To say the least, the case of Mumia Abu Jamal is controversial and emotionally charged. He has been convicted of killing the Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner and sentenced to death. However, many of his supporters charge that he was framed and there is evidence to support to raise reasonable doubt. While Jamal has always professed innocence, he does not appeal to evidence or an alibi. Instead he releases political commentaries that are released by NPR that show a concern for society, morality, and justice. Many people, including myself, have thought, “Its impossible for a man like this to be a murderer!” Instead of directing his audience’s focus to his case he directs the audience to his intellect and moral ideas so that when someone hears that he has been convicted of murder they are astounded and doubt the legitimacy of his conviction. The use of audio is a wise decision. His has long dreadlocks and an ugly beard and he is African American, which still persist as a bias in our judicial system. If one were to see a picture of him http://troopsoutnow.org/mumia03.jpg first most would say yes this man could be a murderer. However, if one were to listen to his political commentaries first http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUalYTU9EWE most would think he is a wise (even if he is politically alienating), concerned man. By presenting himself in this way, he communicates a persona that powerfully communicates innocence so he never has to directly defend himself.
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Being able to create an intelligent argument or expound on your moral views in no way means that they are incapable of committing a crime.
ReplyDeleteTake for example what the FBI calls organized serial killers. They are typically posses a high IQ, are socially active to the extent of even having a family, and when capture are described as unlikely of hurting anyone by their acquaintances.
If Jamal truly wanted to promote the justice system he would focus peoples to the evidence which is the only impartial and objective judge.
That doesnt mean people are surprised when intelligent people are criminals because it breaks the archetype and Jamal really has no desire to promote the justice system because he feels its unjust, or at least he says it is.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I understand your first point, but as for the second I intended to say simply "promote justice".
ReplyDeleteit just seemed like you were saying that people arent surprised when intelligent people commit crimes which isnt true. most people think of criminals as simple, desperate people who have bigger problems than whether we should seriously consider ralph nader as a presidential candidate which is something that Jamal discusses
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