Well said. The best evidence of this occurred when the judge — the judge — proffered her personal Bible to Guyger, along with a long soliloquy (sermon) — complete with a warm embrace — about the meaning of it all. This was a clear violation of the separation of church and state nostrum that Americans supposedly believe in. But! Just as you write, it’s also an indication of just how deeply embedded and internalized white supremacy — whiteness in general — is amongst most black people.

As for the “forgiveness” piece, especially by Botham’s brother…well…again, just as you say, that behavior has been beaten and whipped into us over the centuries (400 years and counting), and most of just can’t shake it. How many white people “forgive” black murderers of their loved ones?

Again, well said, well written.