This letter explores the disconnect between the message of compassion and forgiveness in the musical Les Miserables and the real-life treatment of immigrants in Utah. It argues that while audiences embrace the plight of Jean Valjean, Utah's policies often mirror those of his persecutor, Javert, perpetuating a cycle of harm and ignoring the humanity of those seeking a better life.
Letter: The ironic popularity of Les Miserables in Utah: Audiences root for the hero but in real life favor his persecutor. Here in Utah, it seems like a year can’t pass without the musical Les Miserables being performed somewhere. And it makes sense why; its story and music powerfully portray themes of compassion and struggle that should resonate with everyone.
Despite how often its refrains have echoed through our theaters, concert halls and high school auditoriums, however, it seems that its message has fallen on deaf ears. The struggle of the play’s protagonist, Jean Valjean, reflects the modern, real-world struggles of immigrants throughout America. These people, out of hunger and desperation, have broken minor laws trying to keep their families alive. The vast majority of them, similar to Valjean, have become productive, valuable contributors to their communities in the years since their “crime.” But our state seems to be full of Javerts who want to hunt and hound them as far and as long as possible, willfully ignoring their humanity, value and goodness. The message at the heart of the story is that when we show compassion to those who are struggling, rather than unrelenting, unfair application of law, we enable both them and ourselves to become more and become better than we otherwise would on our own. Audiences have no problem understanding that Jean Valjean did not deserve to have his life ruined over bread stolen 19 years prior, and that forgiveness and compassion allowed him to make something of his life. Why can’t we understand the same applies to people and families whose only crime is crossing a border in search of a stable life? Where is our bishop-like mercy towards our generation’s “miserable ones”? Based on Utah’s support of Trump and his mass deportations, it seems many of us act more like Javert than Bishop Myriel when we see others suffering
Les Miserables Immigration Utah Politics Compassion Social Justice
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