ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 82

" Please state your name and occupation for the official court record, sir ," Marcus Simms said casually as he approached the witness stand where a short stocky White man sat in a well cut expensive grey suit and pale blue shirt.

The man blinked his rather beady looking pale blue eyes behind his small rounded glasses. " Of course. My name is Dr. Remington P. Stokes the sixth. I am the chair of the sociology department at Yancey Woodward Memorial College as well as a professor there. I have written several prominent successful books as well. "

He nodded his tiny narrow head in a nearly pompous manner with pursed lips and cool eyes.

Marcus arranged his handsome dark face in what he hoped was an impressed way. " Very interesting, sir. Could you explain what your books and academic study are comprised from? "

" Certainly, young man. I do enjoy educating others. It is why I still teach at the university level. " He leaned back in his seat and arranged his beringed hands over his portly stomach. Richard fought the urge to sigh as he sat at the bench. " My life's work and study is about a certain concept that has forever interested and fascinated me. The country is obsessed with the subject of racial relations but nobody truly understands it or expands upon it. I have taken it upon myself to investigate the very mystery of racism but from a differing angle. My take is on what some call reverse racism. "

" Reverse racism, Dr. Stokes ? "

" Yes. I have found through intensive studies and research that there is just as much reverse racism against White Americans as any other group in the country. "

Jeremiah shook his head and his sister Keisha leaned closer to him , whispering," What a load of shit. "

Marcus asked," Have you been studying this particular case , sir ? "

" Why , certainly I have. Just as most people with true curiosity are ,  I assume. "

" And , what have you concluded? "

" Well , based on how the media is reacting and the comments on social media and certain podcasts , I have determined that the defendant is receiving an unfair analysis because she is a White woman. Especially a White woman of many means. "

" Objection ! ," Paul said as he stood with his slinged arm and bruised face. " The witness is stating pure opinion which is as baseless as heresay as applied to this case. "

Richard nodded. " Sustained. I must agree. I really don't see the relevance of this testimony, Mr. Simms. "

Marcus smiled smoothly. " You shall, your honor, you shall. " Returning to the witness he asked," Why do you consider my client to have received what you consider to be unfair analysis , Dr. Stokes ? "

" Because if she was a poor Black woman or man the public and media would be more likely to see her actions as accidental instead of everyone assuming she deliberately set out and about to harm these people. Under these particular circumstances I do not believe Dodie Angeletti can receive a fair trial in this country. "

" Objection ! ," Paul snapped tersely as he jumped once more to his loafered feet. " The witness is speaking from nothing but his own opinion. He is making a conjecture based on very little information. "

Richard touched his head slightly. " Sustained. "

Marcus stepped back from the witness box and said swiftly," No further questions, your honor. "

Then he returned to the defendant's table with Dodie and Claire.

Paul stood up and stated sharply ," Mr. Stokes, are you trying to say that after years of racism against people of color in this country that White people like myself and you are subject to the same treatment? "

" Why , yes. The past affirmative action is a good prominent example of that. "

Paul asked," You mean the past affirmative action that was used to benefit White women such as the defendant more than anyone in this country? "

" Objection ! ," Claire Lowen called out. " The prosecutor is arguing with the witness. "

Before Richard could respond Paul quickly said," I withdraw my question, your honor. "