There are times like these when I believe Auburn University lives inside a little bubble thinking the world revolves around a conservative small town that is only affected by crimes like tree poisonings and point shaving, and leaves the rest of the world to deal with its own issues.
How wrong can that be?
Two weeks ago most of America was introduced to Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, a Ugandan guerilla group. Kony kidnaps children out of their homes, kills their parents and puts boys to work in the LRA group and sends girls off to be sex slaves.
Stopping Kony became a national issue. Social media was full of statuses that wanted to capture Kony and stop his evil reign. Celebrities tweeted about it, and #StopKony was trending for days. Americans all over found creative ways to spread the word and seek justice for the people of Uganda, but the movement seemed to skip over Auburn.
Although Kony is still out there and many people are still raising awareness, a new and bigger issue has come to light--one closer to home--Trayvon Martin.
Martin was a 17-year-old black male who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, 28, in a north Orlando community.
Zimmerman confessed to killing Martin, but claimed it was self-defense, even though Martin was simply walking in a neighborhood wearing a hoodie, carrying a bag of Skittles in one hand and a bottle of iced tea in the other.
Though Zimmerman was arrested and questioned for the shooting, police later released him after questioning once they too determined he acted out of self-defense.
Clearly a teen carrying bag of Skittles and iced tea are nothing to be afraid of, so what was Zimmerman so scared of that he had to shoot and kill this 17-year-old teenager?
It has left many wondering the real reason behind Martin's shooting, and the evidence seems to reveal actions of a hate crime, not self defense. Yet Zimmerman has been walking as a free man since the shooting occurred Feb. 26.
Martin's case has gained national attention through social media, television, newspapers, magazines, celebrity notice and community marches, but once again, where is Auburn?
The Miami Heat posted a picture on Facebook and Twitter of the team wearing hoodies in support of Martin. Notable figures like President Obama, the Black Panthers and (of course) Nancy Grace have all made statements about this crime and push for justice.
People all over the country from Los Angeles to Tuskegee have begun to wear hoodies in support of Martin, except on the Plains.
The American people seek justice, but the Auburn family turns its head and says, "That's not my problem."
There's more to the world than Auburn and it's time to stand up for what we believe in and burst the bubble.
Whether it is for Kony, Martin or whatever issues that may arise, Auburn must unite with the rest of our great country and begin to seek liberty and justice.
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