In 2004, there were more black men disenfranchised than in 1870 - the year the 15th Amendment was ratified, prohibiting laws that deny the right to vote exclusively on the basis of race.
Michelle AlexanderRead
We have to stop thinking of criminals as 'them' and admit to ourselves, 'There but for the grace of God go I.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote encourages empathy towards criminals, suggesting that anyone could find themselves in a similar situation.
Michelle Alexander's quote calls for a recognition of our shared humanity, particularly in relation to those who commit crimes. It challenges the societal tendency to label criminals as distinct 'others' and instead urges us to consider that, under different circumstances, we might find ourselves in their position. This perspective not only fosters empathy but also a deeper understanding of the social and economic factors that contribute to crime.
Themes
EmpathyCriminalsHumanityGraceUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting discussing criminal justice reform.
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All quotes →My experience and research has led me to the regrettable conclusion that our system of mass incarceration functions more like a caste system than a system of crime prevention or control.
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The United States imprisons a larger percentage of its black population than South Africa did at the height of apartheid. In Washington, D.C., our nation’s capitol, it is estimated that three out of four young black men (and nearly all those in the poorest neighborhoods) can expect to serve time in prison.
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We have avoided in recent years talking openly and honestly about race out of fear that it will alienate and polarize. In my own view, it’s our refusal to deal openly and honestly with race that leads us to keep repeating these cycles of exclusion and division, and rebirthing a caste-like system that we claim we’ve left behind
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