This is a sad situation and constant reminder that media plays a vital role in perpetuating racism and discrimination. Would we know of Arbery’s past if not for news outlets posting videos concerning him from years ago? Another thing I didn’t mention in this piece is that people change. Even if he engaged in problematic behaviors in the past — though not relevant at all in the case of his murder — that shouldn’t define him in the present. We must work to make sure people see Arbery as a victim rather than a criminal who “had it coming.”
J. Stokes
