Throughout Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy, the author skillfully employs rhetorical strategies to convey his message about the injustices within the criminal justice system. By analyzing Stevenson’s use of ethos, pathos, and logos, we can gain a deeper understanding of how he effectively advocates for social change.
Ethos
Stevenson establishes his credibility early on in the book by sharing his personal experiences as a lawyer fighting for justice. His background working with death row inmates and marginalized communities lends authority to his arguments about systemic racism and inequality in the legal system. As readers, we trust Stevenson’s expertise and are more inclined to believe his assertions about the flaws in our society.
Pathos
In addition to appealing to our logic through facts and evidence, Stevenson also appeals to our emotions. He shares powerful anecdotes of individuals who have been wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced, evoking feelings of empathy and compassion in the audience. By humanizing these individuals and highlighting their struggles, Stevenson compels us to take action against injustice.
Logos
Stevenson backs up his arguments with data and statistics that support his claims about racial bias in the criminal justice system. He presents compelling evidence that challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about how race impacts legal outcomes. By appealing to our sense of reason, Stevenson encourages us to critically examine the inequalities present in society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy is a poignant call to action that exposes the injustices faced by marginalized communities within the legal system. Through a combination of ethos, pathos, and logos, Stevenson effectively communicates his message and urges readers to advocate for change. By examining how these rhetorical strategies are employed throughout the book, we can better appreciate Stevenson’s efforts to bring awareness to issues of inequality and injustice.
References:
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in The Age Of Colorblindness
Between The World And Me
Invisible Man(1952)
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin(1963)
Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass(1845)i>
