Editorials & Other Articles
In reply to the discussion: What White People Don't Understand About Rachel Jeantel / witness in Zimmerman trial [View all]hamsterjill
(15,220 posts)I certainly understand and sympathize that this is a very difficult time for her. Who would want to have to testify in front of the whole country, knowing that any mis-step will be pounced upon not only by the defense, but also by television and media networks. They will be running her testimony as sound bytes to increase viewership on the evening news - - and I'm sure she's aware of that. The pressure must be tremendous.
I was listening to a portion of her testimony this morning and yes, sometimes, I had a hard time understanding the words she was using. I could tell that when she was concentrating on forming the words she wanted to use, she was more clear. When she was pressured or having to think about what to answer, she reverted to her more natural, normal way of speaking. But I found her testimony credible once clarification was made. I was glad that the court reporter and judge seemed ameniable to making sure the jury could understand her.