It makes a difference because of class differences, and race is one indicator of possible class differences.GaTechGal wrote:You know, I think I kind of take pity on this woman (granted I don't know ALL the circumstances nor a lot about the location where she was). It was late and she was probably trying to get the kids home in bed. She is described as a good mother who blames herself for this tragedy and is unlikely to seek a new trial.
What has REALLY inflamed me about this article are the statements:
"An all-white jury convicted Nelson, who is black, of second degree vehicular homicide and other misdemeanor offenses."
and
"Most users of buses in Marietta, a largely white and conservative community north of Atlanta, are black and on low incomes, said Flocks."
What difference does it make as to the RACE of ANY of the participants in this case. It insinuates that the jury was prejudiced. And I've got news for these folks, Marietta is NOT largely white and conservative. It's VERY racially diverse.
If the people on the jury were all middle to upper class and don't regularly ride on buses or walk in the area of town where the tragedy happened, then they'll be less likely to understand her circumstances. They'll be accustomed to driving instead of the hazards of taking the bus, like the ones krnlmustrd pointed out. Poorer areas are often less pedestrian-friendly, and if you don't live in a poor area, you may not know that - or if you know it intellectually, you won't have the visceral knowledge of having to deal with it every day.
