About That Amazing Marcia Clark Episode The People v. O.J. Simpson Episode 6

Photo Credit: FX Nework

By Jenee Darden

Somebody give Sarah Paulson her Emmy now!  The "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" episode moved me. This is my favorite episode so far.

Marcia Clark was going through it. Not everything in the show is accurate, but it gives some insight into the madness my father and Marcia Clark survived during those 8+ months. While my father dealt with racism and community backlash, Marcia battled sexism. Race still dwarfs sexism when people discuss the trial. But, sexism was a major issue too.

I first met Marcia Clark when she and my father took a road trip up to the Bay Area. My mom, Marcia and I talked about how ridiculous of the media to put her clothes and hairstyle on trial. I don’t recall fashion experts criticizing Cochran for his bald spot or suggesting Shapiro do better in his tie selection. This all because Marcia Clark is a woman.

If Marcia Clark was Marcus Clark, hair and attire wouldn’t be an issue. Some people told me back then that Marcia came off mean to them. I responded that she’s a nice woman. Which is true. Now that I’m older, I would’ve responded that she’s a prosecutor in a murder trial, not a Miss America contestant. She should be tough. That’s part of her job. Marcia Clark was nice, but she made it clear to me that she was not feeling the sexist bullshit. Of course the ordeal hurt her, but she still stood strong in the storm.

And in that storm was being a single parent of two small children, getting childcare, going through a divorce with her second husband, a childrens’ custody battle, ex-husbands drama, people critiquing her appearance AND her legal skills, rumors, having to wear a disguise when going out, hungry paparazzi and sexualization. I'm sure more could be added to this list. 

The mother of her first ex-husband sold topless photos from their beach vacation in 1979 to the tabloids. Which influenced some people to take her less seriously. But our society doesn’t question professional men who go to topless bars after work. Oh those oppressive, sexist double-standards.

You remember that scene where she’s buying tampons? Then the male store clerk says something like, “Oooh they’re going to get it in court tomorrow.” I don’t know if that’s true, but ladies can you imagine?! I would've needed a lot of therapy, acupuncture, wine and prayer if I were in her shoes.

Marcia Clark was a guest on Ellen recently. Notice her expression when Ellen reads Tweets from people who say she was treated unfairly. I wonder if people now having a better understanding of her challenges gives her some added peace. With more people talking about feminism, maybe this new understanding of Clark will have a positive impact in her professional life as well. 

People tell me that they would break if they shared my experience. I look at my father and Marcia Clark and I can't believe they survived all of that craziness. It's a huge testament to their strength.