Just Mercy: Lessons for Healthcare

The murders by police of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade demonstrate the deep racism that has pervaded the United States since its founding. That Black Americans are more than twice as likely to die of covid than White Americans is further evidence of the racism in our society, including our healthcare system. We at MedHumChat stand with the Black Lives Matters movement.

Our present moment calls on us, especially those who are White, to deepen our understanding of the evil that is racism and commit to practices of anti-racism. The arts and humanities invite us to understand experiences different from our own, ask difficult questions about ourselves, and imagine new futures and possibilities. As such, we see the arts and humanities as having a vital role in anti-racist efforts.

Rather than hold a typical chat, this June we are experimenting with a new format. We are inviting you to watch the film Just Mercy, about the work of lawyer Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, as he fights for justice for Black men on death row. We believe the film has important lessons for those in healthcare. And, the Equal Justice Initiative has made the film freely available on streaming services during June 2020.

Instead of publicly sharing reflections in a Twitter chat, we encourage you to reflect in a more private way. While we love the ways Twitter has allowed us to build community, we also recognize that social media is inherently performative. At this particular moment, we want to emphasize the importance of deep listening, quiet reflection, and vital conversations amongst family, friends, and colleagues. We are sharing discussion questions to pair with your film viewing. We encourage you to reflect by writing in a journal or talking with those close to you. If after quiet reflection you’re moved to share on Twitter, you can do so with our usual hashtag #MedHumChat.

Lastly, we recognize that it is not enough to reflect and talk. We also need action. We aim to raise $2,000 for Equal Justice Initiative. If you are able, we hope you will contribute to this effort.

Discussion Questions for Just Mercy:

1. Health

What are the negative health impacts of racism, police violence, and incarceration seen in the film? Consider physical, mental, family, and community health.

2. Systemic Racism

Just Mercy shows how the legal and criminal justice system perpetuate injustice, while also providing openings for advocacy and change. What parallels do you see between the legal and criminal justice system in Just Mercy and today’s healthcare system? 

3. Relationships

Stevenson works to gain the trust of his client Walter McMillian. What did Stevenson do to gain McMillian’s trust? What did McMillian teach Stevenson? What lessons from their relationship can you bring to your work?

4. Representation

As Stevenson works for racial justice, he himself is terrorized and humiliated by white police officers and government officials. Black men and women in medicine and other healthcare professions frequently experience racist discrimination and microaggressions. Reflect on a time you witnessed racism in healthcare. How did you respond? If you could go back in time, would you handle the situation differently?

5. Allyship

Stevenson works with Eva Ansley, a white woman who helps launch EJI. How does she support the work of EJI and Stevenson? What risks does she take? How does she respond when Stevenson shares his feelings and experiences? What is a lesson you can take from Ansley about allyship?

6. Just Mercy

Stevenson has said, “We are all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” Reflect on your experience with patients who are or have been incarcerated. Are there biases you’ve held that were challenged by this film?

7. Imagine

Imagine a future healthcare system designed to support the holistic health of Walter McMillian, his family, and his community. What values would such a system be rooted in? What would it look like? How would it make patients feel? How would it define health?

8. Action

Write down three ways you commit to end racism and promote justice in your community and/or workplace.