As the news of the shooting of a Sanford, Fla. teenager in 2012 made its way across the country, the refrain became a common one.

I am Trayvon Martin.

The words were the simplest way for Americans to express their feelings toward the case, which concluded last weekend with the acquittal of George Zimmerman on the charges of manslaughter and second degree murder.

But as the verdict was announced and the backlash began on social media and in cities across the country, it was difficult to find any solace for those who believe Martin’s death could and should have been avoided, and that Zimmerman should be the one held responsible.

But rather than drawing quick, misinformed conclusions, perhaps the best way to find some level of understanding and peace is to flip that oft-recited declaration on its ear.

I am George Zimmerman.

When sports stars, entertainers and everyday Americans tossed on hooded sweatshirts and posed with signage that juxtaposed their likeness with Martin’s, they did so in an effort to portray the fact any one of us, regardless of race, could be a target.

But didn’t we already know that?

Racism, while pushed to the margins in our own Pacific Northwest bubble for the most part, still boils over, and the same “stand your ground” philosophy that played into the verdict in Florida is built into our own laws, as it is in some three dozen states across the country. Anyone left with wonderment at the notion someone would take such drastic action based initially on racial profiling is either naive or in denial.

The lesson to take from this senseless tragedy isn’t that we are all at the will of gun-toting block watch leaders, although that has once again proven itself to be true.

It is that when we find ourselves in a position to judge, we must do so without qualification based on race, skin color, or other prejudices.

That was what George Zimmerman failed to do, and what every American should feel an obligation to learn from.

The more of us willing to realize we are all in the same position as Zimmerman is the fastest way to stop more deaths like Martin’s.