Cicciaro's son and Mr Cicciaro's son and friends should not have done what they did. They were in no position to take justice into their own hands to protect the girl who claimed that someone threatened to rape her.
M. Harmon
QHST
I disagree with those that have said that race played a large part in the decision. It is true that it played a role, but the fact that the man was an ex-Marine weighed heavier in the jury's decision. He should know that killing a person in the U.S., whether you have served the country or not, is a criminal act and he should be punished accordingly. If Cicciaro had survived the shot, he and his accomplices should be punished as well. If they didn't persist in their taunting and attacking, the outcome would be different. I think race may come in to play when the sentencing was given.
Courtney Wilson
QHST Seniors
Manpreet Kaur
Race played a a role in this trial only when the other children came over to Mr. White's home and started saying racial comments outside.In the twenty- fifth paragraph it stataes that the boy who was killed's family came in with such a look like they were going to kill Mr.White evn if he comes home. I think that the outcome of the case would have been different, if the races of the people involved were rversed; because then there would be a different conflict:and it would be easier to see ewho is gulity and who's not easier.
Thank you to the QHST seniors who are posting to this blog. It's really great to get an exchange of ideas going between our two schools. Looking forward to future collaborations. Please keep the comments and posts coming!
Even in the 21st century, race still plays a huge role in the things we do. Such as things like where we live, who we sit next to, and sometimes when we apply for jobs. But when it comes down to this trial, I think that many of the circumstances that people think makes this trial a "black vs. white" trial are wrong. I believe that by reading the articles about the events leading up to the trial, and the shooting off the young white man were completely and utterly racial. I think that how the siuation played out was horrible, and im very sadden by that fact, but i feel that Mr. White in some way had the right intenions. I know that a boy was killed, and this is horrible, but they should not have been on his property in the first place. But this is for the jury to decide. When it comes down to if the
juries' decisions were affected by race, i don't belkeve that at all. I think that the holiday season, and being away from their families played a bigger role than the case being an African American man vs. a white family in a sense. I think that if anything, the entire jury should be questioned in wrong doing, because in the end I do believe that is was the jury as a whole who was wrong, and not just some of them.
Alyssa Faller
QHST
Mr. Brown and I were speaking about this case today. What he said kind of summed it up in a very simple manner; "someone had to be the adult in the situation."
The burden of being the adult came down to Mr. White. With 20 minutes or so having elapsed before the boys showed up, he could have called the police, and waited in the house for them.
It cannot be denied that African-Americans, have, and continue to be the victims of abuse, racism, and discrimination. Certainly, a group of boys in loud muscle cars racing to one's home seems like something from years past. However, for Mr. White to state that past experiences influenced his behavior, is in a way prejudiced.
I don't believe those boys were coming to Mr. White's house to talk. However, as Mr. Brown said "someone had to be the adult."
I believe Mr. White had a fair trial, the question here is whether or not he had a fair jury deliberation. i agree with Mr.Brown and Mr. Tesler, someone had to be the adult in this situation. Mr.White was not only an adult, but he was also an ex-militay officer. He if anyone knew that guns are not a toy to be played around with it is a dangerous weaon that could cause great harm to a person, and in this case it was fatal. Mr. White was up and knew that these boys were coming to his home. He made the decision to take the law into his own hands after having every opportunity to call the police.
Of course race played a role in this trial. I don't believe this supposed "lynch mob" would have gone to harass a boy accused of rape so severely if he was white. But in terms of the trial, I think Mr.White was convicted of murder because he was a murderer he kill a boy because of a wroong decision he made and he deserves to go to prision for that. If the the races were reversed and a black boy was killed by a white man I believe the results would be the same. It may even be more of a media circus becausue the white man would be accused a hate crime.
This case raises the question, how effective are juries? These jurors were more concerned with getting home to their families than listening to each other. But it scares me to think that if I ever faced trial, I may be the product of a jury that's in a rush.
