Themes - Race's Role in the Criminal Justice System

     Monster showcases how many people feel about how minorities are unfairly viewed in the criminal justice system. With Steve as the narrator, we felt as if we were able to really know him as a person and always trusted his innocence throughout the story; however, during the numerous talks with his attorney, Ms. O’Brien, it was made clear that the jury did not know him as we did and they would most likely not feel the same. 

Steve’s attorney leads us to believe that the jury will be blinded by his skin color and not be capable of seeing past it. Until the ending is revealed, this way of thinking gives us a feeling of hopelessness surrounding young African Americans when their fate is in the hands of the criminal justice system. 

     Perhaps it's noteworthy that the story takes place in Harlem. While only 27% of New York's population is made up of African Americans, they represent over 57% of the prison populations. Even more, that prison population is YOUNG with over 58% of the inmates being between the ages of 16 and 34. 

**This data was taken from an interesting article which young can find below: 

http://theblinker.com/mainpage/2013/08/27/nycs-jails-are-full-of-young-men-of-color/