Aspects of Social Injustice in The Shawshank Redemption

It is not an exaggeration to say that society is an irreplaceable factor when it comes to developing a person’s potential to its fullest. Indeed, a considerable number of features considered characteristics of our kind could have only been developed within the boundaries of society and are found nowhere else in the world of living organisms. However, society may not always be the best platform for the development of one’s individuality. Sometimes people are not treated in a correct manner, which gives rise to social injustice. Art, in numerous forms, has been reflecting this unpleasant phenomenon for many centuries. In the movie titled The Shawshank Redemption, by director Frank Darbabont, the idea of social injustice is illustrated through shattering events that occurs to inmates.

The biggest manifestation of this negative social phenomenon is the tragic event in Shawshank, which serves as a base for the plot: the murder of the main character’s wife and her lover. It is obvious that Andy Dufresne, the protagonist, is innocent, but the court does not decide in his favor. In other words, the system of justice makes a sorrowful mistake and ruins a man’s life. This shows how the governmental machine is able to have a profound negative influence on an individual (Dorling 13). I can relate a similar, less severe personal experience. Once I was accused of breaking a window in the neighborhood. I did not do it, but I could not convince my parents of the truth. We had to buy a new window and I was negatively looked on by others, though the fault was not mine. At certain points, I could clearly see myself in the character of Andy Dufresne. Indeed, it is very terrible and unjust when a person is accused of what one has not done, and is puni...

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...ng their duties. How can one think of social justice when one of its pillars is rather shaky?Shawshank presents one final aspect of social injustice

As can be clearly seen from the examination that has been performed, The Shawshank Redemption shows different aspects of social injustice. It puts a great emphasis on the idea that law enforcement agencies may be highly corrupted and might not be trusted to do their jobs.

Works Cited

Dorling, Daniel. Injustice: Why social inequality persists. Bristol: Policy Press, 2010. Print.

Kallen, Evelyn. Social inequality and social injustice: A human rights perspective. New York Palgrave Macmillan, 2004. Print.

Levy, Barry. Social injustice and public health. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print.

The Shawshank Redemption (the movie), 1994. Director Frank Darabont. Screenplay based on the book by Stephen King.