preview

Analysis Of O. J : Made In America

Better Essays

The ESPN series “O.J.: Made in America” is a documentary of the notable rise and fall of Orenthal James (O.J.) Simpson, which captivated the nation and is still discussed today [over 20 years later]. Simpson’s life story and infamous 1994 double-homicide acquittal is paralleled with race relations, and the criminal justice system in Los Angeles in the decades leading up to the “trial of the century”. The main objective of the documentary does not seem determine whether Simpson is ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’, but rather to consider the effect of racial issues in the U.S. criminal justice system that how they played into the trial. While the documentary primary leads to, and surrounds the infamous trial, it also illustrates the concepts and ideals of the country that both made and destroyed him. The Orenthal James Simpson story is both a representation of the American Dream and an American “True Crime Story”. The documentary began by showing O.J. as a shadow of his former self. Prior to the 1994 trial, Simpson exemplified the of the American Dream. At the peak of his success he was considered an American hero and example of racial equilibrium, due to his wide acceptance by the white community. America loved him both on and off the field prior to the murder. To outsiders, he appeared to have “everything” quintessential to the American Dream, money, fame, a beautiful wife, a family, friends, accomplishment and beloved by many. He also represented the Black ideal in the wake of

Get Access