What is O J Simpson thinking - 11.15.2006.1

What in the hell is wrong with O.J. Simpson? I have a lot of mixed feelings on him and the murder of his ex-wife. If there is one subject that polarizes the nation definitively along racial lines this is it. And this has been the case since the arrest. It’s not getting better with this recent book or television special.

Now I recall working at a brokerage firm when O.J. was chased by police on television. I recall how many felt he had to be guilty right then and there, because he was running from the police. I recall vividly the anger the trial sparked, as O.J. claimed innocence – which was the source of the anger. I remember when the decision came down and a brokerage meeting stopped to hear it. When he was announced innocent I can still see the anger and rage that swept the office, except for me.

In the years since I have had many conversations with colleagues and friends as well as other people on the case. In virtually every case most of those who were White Americans were upset and most who were Black Americans were not. Several found the case to be unfair and rigged, others expect that it was the ideal showcase of the legal system.

Personally I will say this. The charges were wrong and the police failed in the investigation. I mean that I feel one person could not commit the murders in the time allotted without creating noise and gaining the attention of neighbors. This was a 2 person job. Also little things bother me about the evidence. One item that always stuck in my head is the single bloody sock. If a sock is soaked with blood, so therefore are the feet, and if this sock is found next to a bed on a white carpet where are the bloody footprints? Where is the other sock? How many times do you only take one sock off? As for the trial, it was an example of what money can do for a person. If this were a rich white athlete or other entertainer, I don’t see there being quite the same outrage. The defense did what they were paid for, and many other entertainers and celebrities have won cases in the same manner. And I have not said O.J. Simpson is innocent, just that the charges and investigation were flawed.

Of course the outrage over the trial lead to a civil suit that I feel was a farce. The families won because of the anger felt by White Americans across the nation, a way to make them feel like they still could get some justice. Sadly I have rarely ever seen this same morale conviction in cases with Black Americans. Many complained when Mr. Rodney King sued L.A. saying he was getting too much money. The outrage has never died either. Even today newscasters openly state how they feel O.J. is guilty of the crime, though he was found innocent. They directly state how they wish that no money from any endeavor should reach O.J. That is far from an impassionate presentation of the news.

Of course O.J. Simpson is feeding such fires. I cannot imagine what would compel him to write a ‘what if’ book. Any reasonable consideration of the ramifications of the book leads on to realize that it will just incite rage against him. And by default against other African Americans defending themselves. This interview and book give a false vindication to the way that Black entertainers and celebrities are viewed by the media, especially if there are charges.
Other than rappers, who seem to delight and gain sales from charges, there is no benefit from such biased coverage. Examples of this are the failure to note the on-going efforts of Mr. Bill Cosby and others, and the wide attention noted to Mr. Wesley Snipes. Beyond that I just find the ‘mental masturbation’ of the ‘what if’ book and televised interview distasteful. Gaining income or infamy from describing the murder of innocents is wrong. To promote such is objectionable. They may have a right to do so, under the Amendments, but that doesn’t mean that they should do it.

Like many things these days, it’s an example of something we can do but really just shouldn’t.

This is what I think, what do you think?