In the world of literature and horror, Stephen King is a well-known name. His stories are infamous for creating heart-pounding suspense, terrorizing readers with supernatural elements, and crafting characters that we root for even as they battle unspeakable evils. But what if I told you that the Supreme Court is not too far off from the world created by King?
The Supreme Court of the United States has long been seen as an institution that is above any individual judge or justice. However, over time, certain justices have stood out for their unique personalities, writing styles, and willingness to take on controversial cases. These justices could be compared to some of King’s most memorable characters.
First up: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She has become somewhat of a cult figure in recent years due to her outspokenness (both on and off the bench) regarding women’s rights issues. Her dissenting opinions have gone viral on social media, earning her nicknames like “Notorious RBG” and turning her into something of a feminist icon.
Similarly, one of King’s most beloved characters is Carrie White from his debut novel “Carrie.” Carrie suffers at the hands of bullies until she discovers she has telekinetic powers which lead to a bloody prom night disaster. Like Ginsburg, Carrie is an unexpected hero who fights back against oppressors.
Secondly: Justice Clarence Thomas may be known more for his silence than anything else (he famously does not ask questions during oral arguments). But when he does speak or write opinions – they tend to pack quite a punch. He’s also advocated for originalism – interpreting the Constitution as it was meant at its time of ratification.
This brings us to Jack Torrance from “The Shining,” who famously says “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” while slowly losing his mind in an isolated hotel during winter caretaker duties. Both Thomas and Torrance rely on the power of words to make their points – although one does so through legal opinions while the other via a typewriter.
Finally, there’s Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She is known for her fiery dissents and willingness to speak out in favor of social justice issues. Her background as a Latina woman from a working-class family has also made her an inspiration for those who might feel underrepresented in the legal profession.
Sotomayor’s character comparison comes from “The Stand” with Stu Redman, one of King’s most resilient protagonists. In his fight against an apocalyptic virus, Redman shows strength through his compassion and empathy towards others even during times when society has crumbled around him.
Of course, these comparisons are meant to be taken lightly. The Supreme Court is not exactly like King’s world of horror and suspense (although some court watchers may disagree). However, it’s interesting to think about each justice as their own unique character within this larger institution.
Beyond just comparing justices to characters in books or movies – it’s important that we appreciate how diverse each voice is on our highest court. Each justice brings their own experiences and perspectives which can lead to more well-rounded decisions that impact us all.
Perhaps Stephen King himself summed it up best when he said: “Good writing is often about letting go of fear and affectation… Affectation itself can be defined as an attempt to appear sincere.” Maybe if more people approached life like they approach writing – with honesty instead of affectation – then we might have less conflict and discord among our leaders today.