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But as the Simpson case has grown into a national obsession, many of those same blacks have begun to perceive Simpson as one more victim of the white power system. There is talk of a "white-media conspiracy" to embarrass African Americans by toppling yet another black icon -- as happened to Clarence Thomas, Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson. The saturation of TV coverage appalls many blacks. "It's suspect when all networks on television turn into Court TV," says the Rev. Al Sharpton, a New York political activist. The proliferation of black talking heads called upon to comment on racial aspects of the case is even seen by some as racist. "Why don't they use black experts to talk about the legality of mergers and acquisitions, or matters unrelated to race?" asks Philip Eure, a civil rights lawyer in the Justice Department.
Now the race controversy is vying with the issue of spousal abuse for attention. As in the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill showdown over sexual harassment, many black women feel caught between the pressure to stand loyally by a black man perceived to be under attack by the white establishment and the need to assert their rights as women. Last week, after black male leaders urged Garcetti not to pursue the death penalty against Simpson, Los Angeles attorney Gloria Allred wrote to the district attorney on behalf of the Women's Equal Rights Legal Defense and Education Fund: "Since you have chosen to meet & publicly with a group expressing support for Mr. Simpson's rights, I respectfully request that you now meet with those of us who are concerned about the rights of battered women and who are urging you to consider asking for the death penalty."
America's racial attitudes will continue to affect a case that stubbornly refuses to remain what it is -- a murder charge against a famous former football player. That is disturbing to some blacks, who are worried that the Simpson case is not the best vehicle for pursuing the struggle for equal rights.
"When people yell racism when in fact there is no racism," says Tavis Smiley, a black commentator for KABC in Los Angeles, "they become like the boy who cried 'Wolf!' Ultimately, it comes back to haunt you."