Race As A Victim In The American Justice System In Monster, By Walter Dean Myers

Race is a significant factor in the book Monster by Walter Dean Myers. The novel follows the story of Steve Harmon, a black teenager who is on trial for his alleged involvement in a robbery and murder of a store owner. Throughout the novel, the issue of race is explored in various ways, highlighting the systemic racism that exists within the American justice system.

One of the key ways that race is addressed in the novel is through the portrayal of the justice system. Steve is portrayed as a victim of a racist legal system that assumes his guilt based on his race and appearance. I can show this using this quote said by Steve's lawyer, “My job is to make sure the law works for you as well as against you, and to make you a human being in the eyes of the jury.”(Walter Dean Myers) This quote shows how his lawyer sees how race could play a role in whether or not the jury decides whether or not he is guilty. The prosecutor and police officers involved in the case are all white, and they use racial stereotypes and assumptions to build their case against Steve. Due to the fact that Steve is in an area with lots of violence and gang activity people assume he would be involved in this robbery and murder of Mr. Nesbitt.

Steve is housed with other black and Latino inmates, and there is a sense of togetherness and support among them. However, they are all subject to mistreatment and violence at the hands of the guards, who are predominantly white. Not only are they abused by guards they also abuse each other, fights Etc. An example of this would be when Steve states, “ When the lights are out and someone is being beaten up and screaming for help.” (Walter Dean Myers) This connects to my claim due to the fact that not only does race play a role in his case but mentally hearing this is so damaging to the human mind you would feel