Reading the article by Julia Johnson just further demonstrates the many layers in any and every situation, including how we identify ourselves and each other. When we judge a book by it’s cover that is where we make our initial mistake. We shouldn’t label someone based on our beliefs and teachings without giving that person the chance to tell you who they are and how they would like to be addressed. Not everyone fits into one specific mold and when you try to define someone based on your own “beliefs” you disregard that person and their feelings completely.
Watching the interview with CeCe McDonald then watching the documentary Free CeCe about her life just shows us that we have much more to do in achieving equality for all despite skin color, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, etc. CeCe not only faced bias against her because she was black but because she was trans. Again, I cant help but think what does either have to do with the other and what does it have to do with her as a person? It is saddening that she endured what she went through for living her truth and because someone either didn’t understand or didn’t want to understand attacked her. It was unfortunate for the “aggressor” that the result of her standing up for herself resulted in the aggressor’s death, but had she not, who knows if she would’ve been the one whos life would’ve ended that night as it has happened. It was even more disgusting that she was treated the way she was while in the criminal justice system. Beginning with putting her in a male prison when clearly she belonged in a women’s prison, but because people the trans women are just men in a dress and thy are acting, she was not put where she actually belonged. Then she was in solitary confinement for her “safety.” This is something that “cisgender” people don’t have to worry about. And eufortunately this is nothing new and despite the calls for reforms, it seems as if we are still right where we started. The fact that Cece felt she needed to take a plea deal where she essentially admitted being guilty to murder out of fear that going to trial to prove her innocence could possibly land her in jail forever is evidence that we have a long way to go in prison reform as well as this is something that would not have happened had Cece been a white, cisgender male. It was refreshing to see CeCe take a terrible situation and instead of letting it tear her down, and she definitely could’ve let it break her, but she turned it into a learning experience and is now out there advocating for people like herself, using the strongest weapon she possesses: her voice. Hopefully with people like her out on the front lines continuing to fight for equal rights for all, we will eventually see the change we need.
Hello Michelle,
It’s always very refreshing to read you posts.
I couldn’t agree more when you mention that:” including how we identify ourselves and each other. And judging a book by its cover is where we initially go wrong. We shouldn’t label someone before allowing that person the chance to tell..”’
It’s really sad that our community still judge people based on their skin color, financial and social level, backgrounds, and gender instead of judging them based on excellence and merit.
But to your point and to CeCe’s will power if everyone starts educating themselves and taking any bad situation into a learning experience and proof that the overall assumption is wrong, I believe that we all can be going on the right path.
Thank you.
Hi Michelle ,
I enjoyed reading your thoughts, you said something that stood out to me. When you mentioned how CeCe McDonald felt obligated to take a plea deal of her being guilty. I think that was the most unfairest thing about this incident . Why should a human being who was attacked plea guilty for self defending themselves ? this was a lose lose situation unfortunately. I truly hope things take a turn for the better its unfortunate what happened to CeCe McDonald and no sympathy or care was disembogued towards McDonald.
Hello Michelle,
As you mentioned, it is unfortunate the her standing up for herself ended up in the aggressors death. However, had she not, it could of been the other way around. CeCe’s whole situation is extremely sad and upsetting; especially how she was treated while being incarcerated. Like you have stated, regardless of all the reforms and protest, there is still a lot that needs to be done. We have to continue to fight for justice and equality.
Hello Michelle,
You mentioned a lot of good points, one thing that you mentioned that stood out to me was the fact that if Cece would’ve been a white transgender woman the situation would’ve been different and it saddens me to say this but you are completely right. By watching the documentary it was more than obvious that they wanted Cece to look as if she killed a man for no reason and they didn’t treat her like they would treat a white person. They totally ignored the fact that Cece was the victim and she was hurt and discriminated. It is crazy to know that all this would’ve been prevented/avoided if people would respect others no matter their color or gender. Instead of feelings superior people need to learn to mind their business especially if its not affecting them in no shape or form. I am glad Cece is speaking her truth and experience.