The Opposite Of Poverty Is Justice Analysis
Stevenson conclusion: “The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice” (Stevenson 18) is formulated due to his extensive work with low-income and incarcerated people. Stevenson persuaded this idea through a lot of the cases and examples used throughout the book. For example, one of the first cases described was the Walter McMillian’s case. Walter had scarcely been in trouble with the law, but because of an affair with a white woman he got into major trouble. McMillian, who cut timber for a living, was vulnerable to prosecution. Just because he was colored, and was poor he was wrongfully accused, and eventually convicted, of the death of a young white woman. This shows that if McMillian have hadn’t been poor, he would
of been served justice in his case. So the opposite of poverty is not rich, but justice and mercy.
Besides, what is justice any way? Justice rather than a bland meaning such as fair treatment is more than that. Justice means punishing actions or words that are wrong and upholding things that are good without bias. Justice is for everyone: for every minority, for every race, every linguistic, every age, and every gender. Justice is also recognizing achievement and greatness in others. “Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done” (Stevenson 48). But can a country with a long history of racial discrimination and segregation judge each race fairly? Stereotypes, and racist jokes existing are just few ways that injustice is living among our society today.
Moving on, the title of the book, “Just Mercy” has a deep meaning. Everyone is capable of making mistakes, even terrible mistakes, and that, at one time or another, everyone will need to be granted mercy. Harsh punishments, in Stevenson’s eyes, perpetuate violence rather than deter it. Giving and receiving unexpected and undeserved mercy is the only way to break the escalating cycles of violence, punishment, and hatred that characterize the criminal justice system. For the criminals, we need a heart and character to give mercy, not billions of dollars for enlarging prisons and developing punishments.
of been served justice in his case. So the opposite of poverty is not rich, but justice and mercy.
Besides, what is justice any way? Justice rather than a bland meaning such as fair treatment is more than that. Justice means punishing actions or words that are wrong and upholding things that are good without bias. Justice is for everyone: for every minority, for every race, every linguistic, every age, and every gender. Justice is also recognizing achievement and greatness in others. “Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done” (Stevenson 48). But can a country with a long history of racial discrimination and segregation judge each race fairly? Stereotypes, and racist jokes existing are just few ways that injustice is living among our society today.
Moving on, the title of the book, “Just Mercy” has a deep meaning. Everyone is capable of making mistakes, even terrible mistakes, and that, at one time or another, everyone will need to be granted mercy. Harsh punishments, in Stevenson’s eyes, perpetuate violence rather than deter it. Giving and receiving unexpected and undeserved mercy is the only way to break the escalating cycles of violence, punishment, and hatred that characterize the criminal justice system. For the criminals, we need a heart and character to give mercy, not billions of dollars for enlarging prisons and developing punishments.