Question

When you think back to your initial exposure to Just Mercy, you responded to the following quote:

“My work has taught me a vital lesson:Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. I am persuaded that the opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice. Finally, I’ve come to believe that the true measure of our commitment to justice, fairness, and equality cannot be measured by how we treat the rich, the respected, and the privileged among us. The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned. We are all implicated when we allow other people to be mistreated.”

Within this quote and throughout the book, Stevenson makes claims about hope, justice, and mercy. Take some time to brainstorm each of these topics in the space below.

Answer 1

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson brings to light the themes of hope, justice, and mercy, calling for a compassionate approach to how society treats its most vulnerable. It aligns with the social justice philosophies of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, and contrasts with outdated and criticized views like Osborne Jay's.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson discusses themes of hope, justice, and mercy, suggesting a more compassionate justice system and society. Stevenson argues that everyone is more than their worst act, and true justice is achieved when society treats its most vulnerable members with fairness and compassion. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of poverty, Stevenson challenges the notion that wealth is the opposite of poverty, proposing instead that justice is. He emphasizes that the measure of a society is how it treats the poor and marginalized.

This concept links to historical and contemporary discussions of social justice, illustrated by the critiques and philosophies of prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, who advocated for a society that addresses systemic flaws and embraces duty and nonviolence. Desmond's book further illustrates these ideas through the struggles of individuals in poverty, balancing survival with moral dilemmas.

Meanwhile, critics like Osborne Jay present a starkly different view, suggesting eugenics as a solution to social problems, a view now widely condemned for its failure to recognize the inherent dignity of every individual. Despite differing perspectives, the prevailing theme is that addressing poverty and social injustice requires a multifaceted approach that includes empathy, advocacy, and systemic change.