Racial Injustice and Stigma in American Legal Discourse: A Goffmanian Analysis of Just Mercy (2019)

Abstract

This study examines the representation of racial stigma in the film Just Mercy (2019), directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Focusing on the lived experiences of African American communities, particularly through the real-life story of Bryan Stevenson and his legal defense of Walter McMillian, the film illustrates the entrenched racial biases embedded within the United States judicial system. The research aims to explore how racial stigma is portrayed, how it affects the characters’ identities and social standing, and how individuals respond to such systemic discrimination. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the analysis draws from key film scenes, character dialogues, and cinematographic elements. The study applies Erving Goffman’s (1963) theory of stigma, particularly the notion of tribal stigma, to uncover how Black individuals are subject to inherited and persistent marginalization based on racial identity. Findings reveal that the characters encounter various forms of racial stigma, including stereotyping, institutional bias, dehumanization, and social exclusion. These stigmas are met with diverse responses—ranging from internalized oppression to acts of resistance and legal advocacy. Ultimately, the film underscores the psychological, social, and institutional consequences of racial stigma, while highlighting the importance of justice, dignity, and resilience in the face of systemic racism. This research contributes to the broader discourse on race, identity, and justice in contemporary literary and media studies.