![\"Don](\"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/images\/don_belton.jpg\")
\u201cAre you serious?!\u201d That\u2019s what I said when I first learned what happened to Don. The deep sense of bewilderment and disbelief I felt seemed to be shared by many. It was a tragedy in the true sense of the word.<\/p>\n\u201cAre you serious?!\u201d That\u2019s what I said when I first learned what happened to Don. The deep sense of bewilderment and disbelief I felt seemed to be shared by many. It was a tragedy in the true sense of the word.<\/p>\n
Don was an openly gay, African-American professor at Indiana University in Bloomington. On December 28th he was found brutally stabbed to death in his home. Police later arrested 25-year-old ex-marine Michael James Griffin for the crime.<\/p>\n
The story of Don\u2019s life and death has reverberated throughout our community and the nation, reaching much national news attention.<\/p>\n
He will be remembered as a loved friend, respected community member, and adored teacher. It seems like everyone knew Don. When there\u2019s a sudden loss of someone, we cope by speaking about them, in whatever capacity we can. We tell stories and accounts of meeting them for the first time, about chatting with them in the produce section of the co-op, about listening to them speak at author readings, about learning from them. We tell stories of this man that was warm and compassionate who will be deeply and truly missed.<\/p>\n
Don was also a very gifted writer, often speaking of race, sexuality, and the intersection of these identities.<\/p>\n
As grotesque as it may sound, many homophobic and racist things were written on message boards and blogs after Don\u2019s death. There are wider concerns over how the mainstream media has covered the facts and portrayed this story. Mis-information often fuels the fire of hatred. Between the lines of reporting exist missed opportunities to discuss overt and subtle heterosexism prevalent in our society, and how to work against that hatred. Homophobic and racist prejudice runs deep in corporate media, and Don\u2019s story shows no exception.<\/p>\n
In another terrifying development, Don\u2019s identity will reportedly be at the forefront of the murderer\u2019s defense strategy. Though Griffin has confessed to the murder, he will reportedly be using the \u201cgay panic defense” to plead not guilty.<\/p>\n Griffin alleged that Don sexually assaulted him on Christmas day. Two days later, Griffin took his knife to Don\u2019s house to demand an apology. Bloomington\u2019s Herald Times reported that when Don would not accept Griffin\u2019s accusations, Griffin stabbed him several times, \u201cuntil he quit moving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the \u2018gay panic\u2019 defense, the defendant claims that he or she has been the object of romantic or sexual advances by the victim. The defendant finds the advances so offensive and frightening that it brings on a psychotic state characterized by unusual violence.\u201d (definition from Wikipedia)<\/p>\n Translation: the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense blames the victim, something that\u2019s totally fucked up and an unfortunately typical theme within our society and justice system. You\u2019d think the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense should reveal to any rational individual and group as unjust victim blaming, harkening to archaic values. Of course, our current justice system sees it otherwise.<\/p>\n As recent as 2009, a Chicago man Joseph Biedermann successfully used the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense and was acquitted for the brutal murder of his neighbor Terrance Hauser. Biedermann stabbed Hauser 61 times after he allegedly made a sexual advance.<\/p>\n Rather than being exposed for the victim-blaming it is, the \u201cgay panic defense” has become an eerily standard explanation for hate crime. Acquittals like that of Joseph Biedermann are all too common and I cannot believe that in 2010 we not only still face such inexcusable crimes, but also terrible administering of justice for those crimes. Let\u2019s hope this serves as a disturbing reminder of how flawed and homophobic our justice system can be, a wake up call that structural prejudices are not just a problem of yesteryear, or perhaps a fire beneath individuals looking to fight for justice.<\/p>\n Throughout Bloomington and the extended community that heard of Don\u2019s tragic death, we are reminded of the preciousness of life, of friendship, and of community. It all just seems crazy and unimaginable. Like this could never happen – not in this town. But maybe, in our own humble ways, perhaps we can seek opportunity from this tragedy\u2014a discussion among friends about homophobia, a quiet time in a classroom to reflect on our own lives, a kindled feeling of duty to speak up and take action against these injustices and never let them happen again.<\/p>\n Along with candlelight vigils and other activities honoring Don, many groups are keeping a critical eye on how the case is taking shape. Please visit these sites to get more information and to do something about it.<\/p>\n Justice for Don Belton: http:\/\/justicefordonbelton.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n Racialicious Article about Don Belton:<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.racialicious.com\/2010\/01\/05\/don-belton-and-the-gay-panic-defense\/<\/a><\/p>\n Further reading about \u201cGay Panic\u201d<\/p>\n http:\/\/gayrights.change.org\/blog\/view\/why_hasnt_the_gay_panic_defense_died_a_miserable_death<\/a><\/p>\n National Coalition on Anti-Violence Programs<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.ncavp.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cAre you serious?!