Theme Of Corruption In Hillary Jordan's When She Woke

Religion is detrimental to the commonwealth. Throughout history, religion has influenced numerous governmental decisions, displacing individuals from the rest of society. According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), seventy-five countries have criminal laws against sexual activity by lesbian, gay, transgender, or bisexual people. These countries enforce the death penalty or implement deportation. In other countries, gay and lesbians endure harassment and discrimination. In other words, homosexuals lack respect and treatment in all territories. In 2014, over 40% of the countries worldwide criminalized abortion. Other countries, such as the United States, allow abortion under certain circumstances.
These arguments and debates inspired Hillary Jordan. She decided to convey her feelings in a novel. In When She Woke by Hillary Jordan, Jordan implements the theme of displacement and corruption against homosexuals and criminals to portray the disadvantages of a puritanical government.

Throughout the novel, the theme of displacement affect the novel’s characters. One example is Hannah Payne. Following the eviction from the Straight Path Center, Hannah ventured through the city of Plano, Texas. During this journey, Hannah was harassed by numerous individuals. For example, at the Huntington Library, she received messages from unknown contacts such as: “Burn in hell, murderer!” and “I hope you hear the cries of the baby you killed every night for the rest of your life” (165). These messages depict the cruelty in this world. All criminals, despite the severity of the crime, become enemies. People have access to the criminal’s account, and some groups, such as the Fist of Christ, have support from the government in killing these Chromes. Therefore, America needs to prevent religious influence in its government decisions. Otherwise, crimes restricted by religion will restrict
Hannah received disturbing messages from the public, and she was pursued by the Fist of Christ, which is equivalent to the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Simone, who was raped by strangers, was punished for abortion despite the crimes inflicted on her. The puritanical government simply targets individuals who commits sins, such as abortion. Unfortunately, the cruelties within Hillary Jordan's novel exists in the real world. Following the Obergefell v. Hodges case, several counties refused to issue gay marriage licenses and discriminated these couples. For example, Mississippi passed a law protecting the right of private businesses to discriminate homosexuals. Michigan passed a law that restricted prospective parents from adopting children if they violated the religious policies and beliefs. Without religion within our government, these complications and discrimination would disappear. Life would not be strenuous or arduous. This solution is simply not possible. However, with determination, wisdom, and courage, these unfortunate events can be