While 'Ghosts of Mississippi' centers its narrative on justice for a civil rights murder, the story is character-driven and mostly focused on personal transformation and the pursuit of truth. Identity factors are present but do not fully overwhelm depth. The film still leans heavily into modern sensibilities around race and justice, which may distract those seeking more traditional, non-woke storytelling.

The film frames Southern tradition and culture, especially in relation to race, with a decidedly critical lens. However, it doesn't broadly undermine religion or family, focusing primarily on the historical context of racial injustice. It subverts certain established historical narratives but largely refrains from reinventing core cultural values altogether.

Alternative viewpoints are mostly limited to antagonists representing deep-seated racism. The film tends to villainize those upholding traditional Southern views of the era. Sincere, non-woke perspectives get little screen time or sympathetic portrayal, making pluralism or true ideological debate minimal at best.