Why Did I Root for OJ Simpson During the Miniseries 'The People vs. OJ Simpson'?

I had not watched the miniseries, but OJ Simpson was a big celebrity: a popular athlete and actor in his prime. When I first heard about the murders, my initial reaction was to feel sorry for OJ. Believe it or not, despite the evidence, I did not immediately jump to conclusions.

When he was acquitted, I sided more with the ‘hanging jury’ stance, blaming the prosecutor, the police, and the substandard evidence. When the declaration that 'he's a wife beater' was shouted, I responded that this was what they could prove, but not what they had charged him with. Neither the state nor I could provide proof of his guilt for double murder. While it's widely believed he got away with it, a racist cop planting evidence certainly did not help the situation.

Most of the people supporting him were African American, and as a white individual, I hoped he was innocent. However, there was something about the expression on his face that suggested shame. He never acted like an innocent man, and he never hired detectives to look for the ‘real’ killer. In his eyes, he appeared sick of himself.

There was a significant amount of self-hatred and loathing of law enforcement and the Republican party among those allowing them to be hurt and holding OJ accountable for multiple murders. This sentiment is mirrored today, even among Democrats like Taylor Swift acknowledging this after enduring bullying from Ellen Degeneres.

Context and Public Perception

Firstly, he was a major sports celebrity, a black man who did well, a role model known globally, and thus had many fans from all races, none of whom questioned his integrity. After the murders, he was involved in a high-profile police car chase. This divided public opinion: while some white fans kept an open mind, given that he looked guilty but claimed he was running because he was black and presumed guilty regardless, this was plausible.

However, many recognized that even if this was common for many black men, OJ Simpson was not 'just another black man.' He was a superhuman adored figure among the elite, making it highly unlikely he would be framed by the police for a crime he did not commit without evidence because the entire media was scrutinizing his every move. Racist cops, while possible, were not that stupid.

Most still gave him the benefit of the doubt, considering his sports superstar status, which one expected as the sports world often provides a buffer for such instances. This question, and any other surrounding the trial, was never definitively answered. Despite questions, the evidence still pointed to OJ, and no one else had both the means and motive to commit the murders. Everyone knows he's guilty and got off on a technicality.

The black community outwardly protested his innocence due to the many wrongful convictions and frames that occurred under the guise of law and order. However, even an evidently guilty black man getting away with two unnecessary murders, stemming from a jealous rage despite being able to afford it, did not provide enough justice for past systemic crimes against blacks.

This complex case highlights systemic issues and the media's role in shaping public opinion, leading to a divide between perceived justice and actual guilt.

Conclusion

Ultimately, OJ Simpson's case is a reflection of broader societal issues and the complexities of the justice system. It raises questions about race, justice, and the media's influence on public perception.

Understanding the factors that led to the outcome and the ongoing debates can help foster a more nuanced understanding of the case and its lasting impact on society.