\u201d That\u2019s what I said when I first learned what happened to Don. The deep sense of bewilderment and disbelief I felt seemed to be shared by many. It was a tragedy in the true sense of the word. Don Belton was an openly gay, African-American professor at Indiana University in Bloomington. On December 28th he was found brutally stabbed to death in his home. Police later arrested 25-year-old ex-marine Michael James Griffin for the crime.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blogifesto"],"my_excerpt":" Don was an openly gay, African-American professor at Indiana University in Bloomington. On December 28th he was found brutally stabbed to death in his home. Police later arrested 25-year-old ex-marine Michael James Griffin for the crime.<\/p> The story of Don\u2019s life and death has reverberated throughout our community and the nation, reaching much national news attention.<\/p> He will be remembered as a loved friend, respected community member, and adored teacher. It seems like everyone knew Don. When there\u2019s a sudden loss of someone, we cope by speaking about them, in whatever capacity we can. We tell stories and accounts of meeting them for the first time, about chatting with them in the produce section of the co-op, about listening to them speak at author readings, about learning from them. We tell stories of this man that was warm and compassionate who will be deeply and truly missed.<\/p> Don was also a very gifted writer, often speaking of race, sexuality, and the intersection of these identities.<\/p> As grotesque as it may sound, many homophobic and racist things were written on message boards and blogs after Don\u2019s death. There are wider concerns over how the mainstream media has covered the facts and portrayed this story. Mis-information often fuels the fire of hatred. Between the lines of reporting exist missed opportunities to discuss overt and subtle heterosexism prevalent in our society, and how to work against that hatred. Homophobic and racist prejudice runs deep in corporate media, and Don\u2019s story shows no exception.<\/p> In another terrifying development, Don\u2019s identity will reportedly be at the forefront of the murderer\u2019s defense strategy. Though Griffin has confessed to the murder, he will reportedly be using the \u201cgay panic defense\" to plead not guilty.<\/p> Griffin alleged that Don sexually assaulted him on Christmas day. Two days later, Griffin took his knife to Don\u2019s house to demand an apology. Bloomington\u2019s Herald Times reported that when Don would not accept Griffin\u2019s accusations, Griffin stabbed him several times, \u201cuntil he quit moving.\u201d<\/p> \u201cIn the \u2018gay panic\u2019 defense, the defendant claims that he or she has been the object of romantic or sexual advances by the victim. The defendant finds the advances so offensive and frightening that it brings on a psychotic state characterized by unusual violence.\u201d (definition from Wikipedia)<\/p> Translation: the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense blames the victim, something that\u2019s totally fucked up and an unfortunately typical theme within our society and justice system. You\u2019d think the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense should reveal to any rational individual and group as unjust victim blaming, harkening to archaic values. Of course, our current justice system sees it otherwise.<\/p> As recent as 2009, a Chicago man Joseph Biedermann successfully used the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense and was acquitted for the brutal murder of his neighbor Terrance Hauser. Biedermann stabbed Hauser 61 times after he allegedly made a sexual advance.<\/p> Rather than being exposed for the victim-blaming it is, the \u201cgay panic defense\" has become an eerily standard explanation for hate crime. Acquittals like that of Joseph Biedermann are all too common and I cannot believe that in 2010 we not only still face such inexcusable crimes, but also terrible administering of justice for those crimes. Let\u2019s hope this serves as a disturbing reminder of how flawed and homophobic our justice system can be, a wake up call that structural prejudices are not just a problem of yesteryear, or perhaps a fire beneath individuals looking to fight for justice.<\/p> Throughout Bloomington and the extended community that heard of Don\u2019s tragic death, we are reminded of the preciousness of life, of friendship, and of community. It all just seems crazy and unimaginable. Like this could never happen - not in this town. But maybe, in our own humble ways, perhaps we can seek opportunity from this tragedy\u2014a discussion among friends about homophobia, a quiet time in a classroom to reflect on our own lives, a kindled feeling of duty to speak up and take action against these injustices and never let them happen again.<\/p> Along with candlelight vigils and other activities honoring Don, many groups are keeping a critical eye on how the case is taking shape. Please visit these sites to get more information and to do something about it.<\/p> Justice for Don Belton: http:\/\/justicefordonbelton.com\/<\/a><\/p> Racialicious Article about Don Belton:<\/p> http:\/\/www.racialicious.com\/2010\/01\/05\/don-belton-and-the-gay-panic-defense\/<\/a><\/p> Further reading about \u201cGay Panic\u201d<\/p> http:\/\/gayrights.change.org\/blog\/view\/why_hasnt_the_gay_panic_defense_died_a_miserable_death<\/a><\/p> National Coalition on Anti-Violence Programs<\/p> http:\/\/www.ncavp.org\/<\/a><\/p> Don was an openly gay, African-American professor at Indiana University in Bloomington. On December 28th he was found brutally stabbed to death in his home. Police later arrested 25-year-old ex-marine Michael James Griffin for the crime.