Member-only story
What the Amber Guyger Case Reveals About White America
They don’t want forgiveness. They want to be excused.
“But the trouble is that what we call ‘asking God’s forgiveness’ very often really consists in asking God to accept our excuses… There is all the difference in the world between forgiving and excusing.”
— C.S. Lewis
Some have called it “the hug heard round the world.” Just moments after former police officer Amber Guyger was handed a 10-year prison sentence for the murder of Botham Jean, an unarmed Black man who was shot while eating ice cream at home, she was embraced by her victim’s brother.
“If you truly are sorry — I know I can speak for myself — I forgive you.” Brandt Jean said to his brother’s killer.
The bailiff comforted Guyger after the verdict, bringing her tissues and fixing her hair. The judge then stepped down, Bible in hand, and spoke with Guyger for a few minutes before embracing her as well. There were tears all over the courtroom, and praise over the moment across the internet, especially from white America.
White news anchors applauded the “mercy, faith and bravery” of Brandt Jean’s offer of forgiveness. Other’s called his reaction inspirational and a model for compassion.
