Blog #1: Letter from Jefferson

Dear Mr. Lawyer,

Your words have brought me to a state of insecurity, self-doubt and self-worthlessness. In my trial instead of defending me in a positive manner, your testimony took away my dignity and left me to believe the vile words you stated about my identity. In my defense, you stated that I am unable to think and make plans, being the reason why I could not have made plans to rob the store in which Alcee Grope was working. Stating that I am not a man but a fool, even comparing me to a mindless hog. Your defense did not prove me innocent, but an incompetent, immature minded wrong doer who, by the judges ruling, is sentenced to death. In the times we live in and how people of my race are treated, my self- esteem to begin with was not very high and has now decreased to where I believe I am worth nothing more than a hog. In this racist society you proved the white man’s perception of the black man as a pathetic inhumane individual. I do not know when I am going to be put to death but I do not have many feelings about the matter. I am in a cell and because of you, I now conduct myself in the manner a mindless animal would. I do not wish to have contact with anyone, not even my godmother, Miss Emma. She sent Mr. Grant to come speak with me, about me dying. God Mama wants me to learn how to die like a man. I wonder why she sends him to teach me this lesson that she thinks is so valuable, I mean dying is dying no matter how you die, once you die your dead. Well, from his first visit, due to the way I am acting, I am sure he started to wonder whether the task was and still is possible or not. That would not be an issue if I didn’t believe I was a hog. Well, Mr. Lawyer sir I appreciate you taking on my case and thanks to you I now think, act and conduct myself as a mindless animal. After all, that’s who I am, right?

Sincerely,

Jefferson