Stereotypes In The Outsiders And Just Mercy

“You know my name, not my story. You've heard what I've done, but not what I've been through,” wrote Jonathan Anthony Burkett in his book Neglected But Undefeated. This ideology is the basis of misjudgement. People jump to conclusions based on stereotypes, what they see in the moment, and what they have heard. If taken too far, a misinterpretation of one’s character can lead to them losing everything. Misjudgement is seen constantly in real life, films, as well as literature. The books The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson present characters that are misjudged by social and racial stereotypes, resulting in the reader learning a lesson about the need to understand others perspectives and the need to treat others with

In this novel, the Socs and the Greasers were separated by class and wealth, with the Socs being the more wealthy group and the Greasers being the more impoverished group. From the Greaser’s perspective, Bob was the leader of the Socs and embodied their morals and habits. Bob was portrayed as a rich, misbehaving kid that picked on and messed up those he saw as less than himself. For example, he is seen as constantly getting drunk and jumping the greasers. One of the very first things that we learn about him is that he attacked a character named Johnny and badly hurt him. However, after Bob is killed, his friend, Randy, uncovers how he was actually a really good person and how seeing him as a disruptive kid was a matter of perspective. This is shown when Randy says, “‘I mean, most parents would be proud of a kid

Walter was accused of a murder that he did not commit, despite all the evidence that pointed elsewhere. It is said that Walter was being targeted by the police because he was breaking racial and sexual stereotypes of the area. These two things were greatly frowned upon, mostly because of the racial discrimination of the location. As a result, Walter was arrested, convicted and put on death row. He eventually got out of prison, but ultimately it ruined his life. Walter’s anguish is shown when he is quoted saying, “They put me on death row for six years!...They tortured me with the promise of execution for six years. I lost my job. I lost my wife. I lost my reputation. I lost my–I lost my dignity” (Stevenson 215). Walter’s story strongly encourages the reader to realize the need for equality in all areas of life. Walter was imprisoned because he was Black and because it was an easy accusation. There was plenty of evidence and people who could vouch that he was not in the area where and when the murder took place, yet those in charge chose to follow and support the stereotypes that gripped the community. In the end, the reader can learn of the necessity to treat others with