Examples Of Prejudice In 12 Angry Men

In "Twelve Angry Men," written by Reginald Rose, the jurors base their decisions on their own prejudices rather than solely on the evidence presented in court. Throughout the play, various examples of prejudice are exposed, and these biases ultimately shape the jurors' decisions. In this essay, I will identify different forms of prejudice exposed in the play and explain how they impact the jurors' decision-making process.

One form of prejudice exposed in the play is racism. For example, Juror 10 is openly racist and refers to the defendant, who is of a different race, as "these people." He is also quick to make assumptions about the defendant's guilt based on his race, stating that "they're a rotten people. They're the scum of the earth."

Juror 3, for instance, is quick to dismiss the defendant's innocence due to his background and social status. He says, "I've lived among them all my life. You can't believe a word they say." This class prejudice affects his ability to be impartial and to weigh the evidence objectively.

Additionally, age prejudice is also a factor in the play. Juror 8, who is the youngest of the jurors, is often dismissed by the older jurors due to his age and perceived lack of experience. This prejudice is seen in the way the older jurors condescendingly dismiss his ideas and opinions, and in their refusal to take him seriously.

These prejudices shape the jurors' decision-making process and contribute to the deliberation being more difficult and contentious than it would have been otherwise. For instance, Juror 10's racist views prevent him from considering the defendant's innocence and lead him to dismiss evidence that supports the defendant's case. Similarly, Juror 3's class prejudice causes him to be suspicious of the defendant and to view the evidence in a biased

For example, when Juror 8 presents a new perspective on the case and casts doubt on the prosecution's evidence, the other jurors are initially resistant to accepting his point of view. This is because their prejudices have caused them to be so set in their ways that they are unwilling to consider alternative explanations.

In conclusion, "Twelve Angry Men" exposes various forms of prejudice, including racism, class prejudice, and age prejudice, that affect the jurors' decision-making process. The prejudices of the jurors cause them to be more resistant to changing their minds and to view the evidence in a biased manner. This highlights the importance of being aware of one's biases and striving to be impartial when making decisions, especially in a court of law where the consequences of a wrong verdict can be severe. It's also important to note that the prejudices in the play are not limited to the jurors. The defendant in the play, who is on trial for murder, is a victim of prejudice from the larger society. He is from a different race and background from the jurors, and this difference contributes to their biases and mistrust towards him. The play suggests that these prejudices and biases are so deeply ingrained in society that even a courtroom, where justice is supposed to be served objectively, is not immune from