Ahmad Aurbery was shot dead by two men outside Brunswick, Georgia, on February 23, 2020. Even though it seems to be a one-time event, it can be connected to other hate crime cases. Arbery was jogging in Satilla Shores, when two white men – Gregory McMichael, 64, and his 34-year-old son, Travis McMichael – suspected him for being a burglar (Shah 2020). They followed him down the road in their truck and attacked Aurbery with a shotgun and a handgun (Futterman and Minsberg 2020). At that time, the crime received little public attention, however evidence of the cellphone footage invoked demands for justice.
The killing of Ahmad Aurbery demonstrates how deviance has led to the commitment of the crime. Gregory and Travis McMichael violated formally-enacted laws by stalking a stranger. Furthermore, they tried to convince prosecutors that Aurbery was the first to attack, and Travis killed him in self-defense. This event allows dwelling on the significance of the informal and formal social control for the prosperity of society. Gregory and Travis McMichael did not adhere to moral standards and norms, such as value for human life and the presumption of innocence. Former social control was not maintained as the two men have not been arrested since Gregory McMichael used to serve as a police detective.
This crime illustrates the form of social stratification that is based on prejudice against black people. Many people of color living in the Brunswick area have expressed concern about their safety while running or exercising (Futterman and Minsberg 2020). People avoid being outside in the evening or running alone because they can rely neither on formal nor informal social control. Finally, legal regulations derive from the concept of social construction when members of society agree upon specific issues. The criminal justice system cannot always respond to the changes happening in communities, thus leaving certain groups of people without protection.
References
Futterman, Matthew, and Talya Minsberg. 2020. “After a Killing, ‘Running While Black’ Stirs Even More Anxiety.” The New York Times.
Shah, Khushbu. 2020. “Ahmaud Arbery Killing: Man Called 911 to Report ‘Black Male Running’ Prior to Shooting.” The Guardian.