https://www.refinery29.com/2016/06/113992/oj-made-in-america-episode-2-lapd
My found object is the second episode of OJ Simpson: Made in America, a 2016 TV documentary series directed by Ezra Edelman. Because many will not be able to access this episode, the link above describes what is outlined throughout the episode. It discusses how the documentary spends the majority of an entire episode of its five part series examining the effect of the riots on the trial. It discusses the racial tensions between police officers and African Americans in LA in the early 90s. It suggests that the riots were an influence in how the trial turned out and who supported him and why. I highly suggest watching the full documentary to better understand the impact this had.
The documentary touches on the fact that a large portion of the support for OJ came from African Americans and that it was partly influenced by the Rodney King riots. Black people in LA at this time had largely felt neglected and stepped on by the system that allowed for white police officers to get away with violent assault on Rodney King. OJ's trial resembled so much more than just a man being on trial, it felt as though all African Americans were on trial. Even though OJ Simpson was the last person to represent all black people in America and was actually quoted saying, "I'm not black I'm OJ." However, due to the fact that it was in LA just three years after the riots and how likable he was to the public, he was thrown into this position of representation. One of the jurors from the case explains that she felt as though she had an obligation to believe he was innocent, regardless of what was presented to her. Because of how oppressed African Americas had been in LA in recent years, this feeling being strongly influenced by the riots and the aftermath, she felt as though she had no choice. A win for OJ was a win for African Americans in LA.
The documentary also examines how OJ's trial was a perfect juxtaposition to the LA riots. Many black people celebrated in the wake of the trials outcome. Yes, of course it is a tragedy that this man got away with the murder of his wife. However, this was a victory, and that simple fact shows how oppressed African Americans were at this time. To this day, white people constantly get away with crimes against black people. Just prior to this was one of the most infamous cases with the largest response, the Rodney King Riots. Finally it was a black man that was seemingly "privileged" in the eyes of the public and ended up winning the trial. It was a victory, and that shows the true problem continuing in our country.
-Emily Lewis
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