The Deaths of Trayvon Martin: Photographs and Representation in Protest

Abstract

In the aftermath of the killing of Trayvon Martin, protesters often displayed photographs of Martin and made the claim, “I am Trayvon Martin.” This article examines the implications of this argumentative strategy in protests. I argue that the photographic representations of Martin coupled with this claim create dissonance within protests. The ontology of the photograph and the work of mourning create points of identification within the protests that render the claim “I am Trayvon Martin, “problematic. This essay explores the problems that arise when representation and identification intersect in protests and advocacy for victims of racial violence.