There are several determining factors that demonstrate the point that in these videos and readings; equality for all mankind does not exist. Politics, popularity, and socio-economic status contribute to the lack of fairness in society.
Mr. A. Wood was found with cocaine possession and killing someone but served no prison sentence. He never confessed to any wrongful acts. Politically, the odds were in his favor because he was Caucasian and well-known in his community, church, and by Judge Dean. All of these attributes proved his popularity along with his status of coming from a middle-class socio-economic background. Therefore, he had favor with the judge as well as people who would be on his side. It appeared that the judge who was re-elected five times; did not want to convict this man and lose potential votes by giving a reasonable punishment.
On the other hand, Mr. T. Brown of African American decent only robbed someone by taking wallet that only carried two dollars and was caught smoking marijuana. Mr. Brown relinquished the wallet and money back to his victim (Caucasian male) who did not agree with the punishment that was rendered by the same judge in Mr. Woods’s case. Politically, Mr. Brown had no affiliates in governmental positions nor was he popular by any means. Additionally, he was African American and of a lower class background in society. He attended a small community church and when it came down to the judgment all odds were against him. Although Mr. Brown confessed and pled guilty, he received unreasonable punishment of 16years-to life in prison.
Basically, the labeling theory could be in effect in this instance because society focused less on what the victims did as opposed to how others reacted to their crimes. Although, Mr. Wood created a greater crime the reaction/minor punishment did not equate with his crime because of the way society and Judge Dean viewed him vs. Mr. Brown. It is clearly evident that equality was unfair in these two cases although, the time period, geographic location, and authorities were the same; "equality for all mankind" was neither equal nor justifiable.
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