On Trayvon Martin: Is Image Everything?

The Feb. 26 shooting death of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by 28-year-old George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain in Sanford, Florida, has been at the center of a national uproar.

Many are calling the shooting a hate crime --Martin is black and Zimmerman is white-- and a miscarriage of justice, as Zimmerman has not been arrested nor charged with any crime.

The unarmed Martin was gunned down in cold blood by Zimmerman on his way home from the store. Martin was carrying only a bag of Skittles and a bottle of iced tea.

However, Zimmerman claims the 17-year-old attacked him as he was walking back to his truck, according to Sanford police. And so Zimmerman is protected under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, which absolves a person's duty to retreat when threatened with serious bodily harm or death.

A grand jury will be convened April 10 to consider whether to bring state charges, which could include second-degree murder or manslaughter.

In the meantime, as authorities and the public evaluate the circumstances surrounding Martin’s shooting death, one interesting aspect has been brought under scrutiny: Martin’s attire.

Fox News Channel commentator Geraldo Rivera said Friday that the hoodie Martin wore when he was killed in Florida is as much responsible for his death as the man who shot him. Rivera's claim is outrageous, to say the least. Certainly, a person should never have to lose their life because of what he or she is wearing.

But to what extent do stereotypes surrounding a person’s attire play a role in shaping public sentiment? Is it enough to arouse antipathy, disdain and even violence? If so, should young boys become more conscientious about the way they dress and the messages it sends?

Take our poll, and tell us what you think in the comments.