The Murder of Matthew Shepard - Essay Example

Matthew Shepard Born on December 1976 to Judy and Dennis Shepard in Wyoming, Matthew Shepard lived to become a victim of a hate crime that continues to transform and influence the lives of millions worldwide. Shepard’s murder is largely associated with his sexual orientation as it was precipitated by various threats and violent incidences in his campus. The threats followed Shepard’s bravery for being openly gay in a state where such was not easily welcomed. His death caught the attention of national and international media as they highlighted the extent hate crimes in the country, which precipitated calls for protective legislation at the state and federal levels. This paper examines the murder of Matthew Shepard with respect to the circumstances leading to his death and his legacy. Alongside his younger brother, Shepard led a normal childhood attending school in Wyoming since his freshman to junior years. Shepard completed his education at The American School, Switzerland after his parents moved to the Saudi Aramco Residential Camp in Dhahran owing to his father's work. His experience abroad largely influenced his desire to travel, which led to an unfortunate incident during a school tour to Morocco where he was beaten and raped. This ordeal triggered a bout of depression and panic attacks that are attributed to his involvement with drugs during college. Shepard attended college in Casper, Wyoming to major in political science where his interest in politics sought him a position as a student representative at the Wyoming Environmental Council. Friends and family described Shepard as an overly optimistic individual looking forward to new challenges. In addition, he held great passion for equality and acceptance as demonstrated in his roles at the community theatre and thus, was very approachable (“Matthew’s Story”). The tragic events that transpired shortly after midnight on October 7, 1998 followed the conclusion of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Association (LGBTA). The organization comprised mostly of university students, but welcomed the indulgence of staff members as well as the townspeople. In spite of a low attendance during its meetings, the association’s email list was illustrated as a long one. The meeting on the night of October 6 was meant to organize last-minute details of the Gay Awareness Week slated for the following week. The association’s chair, Jim Osborn, had been attacked before the meeting where he described the events to fellow members and asked them to be vigilant. LGBTA traditions involve late night coffee breaks before adjournment. Shepard visited a local bar where he was approached by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson who offered him a ride home. However, events took a dramatic turn after the two drove to a rural area and proceeded to rob, bind Shepard to a fence, and whip him with the butt of .357 Magnum in their possession. He suffered had severe brainstem damages, fractures on his head, and numerous lacerations on his face and neck. The combination of these injuries incapacitated his body’s ability to control the heart rate, temperature among other vital functions. Shepard was discovered over 12 hours later by cyclist who perceived his bound composure and comatose state as a scarecrow (Thernstrom). Found in a near death state, doctors described his condition as too severe to risk an operation and as such, Shepard was placed on life support. Meanwhile, the brutal attack attracted the attention of local, national, and later international media shaping the calls for legislations to include the sexual minorities to the list of protected individuals by the law. Shepard was pronounced dead about a week later with his family by his side at the hospital. All the while, Laramie authorities investigating the heinous crime sought to retrace the last events of Shepard’s life McKinney and Henderson were arrest after they were found in possession of Shepard’s shoes, wallet, and a bloody gun, which were entirely incriminating. The party gave shaky arguments for their actions after they lacked alibis during the period in question. Investigations established that the suspects gained the confidence of the victim on gay pretences. However, McKinney provided different rationale for his actions claiming gay panic defense in one instance and robbery in another. As the criminal statutes in Wyoming did not define hate crime, the suspects were charged with murder. The charged perpetrators are serving two consecutive life terms without parole following the intervention of Shepard’s parents who brokered a deal on their behalf. The tragedy in a largely rural area caused an urban uproar with national repercussions. The society regarded the murder as a hate crime and as such, demanded for legislation that would ensure justice for the perpetrators. Gay rights activists organized rallies based on Shepard’s murder terming it as a symbol of bigotry and hatred (Sears 791). The rallies attracted large crowds who called for legislative reforms to include hate crimes and end homophobic violence. This saw the introduction of a bill that categorized and defined hate crimes in the House of Representatives, whose measure ended in a tie. Similar attempts at the federal level by President Clinton failed and it was not until 2009 that the Matthew Shepard Act was adopted as an amendment having been signed into law by President Obama. Years following Shepard’s death, various projects have been in place to address intolerance with hope of bridging different sentiments expressed by polarized groups. An example is the Laramie Project, which is a play that assesses the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard for his sexual orientation. The documentary-styled play is a creation of the Tectonic Theatre Company who sought to highlight the lack of hate crime laws in various states in the country (Loffreda 127). The play derives its content from numerous interviews with Laramie residents, diary entries, as well as media reports. This provides a rich reconstruction of events that precipitated the crime, deficiencies in the law, and the aftermath. As such, the project is often a critical tool in combatting prejudice and homophobia by promoting tolerance with regard to personal and social activities. The play is widely regarded as an artistic response to teach and learn about diversity, homophobia, and violence. Notably, the play has been performed around the United States to establish enormous popularity on college campuses. This success can be attributed to level at which the play invokes critical thinking and analytical skills of its audience. Such aspects serve to model individuals to acquire or develop leadership and citizenship skills, which follows the understanding of multiculturalism and social responsibility (Wehlburg 35). Following the success of play in combating homophobia, a film under the same title was commissioned by HBO (Home Box Office) in 2002 with the aim of diversifying the audience. A follow up play was written 10 years after the ordeal guided by the interviews with residents, Shepard’s mother, and the perpetrators. There are several artistic works in commemoration of Shepard’s murder, which include songs, poems, plays, and books. One that is especially noteworthy is the bibliography authored Shepard’s mother highlighting family memories, death, and the aftermath. In addition, a foundation in the memory of Shepard was established by his family to honor his personality, which seeks to replace hatred with compassion and tolerance. The organization has been instrumental in the production of the Laramie Project by providing educational and technical support. Similarly, the foundation provides support for youths struggling in their ‘coming out’ owing to harassment and bullying (“The Foundation’s Story”). The brutal murder of Matthew Shepard created an uproar based on the brutality and rationale behind the crimes His death illustrated the lack of legislations to protect the minority in Wyoming and the US at the time. There is much to be done to achieve total protection, a matter subject to vigorous debate in modern society. Works Cited Wehlburg, Catherine. Experiential Education: Making the Most of Learning Outside the Classroom: New Directions for Teaching and Learning, Number 124. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2011. Print. Sears, James T. Youth, Education, and Sexualities: K-Z, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2005. Print. “The Foundation’s Story”. Matthew Shepard Foundation n.d. Web. 16 May 2013. Loffreda, Beth. Losing Matt Shepard: Life and Politics in the Aftermath of Anti-gay Murder. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001. Print. “Matthew’s Story”. Matthew’s Place n.d. Web. 16 May 2013. Thernstrom, Melanie. The Crucifixion of Matthew Shepard. 1999. Web. 16 May 2013. Read More