TOW #4- IRB

Book: Picking Cotton by Jennifer Thompson and Ronald Cotton

Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept. She was able to escape, and later identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker. While Ronald insisted that she was mistaken, Jennifer's positive identification was enough to put him in jail. Ten years later Ronald was able to take a DNA test that proved his innocence. Picking Cotton is about the two of them, who later met and discussed their sides of the story. Overall, their goal is to challenge our ideas of memory and judgement while demonstrating the power of forgiveness. The book begins with Jennifer's point of view, as she recounts the story of her rape and the trial that put Ronald behind bars. Something important she does in order to achieve her purpose is utilize cause and effect to show what irrational thinking and judgement can do. She writes, "I knew it. If I didn't get him, he was going to come after me. The terror simply took my breath away. He was standing right in front of me, and if the police didn't lock him up, surely he would walk out of there, find me, and finish the job. The next time, I was certain, I would not get way. He would kill me." (37) Jennifer's fears of not immediately locking up her attacker caused her to make a mistake and incorrectly identify Ronald Cotton. This shows how we cannot just rely on our memories in certain situations, because sometimes we are wrong, and it also helps prove their point. As I continue to read this book, I will find out what happens when Ronald Cotton is released from prison, and learn more about injustice and redemption.