We must put an end to the corruption and systemic racism in our justice system, and that starts by electing progressive district attorneys who will fight for real justice across the country.
Shaun KingRead
When I travel and speak across the country, I often tell college students that we are making a significant mistake when we say to each other that this criminal justice of ours is broken. To say it's broken would be to suggest that it was well designed and had good intentions from the start.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the narrative that the criminal justice system is simply broken, suggesting instead that it was designed with flawed intentions.
Shaun King's quote challenges the commonly held belief that the criminal justice system is merely in a state of disrepair. He argues that implying the system is broken assumes it was originally built with good intentions and effective design, which overlooks the historical injustices and systemic issues that have always existed within it. By reframing the conversation, King invites us to consider the deeper flaws in the system's conception and purpose.
Themes
Criminal JusticeSystemic IssuesDesignIntentionsSocial Justice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing young activists, I might use this quote to highlight the need for systemic change in the criminal justice system.
More from Shaun King
All quotes →It's always important, when we experience injustice in this nation, that people in power understand that we will not take that injustice quietly.
Shaun KingRead
When the primary people who have influence and power in our communities are not even really allowed to educate you on who to vote for and against, we're in trouble.
Shaun KingRead
Politicians and lawmakers are willing to watch us take us a knee, watch us march, watch us picket and protest - and wait us out. They are willing and prepared to outlast us - and, in most cases, to do absolutely nothing about the problems we highlight and amplify.
Shaun KingRead
Adults who loved and knew me, on many occasions sat me down and told me that I was black. As you could imagine, this had a profound impact on me and soon became my truth. Every friend I had was black; my girlfriends were black. I was seen as black, treated as black, and endured constant overt racism as a young black teenager.
Shaun KingRead
While I am furious about injustice, I do what I do, fighting against it, out of a place of love.
Shaun KingRead
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