On Oct. 3, 1995, after a trial that had lasted as long as a presidential election campaign, a jury found O.J. Simpson not guilty of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Blacks cheered. Whites were horrified and angered that Blacks cheered. Blacks cheered even louder at whites being horrified. All they saw was white derangement syndrome.
The reaction to the verdict–not the verdict itself–showed a nation more profoundly divided along racial and ideological lines than whites wanted to admit, though Blacks lives were measured in the price paid for those divisions.
There was no reckoning. Blacks didn’t think they owed whites an explanation for what they took as a rare victory from a justice system stacked against them. As the old Black saying went, “When white folks say ‘justice,’ they mean ‘just us.’” Fueled by the same media that had exploited the 13-month trial for ratings, the nation focused on sensationalism, conspiracy theories, mutual hatred and power grabs further poisoned by the total-war rhetoric of Newt Gingrich, the authoritarian scout of presidents to come who was just then beginning his reign of bile, Contract on America in hand.
Whites didn’t want to understand why Blacks celebrated, including Blacks who knew O.J. was guilty. “For many whites,” the scholar Henry Louis Gates wrote at the time, “a sincere belief in Simpson’s innocence look[ed] less like the culture of protest than like the culture of psychosis.”
The culture of psychosis is back. Or rather, it never left. It defines us. It’s not about color, or just about color. It’s about tribes, driven more by ideological psychosis than race or religion or party affiliation. The tribes of 1995 have switched places. Donald Trump hasn’t killed anybody, at least not directly. But he is the convicted felon 34 times over, the twice-impeached president who was found liable for sexual assault and would have been found liable for leading the insurrection and terrorism of January 6, had the case proceeded. The glove fit.
Unlike O.J., he was never acquitted. But he was re-elected. His supporters haven’t stopped cheering and dancing on rooftops, real and metaphorical. His opponents have looked on horrified, unwilling to accept that 77 million people could vote that way, less willing to understand them, willing only to vilify them, as if that’s going to improve matters.
Disbelief would be disingenuous. The culture of psychosis we saw on full display in 1995 told us then that evidence, facts, truth, justice and history are irrelevant. Tribalism alone matters, paired in Trump’s case with a power defined by divine right and a machinery of fabrications to power the myth, like the one about god intervening to save the man so he could save America.
America excels in eras of mass hysteria: The Red Scare of Woodrow Wilson’s senescent years, the McCarthyism of the 1950s, the Islamophobia and constitutional shredding of post-9/11 Bushism. In retrospect these all seem like survivable missteps, because democratic institutions weakened but endured. There was an independent judiciary, an oppositional legislature and a slightly less sensational and definitely less fractured media. Wilson’s repressive regime lost the White House, the House and the Senate for Democrats for more than a decade. Joe McCarthy’s own colleagues in the Senate ended his war on Americans. A majority-Republican Supreme Court diluted or invalidated Bush’s worst excesses.
Those guard rails have lost their integrity. Courts, lawmakers, corporations have become too submissive or too eager to show fealty. Their lord knows. He’s about to take advantage.
In a country half made up of enemies, four years won’t be enough for Trump to purify America. The 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms won’t have to be repealed, now that Trump is repealing chunks of the Constitution by executive order so he can impose his blend of martial law and reign of terror, at least for that half of America that makes up its internal enemies. His invalidation of birthright citizenship is no different than if he had invalidated the First Amendment’s press protection (as he may yet), and the 14th Amendment’s protection of birthright is more explicit–more precise–than the First’s. His truth is marching on.
American history is nothing if not a scriptural bounty of precedents that, like Nostradamus on mushrooms, prophesy the present. Barely two weeks after the Simpson verdict in 1995, the Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan led his so-called Million Man March on Washington. They’d descended on Washington in droves–400,000? 800,000? A million? The number would be as controversial as Trump’s inaugural crowd in 2017, a controversy Trump evaded this time around by claiming a chill.
You may remember Farrakhan, that sordid seethe of hate, that Goebbels of anti-Semitism whose Nation had as much to do with Islam as Khomeini’s version of Shiitism did (which is to say: next to nothing), that bow-tied gangster whose Fruit of Islam black shirts were the antecedents of Proud Boys, Three Percenters and the rest of maga’s maggoty militias.
Farrakhan’s malice droned and rambled and jibber-jabbered in triumph (he went on so absurdly long that, like at Trump rallies, thousands filed out long before the end), taunting and insulting the establishment that had snubbed him for so long. Banking on anger and resentment and victimhood–the Trump playbook before Trump–he had made this happen. Tapping into that old psychosis, he made it seem like the biggest populist revolt of Black men since 1963. He let loose, his bigotry vindicated, his self-promotion unbound, his children at his side a small army of nepotists, his brand exulting over the city.
