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Posted on 03/30/2012 7:24:35 AM PDT by Sherman Logan
Something just struck me.
The demand that Zimmerman be found guilty and punished, before anything resembling a trial or hearing of the facts has been held, greatly resembles other incidents in history and literature.
To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960, with an excellent movie released in 1962. It tells the story of a black man accused of the rape of a white woman. In it the town and jury, despite strong evidence of the innocence of the accused, closes ranks to convict him. For the simple reason that convicting him, in their minds, served the purpose of a higher truth. That "they" need to be kept in their place. The actual guilt or innocence of the accused was irrelevant, as the purpose of the trial was mainly to demonstrate social outrage and reinforce social norms. IOW, it was a ritual.
In the Duke lacrosse case of a few years back, the initial reaction was identical. Guilt or innocence of the accused wasn't really relevant, as the purpose of the controversy was to demonstrate social outrage and reinforce social norms. The ritual was aimed at increasing solidarity between the groups that felt threatened, just as in TKAM. The groups involved were obviously very different, but the social dynamic was identical.
In the Duke case, the ritual fell apart as the case eventually collapsed. But if not for the internet, which greatly limited the power of the media gatekeepers, the players might very well have been convicted anyway.
In the Zimmerman case we see this again. What actually happened that night is for many irrelevant. Mostly on the left, although also for a few on the right.
What is important is that, as in TKAM and at Duke, the case illustrates a "higher truth." What really happened just isn't important.
Good thoughts!
Thank God we have the Internet today. It is the Free Press for a Free People.
i got the analogy, with a question to all of those otu ther in their hoodies: would you rather recall your part in all this as being with the angry mob, or with Atticus Finch standing for the rule of law?
Good cartoon at link: “Hoods are involved...”
Emotional decision makers first make a decision and then search for facts that support their decision and are blind to any facts that are in opposition. Whether on the right or the left, they process the same way if they are emotional decision makers!
Excellent!
Thanks for the ping.
Also has a lot in common with the Dreyfuss case.
The accused became a symbol of what the accusers hated, making his conviction necessary, regardless of the facts, if they were to maintain their worldview.
It’s a lot easier to hate a symbol than a person.
Excellent, Sherman.
Excellent, Sherman.
Today, in this country, truth doesn't matter.
Just to make it clear, I’m not defending Mr. Zimmerman. It is entirely possible he should stand trial for murder and even be found guilty. I can think of several plausible scenarios whereby Martin behaved entirely properly and Mr. Zimmerman is to blame for what happened.
But his guilt or innocence should be determined based on his actions, to the extent we can figure them out. He should not be tried and convicted in advance as a symbol of black solidarity, white oppression, etc.
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Why don’t u submit this to the Wall Street Journal?
I’m serious.
Old Atticus is a huge hero for the liberals. What did Atticus do with the mad dog? Why is this in the book?
One of the best observations I’ve seen on the subject.
LOL! Can I guess? Can I guess?
yep
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