"Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?" -The Gladiator
As I write this, the television news and newspaper headlines are filled with the not-guilty verdict in the trial of a girl named Casey Anthony. It sent out a cry of injustice by people of all walks of life. Even celebrities pronounced shock and disbelief; I report this as the media did, which of course sells more newspapers.
All through the trial people hung on every word and confession. They debated and judged every lie, every truth and every heartbreaking moment. We analyzed each piece of 'public' evidence we were allowed to see or hear. The Jurors themselves lived much closer to the evidence, saw more of it, and had the responsibility to act upon it.
And then the Jury spoke, unconvinced that all reasonable doubt had been erased. I won't go into the definition of "reasonable doubt" as its origins are also founded differently according to some as it is applied today. In fact I'm not even here to debate the outcome of Ms. Anthony's guilt or innocence.
I have long believed the justice system our society has chosen is a good one and for the most part pretty fair. Any justice system is one of judgement based upon the local social mores and rules in place. Based upon some of the reactions of people, it is likely in another place and time, this young lady would have been hung without trial by the mob in place.
Yet beyond all of that, were you not entertained? Is that not why you came to watch and listen to the trial? As the crowd rises in a wave around the stadium, did you not participate each time the excitement came around?
We may blame the media, the lawyers or the jurors as we sit in our living rooms judging the outcome. But are we not entertained? We each allow ourselves to become wrapped up in the judgement of others while we fail to judge ourselves. It is much more entertaining to judge others then us. It is much more entertaining to point outward instead of looking inward.
Even this article is judgement of others. I stand accused of doing it as well. The story of Caylee Anthony, yes the name of the young girl who died touched the hearts of many people. And yes, she is why so many people took a huge interest in this trial. But don't be entertained by all of this. Learn from what we know is true and work to educate ourselves and others.
When we see a child in need, when we see a parent, a mother, a father or ourself not caring, work to change people. Do something to make a difference in the lives of others. Help empower others with knowledge and skills to be better parents, to be better people. Be a better person yourself.