<\/p>\n The story of Don\u2019s life and death has reverberated throughout our community and the nation, reaching much national news attention.<\/p>\n He will be remembered as a loved friend, respected community member, and adored teacher. It seems like everyone knew Don. When there\u2019s a sudden loss of someone, we cope by speaking about them, in whatever capacity we can. We tell stories and accounts of meeting them for the first time, about chatting with them in the produce section of the co-op, about listening to them speak at author readings, about learning from them. We tell stories of this man that was warm and compassionate who will be deeply and truly missed.<\/p>\n Don was also a very gifted writer, often speaking of race, sexuality, and the intersection of these identities.<\/p>\n As grotesque as it may sound, many homophobic and racist things were written on message boards and blogs after Don\u2019s death. There are wider concerns over how the mainstream media has covered the facts and portrayed this story. Mis-information often fuels the fire of hatred. Between the lines of reporting exist missed opportunities to discuss overt and subtle heterosexism prevalent in our society, and how to work against that hatred. Homophobic and racist prejudice runs deep in corporate media, and Don\u2019s story shows no exception.<\/p>\n In another terrifying development, Don\u2019s identity will reportedly be at the forefront of the murderer\u2019s defense strategy. Though Griffin has confessed to the murder, he will reportedly be using the \u201cgay panic defense” to plead not guilty.<\/p>\n Griffin alleged that Don sexually assaulted him on Christmas day. Two days later, Griffin took his knife to Don\u2019s house to demand an apology. Bloomington\u2019s Herald Times reported that when Don would not accept Griffin\u2019s accusations, Griffin stabbed him several times, \u201cuntil he quit moving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the \u2018gay panic\u2019 defense, the defendant claims that he or she has been the object of romantic or sexual advances by the victim. The defendant finds the advances so offensive and frightening that it brings on a psychotic state characterized by unusual violence.\u201d (definition from Wikipedia)<\/p>\n Translation: the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense blames the victim, something that\u2019s totally fucked up and an unfortunately typical theme within our society and justice system. You\u2019d think the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense should reveal to any rational individual and group as unjust victim blaming, harkening to archaic values. Of course, our current justice system sees it otherwise.<\/p>\n As recent as 2009, a Chicago man Joseph Biedermann successfully used the \u201cgay panic\u201d defense and was acquitted for the brutal murder of his neighbor Terrance Hauser. Biedermann stabbed Hauser 61 times after he allegedly made a sexual advance.<\/p>\n Rather than being exposed for the victim-blaming it is, the \u201cgay panic defense” has become an eerily standard explanation for hate crime. Acquittals like that of Joseph Biedermann are all too common and I cannot believe that in 2010 we not only still face such inexcusable crimes, but also terrible administering of justice for those crimes. Let\u2019s hope this serves as a disturbing reminder of how flawed and homophobic our justice system can be, a wake up call that structural prejudices are not just a problem of yesteryear, or perhaps a fire beneath individuals looking to fight for justice.<\/p>\n Throughout Bloomington and the extended community that heard of Don\u2019s tragic death, we are reminded of the preciousness of life, of friendship, and of community. It all just seems crazy and unimaginable. Like this could never happen – not in this town. But maybe, in our own humble ways, perhaps we can seek opportunity from this tragedy\u2014a discussion among friends about homophobia, a quiet time in a classroom to reflect on our own lives, a kindled feeling of duty to speak up and take action against these injustices and never let them happen again.<\/p>\n Along with candlelight vigils and other activities honoring Don, many groups are keeping a critical eye on how the case is taking shape. Please visit these sites to get more information and to do something about it.<\/p>\n Justice for Don Belton: http:\/\/justicefordonbelton.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n Racialicious Article about Don Belton:<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.racialicious.com\/2010\/01\/05\/don-belton-and-the-gay-panic-defense\/<\/a><\/p>\n Further reading about \u201cGay Panic\u201d<\/p>\n http:\/\/gayrights.change.org\/blog\/view\/why_hasnt_the_gay_panic_defense_died_a_miserable_death<\/a><\/p>\n National Coalition on Anti-Violence Programs<\/p>\n![\"Alt](\"https:\/\/microcosmpublishing.com\/images\/dons_vigil.jpg\")
Don Belton (top) & candlelight vigil downtown Bloomington January 1st, 2010 (above)<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u201cAre you serious?!\u201d That\u2019s what I said when I first learned what happened to Don. The deep sense of bewilderment and disbelief I felt seemed to be shared by many. It was a tragedy in the true sense of the word.<\/p>
Don Belton (top) & candlelight vigil downtown Bloomington January 1st, 2010 (above)<\/em><\/p>
<\/a><\/p>","my_excerpt_rendered":"\u201cAre you serious?!\u201d That\u2019s what I said when I first learned what happened to Don. The deep sense of bewilderment and disbelief I felt seemed to be shared by many. It was a tragedy in the true sense of the word.<\/p>\n
Don Belton (top) & candlelight vigil downtown Bloomington January 1st, 2010 (above)<\/em><\/p>\n