Reflecting on O.J. Simpson's Impact on Modern America

For many Americans, October 3, 1995, was a day that remains vivid in their memory. People from all walks of life tuned in to their TVs at home, in bars, and at work to witness the outcome of O.J. Simpson's trial. He was accused of the brutal killings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

In the moment the not guilty verdict was announced, a clear divide between White and non-White America emerged. Black Americans celebrated with cheers and high-fives, while many White Americans reacted with shock and anger.

On Thursday, news of Simpson's passing at 76 due to cancer brought a wave of reflections on his past. From his legendary NFL career to the infamous slow-speed chase in his white Ford Bronco, and the millions who were glued to their screens during his lengthy trial, Simpson's life was revisited with a mix of nostalgia and fascination.

Simpson's death not only reflects the past but also sheds light on the present in America. The divided reactions to his verdict highlight this.

His trial back then actually gives us a glimpse of the society we are part of today.

Before fake news became a widespread issue, there was a phenomenon known as fake DNA.

For those who did not witness it firsthand, it is challenging to fully grasp the significance of the verdict. It hit the public with the force of a sudden blow. How could two distinct groups of people in America witness the same incident, process the same facts, and yet come to completely different interpretations?

Easy, it turns out. We do it all the time today, especially when it comes to race and politics.

Supporters of O.J. Simpson react outside the Criminal Courts Building to the not guilty verdict in Simpson's murder trial on October 3, 1995, in Los Angeles.

Supporters of O.J. Simpson react outside the Criminal Courts Building to the not guilty verdict in Simpson's murder trial on October 3, 1995, in Los Angeles.

Elise Amendola/AP

White and non-White Americans live in separate worlds, unable to understand each other. The racial divide shown by the 1995 verdict has grown even wider, like a canyon.

Think about these different perspectives on what is meant to be shared reality:

Some believe that the events on January 6, 2021, were incited by a leader with racist tendencies. On the other hand, some argue that it was a lawful demonstration organized by individuals who love their country.

There are those who claim that racism is still a significant issue faced by many non-White individuals in America. Conversely, there are others who argue that White Americans are the ones who experience the most discrimination.

Some people believe that immigrants play a crucial role in boosting the economy and revitalizing the country, while others argue that non-White immigrants contribute to crime and negatively impact the nation. This stark contrast in views about immigrants in America is often referred to as the concept of "alternative facts."

Do you remember the phrase "alternative facts"? It became popular in 2017 when Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, used it during an interview with a NBC journalist. The journalist questioned Conway about a false claim regarding Trump's inauguration crowd size, and Conway responded by mentioning "alternative facts."

Interestingly, even before Conway popularized the term, the O.J. Simpson trial in the 1990s had already highlighted the power of such reasoning. It showed that no matter how much evidence you have on your side, there will always be "alternative facts."

The prosecution in the Simpson murder trial believed they had a strong case with solid forensic evidence linking Simpson to the murders. However, there were alternative facts that cast doubt on their evidence. Before the era of fake news, there was already fake DNA being presented in court.

What started in that Los Angeles courtroom has now become a common theme in American politics and popular culture - seeing is no longer always believing. People now question whether a video is real or a deepfake. They wonder if a student actually wrote their term paper, or if it was generated by artificial intelligence. And they are skeptical about whether a person adding them on social media is a real individual or just a bot.

Simpson showed us a glimpse of a changing America where trusting what we see or hear is becoming more challenging.

It's no surprise that many people were captivated by this week's total solar eclipse. It was a unique shared moment where most Americans observed the same phenomenon, sparking conversations about differing perspectives.

People gather on the National Mall to view the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, in Washington, DC.

People gather on the National Mall to view the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, in Washington, DC.

Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

Politicians have adopted the Simpson trial playbook

During the Simpson trial, there was a moment that many might have overlooked. After being found not guilty, as the jurors left the courtroom, a Black man stopped and raised his fist in a Black Power salute to Simpson. This gesture symbolized defiance and Black pride.

For those familiar with Simpson's history, this moment was filled with irony.

Simpson has been criticized for trying to distance himself from his Black identity for many years, just as he dodged NFL defenders. He worked on crafting a public image that was non-threatening to White people and avoided taking strong stances on racial matters. Some friends even recall Simpson saying, "I'm not Black, I'm O.J."

However, during his murder trial, Simpson and his legal team used a strategy that has since become common in American politics.

They portrayed him as the target of a large conspiracy by dishonest individuals within the legal system. They brought attention to racist remarks made by an LAPD detective during a recorded interview about the Simpson murder case. They suggested that judges and lawyers may have personal prejudices.

Simpson assumed a different position: He represented Black individuals who had been unfairly treated by the justice system.

During the 2005 funeral for Johnnie Cochran, who was O.J. Simpson's lead attorney, the Rev. Al Sharpton gave a eulogy. He highlighted a significant moment in Black America's response to the verdict. Sharpton expressed that the applause at the funeral was not for O.J. Simpson, but for Johnnie Cochran. He explained that the applause symbolized support for those who had long been without a voice or representation in the justice system.

Black Americans have felt for a long time that the justice system is unfair. Now, millions of White Americans feel the same way, partly because of Trump. Some believe that White is the new Black.

Trump, seen here in his Fulton County, Georgia, mug shot, is following Simpson’s “script of victimization,” one commentator said.

Trump, seen here in his Fulton County, Georgia, mug shot, is following Simpson’s “script of victimization,” one commentator said.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

The former president is currently dealing with four criminal cases and a total of 88 charges. Despite the allegations, he maintains his innocence and insists that he is being unfairly targeted by the authorities. Surprisingly, he continues to enjoy strong support from his White followers, with around 85% of Republican voters in the 2022 midterms being White. However, there are indications that he is starting to gain more support from Black and Latino voters as well.

Some observers have compared Trump's situation to that of Simpson, suggesting that he is following a similar "script of victimization."

Journalist Paul Blumenthal argued in a 2023 essay that while Simpson represented the history of racist police aggression in the U.S., Trump aims to symbolize the grievances of his predominantly white conservative supporters.

Blumenthal noted that Trump and his followers claim that, similar to Black individuals, Trump is a victim of a "two-tiered justice system."

One supporter shared in 2020 that despite Trump being described as "vulgar, amoral, narcissistic," he is seen as someone who stands up to the Democrats. The supporter compared Trump to O.J. Simpson, stating that to those who appreciate his accomplishments, he is like their O.J.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump clash with protestors outside his Trump National Doral resort on June 12, 2023, in Doral, Florida.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump clash with protestors outside his Trump National Doral resort on June 12, 2023, in Doral, Florida.

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Even former President Barack Obama once made a similar comparison, according to a book by Ben Rhodes, his former adviser and speechwriter.

According to reports, Obama compared how Trump is viewed by many white people to how O.J.'s acquittal was perceived by many Black individuals - knowing it's wrong but feeling good about it.

The legacy of some public figures diminishes over time, like Simpson's NFL achievements being overshadowed by his murder trial.

But there are aspects of Simpson’s impact that could become more significant if Americans continue moving towards a future where we no longer have a shared reality, believe in alternative facts, and think that almost every institution is unfairly controlled, from the media to the justice system.

Look at the chaotic, aggressive, and loud environment that we find ourselves in now.

Simpson may have passed away recently, but his contributions have played a significant role in shaping the America we know today.

John Blake, a Senior Writer at CNN, is also the author of the book "More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew."

Editor's P/S:

The O.J.