Social Injustice (Coursework Sample)

Social Injustice
Name
Institution
Social Injustice
Criminal justice is among the issues that have ignited a heated debate in the American Judicial system. It is noted that many prisoners are harshly treated in the American prisons with little being done to address the ordeal. This is more so worse with black American prisoners whose rights have been trampled upon. Owing to this, many writers have come up to voice their concerns about the need for addressing the situation. Besides, the movie industry has also come up to give a clear picture of the ordeal faced by these prisoners. This essay will address the ordeal faced by the prisoners in the film The Green Mile. Specifically, the essay will focus on the mistreatments these prisoners undergo, as well as, the sympathy of some prison guards which indicates a move towards a reformed prison system.
The Green Mile is a movie that incorporates spiritual and dramatic elements owing to its recognition of Gods healing power. The incorporation of the spiritual element plays a crucial role in bringing into the spotlight the need for American judicial and prison reforms so as to reinstate its chastity. At the start of the movie, Paul Edgecomb is disturbed by a nightmare making it difficult for him to sleep. It is noted that the genesis of his emotions is his awful experiences as a prison guard, in a series of cells on The Green Mile holding inmates soon to be executed via electrocution. This disturbance is an indication of the coercive environment prevailing in these prisons such that even the reformists have little room for voicing and their grievances. Specifically, he narrates his experiences with John Coffey, a black prisoner, who had been convicted of murdering two young ladies. As it turns out, though the prison guards were aware of the innocence of Coffey, they went ahead and prosecuted him. This is a clear indication of racial discrimination in the American judicial system. The discrimination of the Blacks suspects serves as a clear indication of social exclusion that is a violation of the criminal justice policies (Chesney-Lind, & Mauer, 2011). Surprisingly, as the film unfolds, it turns out that Coffey possesses unique healing powers. Coffey's healing powers are revealed by the fact that it is noted that at that time of his arrival at The Green Mile prison, Paul was suffering from a urinary tract infection. Amazingly, when Coffey just touched him, the infection got healed.
Another unique instance is noted when an inmate by the name Dell strangely befriends a mouse. By bringing this unique relationship between man and animals, the author depicts the seclusion that the prisoners face. As such, the author depicts the outcast label placed upon these prisoners. The mention of the healing powers through the film, coupled with the godlike nature of some of the prison wardens simplifies the need for the prisons to be reformed such that they treat prisoners gracefully. By effecting this, it will be possible to reinstate the sanctity in prisons (Perkinson, 2010). The mouse is noted to perform unique tricks which make Dell very fond of it. As such, it depicts prisoners in quest of fair treatment that is not forthcoming. Unfortunately, one sadist prison guards named Percy steps on the mouse injuring it badly. Surprisingly, Coffey restores back the mouse to life. Owing to these series of events, Paul is now convinced that Coffey is not only special but also innocent of the crime he is charged with. It is noted that Percy deals ruthlessly with the inmates. Percy's ruthlessness may be attached to his influence in the state. It is noted that he is a nephew of the wife of the governor hence making it difficult for his colleagues to tame his ruthless acts. Moreover, he is heard saying that he will transfer himself to another government bases job (YouTube, 2011). Specifically, when executing Dell, he willingly avoids using the wet sponge on Dell's head so as to make the electrocution more painful. This indicates an act of justice distortion to prisoners (Chesney-Lind, & Mauer, 2011). By including of these ruthless acts, the film seeks to portray how prisoners have been viewed as outcasts instead of being corrected gracefully.
However, some prison guards portray some degree of mercy as depicted by the reaction of Paul, who is aggrieved by the cruelty of Perce and secretly sneaks Coffey out of the prison to save him from being prosecuted. Paul, now strongly believes in his healing powers that he takes him to the prison warden's home, Hal Moores, home hoping he will heal his wife suffering from a brain tumor that he does. Besides, using his powers he identifies the actual killer of the two young ladies he was falsely accused of killing-William Wharton. The movie is full of Christian references. Paul, for example, is depicted, as a saved man whose conscience disturbs him when he contemplates taking Coffey, whom he thinks is innocent, to the execution chair. The ordeal faced by Coffey reveals the nasty experiences that black prisoners face in the American prisons (Perkinson, 2010). Notably, Paul's stand is based on his fear to stand before God on the judgment day. This clearly indicates the power of religion in enhancing social justice in the society. Critical analysis of the movie reveals four primary theological challenges. Firstly, a minor character is convinced that just a simple medal in the name of St. Christopher will keep one safe from evil. Secondly, long life is viewed as evil because it forces one to pass through awful experiences of seeing their beloved ones die. As such, this may be viewed as a contradiction to the Bible that views long life as a gift from God. Furthermore, the movie suggests that healing powers are transferable and not necessarily received from God. Additionally, the movie conveys the message that the ordeal faced by the prisoners affects not only them but also their families and dependents. Therefore, the injustice perpetuated in the American prisons is depicted as a chain in need of immediate remedial measures.
Violence acts and foul language ...