I want to say race did not play a role in the case but I realy think it did play some what of a role. Mr.white I think that he had to go to jail or be put under house arrest. he needed to get something for shooting the boy. I know he may not have been in the right state of mind but sill he shot someone. He took a life he needs to do some time for his actions. I know how he most of felt. If he was awoken by the boys shouting because one night when I was sleeping my mother and sister were fighting. My sister was screaming and in my dream I thought there was a lion. Then I was waking up a little bit. my sister was screaming but to me I thought it was a lion. To me her scream sounded that way then I jumped up ran down the stars. I see her on the floor screaming because my mom broke her phone. But I thought she was posested or something I was still scared. From that happening to me I can see or know what mite have been going through Mr.whites head. He should have stayed in his house and called the cops. but in sted he ran our of his house with a gun and took someones life. So you see he needed to get something for that. In the court room there was a group of men that were agenst Mr.white and if he didn't go to jail. He probly would have got beat up or killed by them so I think it was a little better for him to go to jail. I have mixed feeling about this but even if he was on house arrest he proble would get deththrets and stuff like that.
_Kristen Fitzgerald
Q.H.S.T Senior
QHST Senior - Mr.Brown's class...
In this case race I don't feel race played a huge role. If you look at the case and take out the fact that it is an African American on trail for killing a teenage white boy, and see them both as people there is no racial issue. Yes the group of boys approached the house yelling racial comments, but both the boys and John were at wrong. He had no right to approach the boys with the gun. Even though John had no intention of doing any harm to any of the boys, he just wanted to protect his family and that is understandable. He just needed to re-think the situation instead of reacting in the blink of an eye. During the trail the teenage boys father was very intimidating and did make his point across that he should be feared. The decision should have not been rushed. And the comment made that John should go to jail for his safety cause he would die if he was set free. I think this case needs to be rethought, and looked over with more care.
From What I have heard from the majority of the comments is race played a big role in the case. I say that up to a certain extent race has played a role in this case by accussing a black young man of raping a white young woman. what praveen has said about the roles being reversed the outcome would have been different because the accused would not have had a severe punishment which I agree with, because there has been many cases with black vs. white and only the black get noticed for what they have done wrong but the white people get treated differently like the Shaun Bell case I feel like thats how they are treating this case. They are not looking at Mr. whites perspective but only the victims perspective and I'm not trying to justify what Mr. white did was right I'm just saying that when a person or a group of people come onto your property looking for trouble than of course your going to protect yourself in every way but then again Mr. white should have called the police and filed a complaint. That also goes for the kids who came to his house they should have called the police stating that the girl had been raped or better yet she could have done that instead of them taking matters into their own hands which was wrong and the kids that came onto his property should have recieved some form of punishment and Mr. White should have at least 8 years in prison for shooting a child because 15 years is too much.
I do not feel that race played a major factor in this court case. I feel John was only trying to protect his family and home when he seen these young adults trespassing on his property. What would you do?
I do not think race played a role in this trial, but many people probably do think race plays a role because it involves an African American and a white male. So they see different colors and they make race play a role in the trial. I personally do not think it does because if anyone else were to do this I think they would get the same punishment. However, I still see it as John White was trying to protect himself and his family. Mr. White could have just talked it out, but people get nervous and they do not know what to do first and to him he thought that coming out with a gun was the best way to scare him off.
Keep the posts coming, QHST Seniors!
Your comments are insightful, and add to this post in a big way.
Something to consider...Mr. White spoke of experiences told to him by relatives, etc. Could/should past experience be used as a defense for actions taken in the present?
Race plays a major role in this case, because if mr.white was white and the child shot in the face was black, I think this whole case would of been looked at as a matter of protecting his property or self-defense. Also this case should be looked at as a matter where a possible victim took matters in to there own hands protecting his treatend son from harms way. I also think that Mr. white shouldn't face the charges of man slaughter, from what i read in the second article where aron gave his point of view, it doesn't seem like the shot was intentional. To keep this trial as fair as can be we all need to think about "what would you do if your son's life was being treatend?"
QHST SENIOR Jamaal ADAMS
I agree with Alyssa Faller, and Jamaal's comments. I feel that race played a large role in this case. Given Mr. White's situation, I believe if he was of a different complextion, his fait would have had a different outcome. As Brian pointed out, even the article after the fact had racist titles in it. This case was mainly based on skin color. In my opinion, it is shameful that this day in age, we're still looking at it as a black man killed a white teenager, rather than a man was trying to protect his family. The fact that we're even questioning whether or not this case was fair or not because of race, that there is even a incline of doubt, shows that race played a major role in the outcome of Mr. Whites fait. I agree with Praceen Sharma, and think that Mr. White should have argued that his rights were being violated.
