In a sense, Jordan Davis died over hip-hop. Of course, the teenager’s death was caused by a racist lunatic, but rap music is playing a pivotal role in the murder trial.
Davis, 17, was killed in Jacksonville, Fla., after Michael Dunn shot him because he claims that he was annoyed by rap music blaring from an SUV.
As Dunn continues his trial for first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder, more of the truth is being exposed about what occurred on the day of Davis’ death.
Dunn’s fiancé, Rhonda Rouer, revealed that Michael became upset after Davis and his friends were blasting “thug” rap music while at a gas station. As Rouer went into the store, Dunn approached Davis and his friends and an argument ensued over the music. Dunn claimed that Davis’ friend turned the music down and Davis turned it back up. Afterward, Dunn shot at the vehicle 10 times, eventually killing an unarmed Davis.
In an eerie moment where life imitates art, the scene is somewhat similar to the precursor of Radio Raheem’s death in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. An innocent black male dies because he and his music are viewed as a threat.
But it’s deeper than aggressive lyrics being rapped over pounding drum beats. It’s the ongoing racist notion that blacks must be docile and accommodating. And most of hip-hop music is the antithesis of the submission of black males.
Hip-hop was created as an art form that countered mainstream culture and provided a voice for the voiceless. But those within the mainstream have often portrayed it as a device that equates to danger. In Dunn’s case, he viewed rap music as Davis’ weapon of choice.
But what happens if jury members buy into the notion that Dunn had the right to feel threatened over the loud music? What if jury members are also threatened by rap’s machismo and descriptive lyrics of violent black males.
By tying Jordan Davis to loud, “thug” rap music, Dunn and his defense team are reinforcing the stereotype that caused him to confront Davis in the first place.
In a few days, the jury will deliberate. Unlike the George Zimmerman fiasco, we all hope that this jury will refrain from having empathy for the killer and bring justice to the victim and his family.
