Rhetoric Analysis of O.J.: Made in America

Rhetoric Analysis of O.J.: Made in America

Introduction

O.J.: Made in America is a documentary film that revolves around racism, violence and other things in the criminal justice system. The documentary revolves around the life of OJ Simpson, who was a suspect involved in robberies and kidnapping. The trial of OJ Simpson is the main focus of the eight-hour documentary. The prosecution mainly began as a trial that includes a famous person, but it later became a trial that involved racism and classism in history and the whole of America. The producer of the film argues that Simpson did commit the murders, but racism in the police department should have been a reason for discharge according to Simpson’s lawyers. The documentary focuses on how the American criminal justice system would not function with the complicated forces surrounding it. Simpson represents everything good in the U.S. as well as everything bad in the U.S.

Description and significance

Among observers, the Simpson story began the night where Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found murdered outside the formers home in Brentwood. To understand the story, one has to look back to the beginning of the 20^th century when African Americans began migrating from their states to California for a better life (Edelman). The main aim of the migration was to escape the racism that had been the major problem in their lives and among the migrants were Simpson’s grandparents. Simpson rose to fame during the 1960s as he was an athlete.

After he retired from being an athlete, Simpson pursued acting as a career. In a country that was dictated by racial lines, Simpson lived in the shadows when it came to fighting for the rights of the African Americans. Besides, Simpson always found a way to surpass his skin color. However, everything changed in 1964 when he was first charged with domestic abuse (Scott). All friends of Simpson were investigated as they had a distinct connection to the story. The text is significant as what was viewed as the search for truth regarding OJ Simpson was just a powerful reminder of the haunting facts about America and its people.

Rhetorical Analysis

The producer ensures that the message reaches the audience by the use of specific means. The writer uses imagery to ensure that the film is not only about Simpson’s trial but also it is a biography of racism in America. For instance, the film shines a light on the Simpson case and every minute is used to explain to the audience the reasons. The fil explains the logic that every racist person uses to spread prejudice against the others. Simpson’s friends are considered his accomplices as a result of their skin color. In the text, the African Americans are supposed to lack power and some are even accused with baseless arguments. The power is in the police department as they arrest everyone who is in close contact with a suspect as a result of their skin color.

Concept

The central concept of the documentary is racism. Chiefly, there is a video of Rodney King receiving a beating at the LAPD. Jeffrey Toobin says: “Chris Darden saw that this case was becoming this weird referendum on the LAPD, on the history of race in Los Angeles. And Chris, he understood that history” (Edelman). The jury made a verdict that shocked the white observers, which resulted in resentment and mistrust with the prosecution. The story dates back in the 1960s, where the ordinary resident of Los Angeles was discriminated against and abused.

Conclusion

O.J. Made in America is a documentary film that runs for eight hours which talks about O.J. Simpson. Racism has been an issue that has affected American minorities for centuries. In the 1960s, the police in LAPD were the primary administrators of discrimination. Even in the 21^st century, there have been many instances in which the police have shown racism. For example, aggressively arresting African Americans and shooting the suspects. Over the years, no one has ever really known what happened to Nicole Simpson and her friend. People believe that Simpson was acquitted as a result of the police assigned to the case being driven by racial hatred.