Remember, America’s on Trial — Not George Floyd
How we frame a trial sets the stage for expectations
Last year, George Floyd’s death sparked a new wave of advocacy. Athletes continued to kneel on one knee, companies made diversity pledges, and everyday Americans protested. They made signs, printed shirts, and posted blacked-out squares on social media. Yet it all comes down to this moment, which arguably could last a few weeks — if not months.
The long-awaited trial started on Monday.
Rep. Cori Bush’s tweet at the outset of the court proceedings provided some much-needed context: “Derek Chauvin is on trial. America is on trial. Our criminal-legal system is on trial. George Floyd is not on trial.”
It’s essential to remember this point, because defense attorneys will muddy the waters. Their goal will be to justify Chauvin’s actions and thus Floyd’s death.
“You would think the trial was for George and it isn’t — it’s for the police officer,” said Lamar Pettis, 38, a Black man and protest attendee who watched portions of the trial’s first day at the dentist office. “I’ve got six kids and I don’t want to imagine them getting older and having this happen to them.” —USA Today’s Chauvin trial updates
