Volume II No. 25
 01-25-04
 Playing The Race Card
 { Black And White Together. Does It Matter? }
 author: Vance Cureton
 © Copyright 2004

 The slowing unfolding annoyance that is the Kobe Bryant rape 
 case reached another dubious pinnacle this week. During a hearing 
 Friday that was held in part to determine if the medical records of 
 Kobe's accuser can come into evidence during the upcoming trail.
 His lawyer, in strong defense of her client's right to a fair 
 determinance of his innocence or guilt, raised the specter of race.

 In part Pamela Mackey stated, "....my client stands accused of a 
 very serious crime. There is a lot of history about black men being 
 falsely accused of this crime by white women."

 Counselor Mackey's plain-spoken blurb about race, might have 
 come at an unfortunate moment. But, there was certainly nothing 
 incorrect in her statement.

 Predictably counselor Mackey was castigated on the nightly cable 
 talk shows { mostly by other white women } for daring to raise the 
 issue of race. In other words, the talking heads complained, what
 possible excuse could counselor Mackey have for playing the race
 card.

 Criminal court cases, and especially trails involving rape, kidnapping,
 or murder, reveal much about the hypocricy of society, as to how 
 these cases are handled by the courts. And by the media at large. 
 Class is certainly involved. Age is involved. Gender is involved. 
 Income is involved. These are all important factors.

 Add race to the mixture and the issues becomes all the more incendiary.
 { when was the last time a black, asian, or hispanic woman went missing
 and the case became a national obsession as it has in the Lacy Peterson
 and Chandra Levy disappearances? } If Kobe Bryant's current situtation
 does not in some small part involve race. Then Kobe is not a fabulously 
 wealthy African-American basketball player. And we do not care at 
 all about his innocence or his guilt.

 So long ago it seems now, Kobe Bryant had the untarnished image 
 of a clean cut, respectful, and athletically-gifted kid, made good. 
 Nutella { an Italian food company } wanted him on contract to help 
 market  their "chocolate hazelnut" sandwich spread in America. 
 McDonald's wanted him as well. --- Both contracts have since been 
 cancelled.

 Thus, Kobe Bryant's surprising admission of his adultery has been 
 the talk around the water coolers of America every since he was first 
 accused. And surely the race of his alleged victim has been part of 
 that conversation. Especially when there are no people of color around 
 to balance insensitive comments about "rich black men desiring white 
 women." 

 We don't know if race played at all a factor in Kobe wanting to score
 { and we don't mean basketball points } behind his wife's back. But,
 the race of the two indivuals involved is something people frequently
 talk about.

 So, why is Kobe's lawyer being vilified for stating what is obvious?
 Race is still a big issue in America. Especially as it applies to black
 men and white women. And as Kobe stands accused of rape in a very 
 white conservative community in Colorado that lacks in racial diversity. 
 His lawyer would not be performing her job properly, if she does not 
 do everything in her power to protect her client. 

 The case may be months away from officially starting. Doubtless,
 there will be a hearing about a change-of-venue. Counselor Mackey 
 cannot allow individuals who harbor deep-seated prejudices against 
 minorities { or rich athletes } onto the jury that will hear the case. 
 Just as the government prosecutors will do everything to screen 
 for star struck celebrity-lovers who may attempt to give Bryant a 
 break he does not deserve.

So race will inevitably be a big issue in this case. And Friday's 
hearing was only the start. In fact, this rape case may become 
uncomfortable and ugly. Difficult to watch. { all the better for
the talk shows } Details we don't really want to hear about may
become public knowledge. And act as additional fodder for the 
water cooler crowd.

 Many of America's old racial wounds may re-open. As they did 
 with O.J.

 "Playing the race card" may serve as a catchy political phrase. 
 Talking heads throw the term about all too judiciously, to boost 
 ratings and to fan the flames of  controversy. And the phrase 
 may be used to intimidate one side or the other into silence.

 As was most likely the case this time.

 But reality is reality. Kobe Bryant lawyer's duty is to protect 
 her client. Not to be politically correct. 

 The prejudices that people carry around exert influence. A result 
 of environment and socialization. Kobe Bryant is a tall intimidating 
 black man. A physically powerful person used to getting what he 
 wants.

 The perfect protagonist.

 His accuser is a white coed. A young woman who has recently,
 twice attempted suicide. 

 A fragile individual with a delicate psyche.

 The perfect victim.

 These are the facts. And they matter.
 

 ReadingPost.Com
 © Copyright 2004

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