Refined Answer to EQ

Prejudice plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of justice and mercy by distorting how we perceive fairness and compassion. When people are influenced by biases—whether based on race, gender, religion, or social status, they often judge others unfairly. These biases can affect how we apply justice, often leading to unequal treatment. For example, a person who holds prejudiced views may be less likely to show mercy to someone from a less-privileged group, assuming they do not deserve it. This creates an imbalance in how justice and mercy are experienced by different people.

When prejudice is involved, justice may no longer be fair and unbiased. Instead, it can be influenced by these biases, resulting in decisions that help some people while harming others. For example, in a court case, a judge or jury might base their decision on stereotypes rather than the actual facts. Similarly, mercy, which is an act of compassion or forgiveness, might be denied to those seen as undeserving because of preconceived beliefs. 

When prejudice affects how we view justice and mercy, it can create inequality. People with privilege may receive more understanding, while those who are less privileged may face unfair treatment, even if they deserve the same fairness and compassion. In the end, prejudice taints both justice and mercy by making them depend on biases instead of ensuring equal treatment for everyone. This shows how important it is to recognize and address prejudice to create a fairer and more compassionate society. 

In conclusion, prejudice strongly affects how we understand justice and mercy, often leading to unfair treatment and inequality. When biases influence these ideas, justice becomes unbalanced, helping some while hurting others. Mercy can also be denied to those seen as undeserving because of prejudices. This creates a system where people with privilege receive fairer treatment, while those with less privilege are judged more harshly. To build a more just and compassionate society, it’s important to recognize and challenge prejudice, making sure that justice and mercy are based on fairness for everyone.