A few weeks ago Ezra Edelman took us back to a very polarizing time in our country—the O.J. Simpson murder trial. I found the documentary miniseries to be extremely fascinating. Ezra Edelman did an excellent job of displaying the many different facets surrounding the case. He interviewed people on both sides of the issue and provided an extraordinary amount of content that hopefully makes the subject a little less polarizing.
I was navigating the ages of 10 and 11 during the time of the murders and the announcement of the not guilty verdict. I went to a school where the majority of the school, including students, staff, faculty, and administrators were white. I was well aware of the dividing line that such a case was causing. Though I had been exposed to racial issues at earlier ages, my pondering of what being black meant in light of mainstream social events really began in 1994-1995.
My best friend at the time was a white guy, and with events such as the O.J. Simpson murder case and the Million Man March, I remember for the first time contemplating what it meant for myself and my best friend to disagree on those issues. It was weird, wondering if the wrong comments, thoughts, or feelings would derail our friendship. It was weird contemplating how I “should” feel about any of it on the basis of my skin color versus his skin color. I appreciate how Ezra Edelman took me back to contemplate this time in my life, allowing me to reflect on it with a fuller historical context and twenty plus more years of lived life.
The O.J. Made In America documentary miniseries tells a story that should in some way evoke sympathy and empathy for those who may not look, think, or live like you. There have been times when I have disagreed with someone’s thoughts, beliefs, or reactions but was still able to understand their reason why; or see how they arrived to those thoughts, beliefs, or reactions. I was able to put myself in their shoes or view life through their eyes. Doing such a thing is not always easy, but it is beneficial when seeking understanding. It takes effort, which can be encouraged and energized by compassion.
Let’s consider JESUS. When Lazarus died, I do not believe JESUS approved of Mary and Martha’s statements, lack of belief, or lack of understanding, but we do see that HE understood their sentiment. HE wept with them. He was “deeply moved in HIS spirit and greatly troubled.” JESUS did not break the bruised reeds that were Mary and Martha—HE empathized without compromising HIS character or anything HE stood for. Yes, this is possible.
While watching, I found myself grieving for Eula Love and Latasha Harlins. I never agreed with the riots after the Rodney King verdict, but I understand the feelings associated with such an outburst. I share their anger. I grieved for the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. I cannot imagine the grief of losing my kids at all, let alone due to brutal murder. I do not agree with the basis of Carrie Bess’ acquittal vote, but I can understand why she felt that way.
My point is not to further polarize this event by asking you to argue a side, but rather asking you to be introspective and perform an internal audit of yourself. Bomani Jones of ESPN, who some believe to be a polarizing figure, challenged the Twittersphere. He posted, “If you think the Simpson verdict in L.A. was a miscarriage of justice, what did you think of [Rodney] King, [Latasha] Harlins and [Eula] Love?” That is the type of question that forces an individual to be honest with themselves and confront any inconsistencies in their proposed virtues.
So, I challenge you to watch O.J. Made In America. And I challenge you to put yourself in the shoes of the different people involved. I challenge you to have compassion on others. I challenge you to go beyond sympathy and strive for empathy. And I challenge you to do this everyday that you live.
Grace and peace.