The difference is that Farrakhan could only muster that million, while Trump, a white Farrakhan in hot-pink tie, mustered the 312 necessary to regain power. Farrakhan was a buffoon. So is Trump. But one of those buffoons is now in his 90s and forgotten, and the other is the most powerful psychotic in the world. As in 1995, as in 2016, we chose to learn nothing, choosing instead between being horrified and jubilant. Neither will answer the moment if we still want a Republic and if, as Ben Franklin once advised, we aim to keep it.
Pierre Tristam is the editor of FlaglerLive. A version of this piece aired on WNZF.
Mark Edwin Goggins says
Umm, Minister Louis Farrakhan has never been a ‘buffoon’ and is very much alive. Accurate reporting matters.
John B says
As long as can remember, each election the voters swing left and then right like a pendulum. But this pendulum is swing further left then further right. I blame both parties for presenting us with truly unqualified candidates. 2016, 2020 and 2024 are perfect examples of this. Our only hope is the midterms.
Jake says
Democrat heads STILL exploding since since November 5, 2024. Trump is President, and most of America is grateful.
Samuel L. Bronkowitz says
The country isn’t half enemies, 77 million people represents less than 30% people of voter age. This also isn’t a black and white thing, it’s a class thing. By making it about color you’re falling into exactly the trap that the people with power want you to fall into.
Jackson says
“Our people can’t take much more. We have to have our own courts. You failed us,”
“How long must we let people stand their ground, shooting us and getting away with it while we don’t get justice?”
Joe D says
Reply to Jake:
No….not MOST Americans are “grateful.” At 49.9% of the popular vote, vs. Harris’ 48.3% of the popular vote (1.6% difference)….you could technically say that maybe “MORE” Americans are grateful (at the moment anyway), but that’s only of the number of Americans who actually VOTED (sad reflection on our country, when other countries’ citizens are DYING for the right to FREE and FAIR elections, and a large percentage of voters in EACH US election, simply don’t bother)!
And as the weeks and months go on ( I’ve predicted 18 months into Trump 2.0’s term in prior posts) a large percentage of MAGA voters, will realize what CHAOS and DAMAGE they unleashed onto AMERICA….possibly taking GENERATIONS to undo.
I hope I’m wrong, for the sake of my children and grandchildren (the COUNTRY and the WORLD too, after this initial inaugural week of SHOCKS)…but I’m DEATHLY afraid, that I’m right.
I would take ABSOLUTELY NO PLEASURE ( as some here have posted), in seeing this country undone and destroyed , just to have the satisfaction of saying “I told you so!”
Sherry says
From my point of view, the terrible division in our country is not so simple as black vs white or class structure. I see it as a multitude of differences based on one’s life perspectives and priorities, for example:
1. Morals/Principles/Character
* Lies/Misinformation/Disinformation/Propaganda- Why is this now acceptable?
* Lack of Ethics and Integrity- Why is this now acceptable?
* Lack of Respect, Acceptance and Kindness For Others- Why is this now acceptable?
* Fraud/Cheating/Dishonesty- Why is this now acceptable?
* Adultery/Chauvinism/Homophobia/Xenophobia- Why is this now acceptable?
* The Corruption Caused By “Greed”- Why is this now acceptable?
2. Justice/Law and Order
* The Wealthy and Powerful Are Not Held to Account The Same As The Poor
* People of Color Are More Often Entrapped And Punished More Harshly
3. Education
* Those with a higher education are likely more critical thinkers and less likely to be emotionally manipulated. . . while they may be more influenced by “Corruptive Greed”.
* Those with a higher education are more likely to trust in scientific facts
* Those with a higher education are more likely to have experienced different cultures and will likely have a larger world view.
4. Extreme Media and the Lack of Professional Journalism
5. Political Corruption- Follow the Money= The Motivation for Too Many Decisions
6. Fear/Biases/Bigotry= Massive Injustice/ Systemic Racism/Inequality
I personally do not trust that “any” of these differences will be addressed or solved by the current Republican party or the trump administration.
Brian says
Donald Trump is not a savage murderer or a savage racist – so please remove him from this triad.
Pierre Tristam says
And Dick Nixon wasn’t a crook.
YankeeExPat says
Please if you could Mr. Pierre Tristam,… do not impugn the Great Republican President that brought us Watergate, Spiro Agnew and two free Chinese Pandas.
Nixon was referred to as “Tricky Dick” back in the 70’s
November 17, 1973 Nixon declared, “I am not a crook.
Endless dark money says
Just more corrupt than ever. Orange stain paid off the girl that was 13 years old and 27 other women. Moving minorities family’s to camps yet? Destroying the environment and any protocol that reigns in bribery?.. hope those “Christian’s “ are praying for the millions that will suffer under the stains cult politics. Who do these people represent definitely not me or you or anyone that’s not a billionaire. We the People got conned by a career con man.
Any ideas for the new fascist flag?
