JUSTICE AS A GAME FOR THE MARGARIDED: AN ANALYSIS OF WHITE SUPREMACY AND STRUCTURAL RACISM IN ‘THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION’

Abstract

This study explores how The Shawshank Redemption portrays
justice as a game for those marginalized through white supremacy
and structural racism. Using descriptive-qualitative methods, this
study analyzes dialogues and scenes with sequence tables to assess
character dominance, glorification dialogue tables to identify explicit
and implicit glorification, and positive-negative binary oppositions in
character characterization. The results show that Andy Dufresne
dominates the narrative, emphasizing the centrality of the white
protagonist. Explicit glorification of the protagonist's values reaches
the peak of presentation, while implicit glorification is relatively low,
indicating hidden structural bias. Minority supporting characters
tend to be given negative characterizations more often than main
characters, reinforcing the structural racism mechanisms behind the
justice narrative. These findings reveal that popular films help
reinforce white supremacy and structural racism, influencing how
audiences understand the concept of justice. This study recommends
that audiences and filmmakers adopt a more equitable approach to
representation and be aware of hidden narrative biases in film
production and consumption. With this awareness, cinema can
contribute to more inclusive social justice.