Just before the fateful morning of the 14th of February 2013, Oscar Pistorius was a hero. In a matter of minutes, as news circulated of the “unfortunate accident” involving shooting his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp assuming it was an intruder, Oscar Pistorius had turned from hero to villain. Except for the few who stood in support of the “Balde Runner”, many took a jab at the Olympian and Paralympian who inspired many to overcome their inabilities physical or otherwise. Before the ongoing trial had begun, many had declared a verdict, “guilty!” said some, “not guilty” pleaded unmoved fans.
Jabs of all shapes and sizes surfaced on social media, exposing the fickleness of mankind. One day we love, exalt and adore, the next we despise, dethrone and denounce. A few questions then arise:
- Does the worth of man or woman hang on the latest activity they have carried out, good or bad?
- When we choose to make someone a hero, do we ever question the credibility of the individual upon whom we bestow heroism before and if they fall from grace?
The interpreters, witnesses and family involved in this case have also come under fire. 24 hours before the trial kicked off, many were unknown individuals yet based on the summaries given by the media, the public has drawn many a conclusion and in many cases, unpleasant deductions.
If you and I woke up one morning with the eyes of the world upon us, and such judgement made about our competence, looks and so on, would we feel justice is served or would it hurt terribly?
Whether Oscar Pistorious is guilty of premeditated murder or manslaughter on account of assuming he was attacking an intruder, the question still stands, if we were judged as individuals based on today’s actions as opposed to the lives we’ve led until yesterday, would we deem it fair judgement or would we feel robbed?
If you were in Oscar’s shoes, what would you like the world to be seeing in you right now?