Atwp says
No, we didn’t owe whites an explanation for The O J verdict. I’ve seen on true tv shows where white ask people of color do they live in a certain area. To the whites I would say it is none of your business. The whites want people of color to prove their residence. I would never prove my residence to an unauthorized white person. I would that all African Americans stop giving whites information in the wrong setting, applying for a job, home, loan, is one thing, but to just be on the street and me to prove my residence they are crazy, I’m not going to prove anything about me to any street white person.
starryid says
Joe Biden wasn’t either!
starryid says
Do 501C-3 Statues require that comments be published when they are not false, fraudulent or vulgar whether they agree with the Director or Board of Directors?
Dennis C Rathsam says
Poor Poor Pierre, Sorry you suffer from TRUMP SYNDROME! How do you hold all that hate! Are you another Hillary? CRY CRY CRY? America has spoken, we true American patriots, born & raised here in the greatest TRUMP place on earth.We have a long history, of success, & liberties. Our founding fathers hit the nail on the head, so many many years ago! With their wisdom, they created a great country! Our freedoms have many people trying to come to America, looking for a better life, just like you Pierre. Nobody,s trying to get into Russa, or the Middle East. Bash TRUMP all you like, your free to do so. It just makes you look like a fool! Americans fought for thier freedom, to protect our way of life. No other country can offer that. We have history on our side, many tried to stop us, but we stood tall. All you Johnny come latelys, bashing our president is un called for! It makes you look small. You hate TRUMP, we get it. Who cares he won! Real Americans voted for change! TRUMP did more good things for America in 4 days Then Biden did in 4 years! So take you’re cheap shots, you’re distorted views of America & all the lies you print. We can take it! Its in our blood. This is our country, a proud nation under god! TRUMP is as American as apple pie & Chevrolet! TRUMP will make America a safer place, a better place! With or without you! Why do you think you have to be born in America to be president!
Joe D says
For Sherry:
You pretty much covered it!
-No REAL practiced MORALITY/Little or no HONESTY( being truthful can actually make you a TARGET).
-What ever happened to “treat others as you would want to be treated?”
-What happened to “We’re ALL in this TOGETHER?”
-What ever happened to “All of us being treated fairly and equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, nationality or national origin.”
Right now, it looks like our division has set us back 70 years to the 1950’s…4 more years of this HATRED ( let’s not “sugar” coat it…HATRED is what it is), of all others “Not like us,” and we will be set back to the 1860’s, when the UNITED STATES BARELY survived, or back to 1776, when our forefathers wrote the words “All men are created equal” and that “WE the PEOPLE have the right to the pursuit of HAPPINESS.”
I am EMBARRASSED at the image the US is now giving the WORLD about what a FREE and FAIR Democracy can become!
Unfortunately I keep forgetting the author of those words that RING in my ear DAILY now: “All that is needed for EVIL to TRIUMPH, is for GOOD MEN to do………NOTHING!”
How SAD for our Country, our Children…and the WORLD…
Kennan says
Stupidity has consequences.
Just a thought says
Said this for many years. America’s problem were not caused by the Republicans or the Democrats. The problem occurred because the two sides cannot meet in the middle. Extremism is ruining our Country. Bill Clinton had zero personal morals, but he was the last President to work with both side towards common ground. He was also the last to balance the budget and even have a surplus. Extremism is destroying our nation.
Callmeishmael says
I’m a white person who was profiled several times during the reign of Sheriff Vogle
Stopped on my way to work for no reason and my vehicle checked by a K9. The unsaid reason for stopping me? I had a tan and a nice car.
I agree with you. Don’t give the man anything.
atwp says
Call it sounds funny to me a whte person was profiled. I thought they only profiled African Americans men. Wow i am surprised.
Sherry says
@ Joe D. . . Thank you very much kind Sir! Yes those word ring daily in my ears as well:
“All that is needed for EVIL to TRIUMPH, is for GOOD MEN and WOMEN to do………NOTHING!”
All I can say is to try and keep the faith that eventually “Good With Conquer Evil”. We can all keep speaking out. Keep posting credible facts in the face of Maga emotionally manipulated postings of fear, hate and “alternative facts”.
Although I’m now happily living in a culture, society and neighborhood filled with like minded people who are kind, peaceful, open minded, accepting and joyful, I will continue to speak out for those who are less fortunate. It’s just the nature of who I will always be. Saying that, I will not be wasting my treasured time with the Maga trolls who post here.
I’ll continue to speak out against “Evil”, and I hope you will also, Joe D.
Thomas Hutson says
American Trilogy
Pierre this is not a “BLACK-WHITE” issue, all three of these men have or have had and continue to suffer from Mental Illness or Disorder. OJ has been called a “Butcher”, Farrakhan “Hates” whites. King Trump “Hates” Democrats or anyone else that does not bend over for him. Nothing to do about race.