I bet throughout the entire Trayvon Martin case their sales increase. However, many have expressed aversion to the commercial nature of the symbolism, offering an explanation that the companies have profited from the death of the Florida teen. Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea serve as comfort for some who felt the ruling in the case was unjust or as a tribute to Martin, posting photos of themselves on social media websites with the items. This Trayvon Martin thing has got me eating Skittles> non-stop, wrote Twitter user anthonyjeselnik. #SpreadTheWord, wrote Twitter user J_Marks_ThaSpot. Participants in the Million Hoodie March in New York City and Los Angeles carried the three items and were encouraged by celebrity Spike Lee to Send bags of skittles to the Sanford Chief of Police, demanding that George Zimmerman be brought to justice.Įveryone Wear A Hoodie Tomorrow &' Bring Skittles &' A Arizona To Show Respect To Trayvon Martin. In many grassroots movements for Martin, Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea, along with the hooded sweatshirt or hoodie worn by Martin, have become iconic in the case. Since the story gained national attention through social media, even from President Barack Obama, Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea have been key symbolic elements in the many protests and demonstrations on behalf of Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old neighborhood watch captain, shot and killed Martin with a Kel-Tec 9mm handgun in defense, as he believed the teen was up to no good, though Martin was armed only with Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea, found on him after he was pronounced dead. After being thrust into national media attention, both companies have expressed their condolences for the family of Trayvon Martin and addressed accusations of commercial gain stemming from his death. 26 returning from the store to buy candy and a drink. Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea have become symbols in the most talked about news this year, the Trayvon Martin case, regarding a 17-year-old Florida teen who was shot and killed Feb. Thrust into the spotlight from critics who believe Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea have profited from the death of the teen since the case gained national attention, the companies finally spoke out regarding their roles in the case amidst accusations of commercial gain.