- Alyssa Cumberbatch
The Queens High School Of Teaching
It is a shame to say that race does still occur till now even after all that has happened in the past. If the boy that was shot was African American then it would probably be self-defense. I believe that Mr. White should have called the police first but then again he did have the right intentions to protect his property and his family but it always comes down to calling the police and let them handle it. The boy shouldn't have been on his property so it is both their faults. I think Mr. White should be charged because you always pay for what you do. You learn from your mistakes. Even if Mr.White didn't mean to shoot the boy, it really doesn't matter in this situation. Also to answer Mr. Tesler question, the past experience should not be used as a defense for actions taken in the present. He shouldn't have been dwelling over the past. Whatever has happened to Mr. White in the past has nothing to do with the present.
-QHST senior
Anta R.
I agree with the few students who think that race doesn't play a major role in this trial. I think that it wasnt that big of a racist issue. In fact, the guy should have known that if you kill someone in the United States, it can lead you to be in jail for life. I think that this trial was fair.
-Simran Kaur (QHST).
It is a shame to say that race does still occur till now even after all that has happened in the past. If the boy that was shot was African American then it would probably be self-defense. I believe that Mr. White should have called the police first but then again he did have the right intentions to protect his property and his family but it always comes down to calling the police and let them handle it. The boy shouldn't have been on his property so it is both their faults. I think Mr. White should be charged because you always pay for what you do. You learn from your mistakes. Even if Mr.White didn't mean to shoot the boy, it really doesn't matter in this situation. Also to answer Mr. Tesler question, the past experience should not be used as a defense for actions taken in the present. He shouldn't have been dwelling over the past. Whatever has happened to Mr. White in the past has nothing to do with the present.
-QHST senior
Anta R.
I agree with everyone who said that race played a major role this case. Justice was not being served here at all. I don't believe that John White received a fair trial. I feel that if it was a white man shooting a black man and protecting his family and house it would have been a totally didn’t story. I feel that the jury shouldn’t have decided so quick just because Christmas was coming up. You’re deciding upon a person’s life, and I felt that the jury should have thought more carefully and wisely about their decision. But I think that what Mr. White did was wrong. I think he shouldn’t have shot the teen. But what would you do in that position? When your adrenaline is pumping and you’re trying to save your family and home?
I think that race played a major role in this case."where was JUSTICE served here?". It was absolutley not anywhere. Like certain students pointed out above that were still looking at skin color. All he wanted to do was save his family and his property. But if it would of been a african american getting shot by a white person then he wouldnt be punished so badly and it would be consider self defense.I agree with Alyssa, it is a shame that now a days were still be treated different because of our skin color and race. We should be treated equally.
-Sorybel Robles
J Dilan
I also agree with people who say that race played a big role in the outcome of John White’s case. It’s unfair to say that John White got a fair look on his case. I think that his case wasn’t treated like any other case. The one resone why I think that race play a big role in this case is what Tobin said that if it was a white man with a gun that shot a black teen to protect his family I believe that the case would have been very different. There is another big twist in this case because this case was right before the holidays and the jury didn’t want to be in court for the holidays so they maid a decision without a good look at the case. I you ask me I think that John White should be given another trial and should be looked at again.
I think that race played a big role in this trail because they judge people against whom they are and that should not be done because everyone as a whole is equal. I feel race should not have been a role in this trail because i would feel as if this trail wasnt fare because it was base upon what you are, they should be worrying about actions and crimes being made not worrying about what you are because it shouldnt be the main focus. yes, i really do think it would have been different if it was reversed because they would tend to treat the reversed better than the others and race should even be brong up.No, i dont think Mr. White recieved a fair trail because they didnt look behind it and see who he really is and what type of person he is all he was doing was protecting his family from harm,all they looked at was whom he is on the outside never judge a book by its cover thats how i see it. Mr cicciaro should just never stoop to that level and been on there property basically he deserve it because he knew drama would occur.
kristal atchison
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