The Debate Over Forgiveness and Race by Laurel Ferguson

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Tensions are higher than ever when it comes to police brutality in America, and it doesn't look like the conflict is going to end anytime soon.

On September 6, 2018, Dallas police officer Amber Guyger drove home after a long work day, parked her car on the wrong floor of the parking garage, and walked into what she thought was her apartment.  Upon seeing Botham Jean sitting on his couch eating ice cream, Guyger mistook him for an intruder and shot him twice, killing him.  Many were outraged at the event, identifying it as yet another example of unjustified police brutality against people of color.

Around the end of last month, Guyger was found guilty of murder and sentenced to ten years in prison.  This sparked protests by supporters of the Jean family who believed the sentence was too short, crediting her actions to racism rather than self-defense and citing racist comments found on her social media pages

One person who didn't participate in Guyger's defamation was Botham Jean's younger brother, Brandt Jean.  Following the hearing, Brandt approached Guyger to tell her that he forgave her, and embraced her.  His peaceful disposition is attributed to his religious upbringing and supported by comments of his father, Bertram Jean, who told CNN that he has no hatred for Guyger.

Brandt Jean hugs Amber Guyger
Brandt's actions only fueled the controversy surrounding the case.  He was criticized for contributing to a history of black people being too quick to forgive and forget when it comes to unjustified behavior by white people.  Some people supported Brandt, however, praising him for showing kindness rather than animosity through the tragedy of losing his brother.

The entire event has launched a dispute over the meaning of justice.  Is it wrong to judge the Jean family for the way in which they cope with their grief and move on from their loss?  Or are they really fueling complacency among people of color facing discrimination?


Comments

  1. DanielleOctober 11, 2019 at 7:42 AM

    I'm so glad you chose this topic as it's so important today. When you watch the video, it's hard not to cry at the pain and effort he makes in forgiving her. I guess I just don't know how you can judge forgiveness or a family that is trying their best to survive the worst.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 14, 2019 at 4:17 PM

    Great choice in topics as it is definitely an important one. Eye-opening to see him forgive her.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 21, 2019 at 11:15 AM

    It is so amazing that, despite Amber Guyger having shot and killed his brother, Brandt Jean still found a place in his heart not only to forgive her, but to hug her as well. Such occurrences are of increasing concern and relevance in America, so it is important that these topics are openly discussed.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 23, 2019 at 6:21 AM

    Nice topic. Really shows how topics like this are so far from black an white. Very complex and a lot to think about. Good for him to have so much peace and love, though.

    ReplyDelete

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