QuoteProject
Although our rules and laws are now officially colorblind, they operate to discriminate in a grossly disproportionate fashion.
Michelle Alexander
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Legal systems may appear fair but still perpetuate discrimination against certain groups.

In this quote, Michelle Alexander highlights the disparity between the appearance of equality in laws and the reality of systemic discrimination that affects marginalized communities. Despite the formal statements of colorblindness, the practical application of laws often disproportionately impacts individuals based on race, revealing an inherent bias that continues to operate within the justice system.

Themes

DiscriminationJusticeEqualitySystemic RacismColorblindness

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in discussions about criminal justice reform.

More from Michelle Alexander

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
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.
Michelle AlexanderRead
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.
Michelle AlexanderRead
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
Michelle AlexanderRead
No other country in the world imprisons so many of its racial or ethnic minorities. The United States imprisons a larger percentage of its black population than South Africa did at the height of apartheid
Michelle AlexanderRead
There has been an outpouring of anger and concern because of the actions of George Zimmerman, a private citizen who profiled a young boy and pursued him and tried to confront him, perhaps. But what George Zimmerman did is no different than what police officers do every day as a matter of standard operating procedure.
Michelle AlexanderRead

Similar quotes

Without justice, the most heinous crimes go unpunished; victims are unable to obtain redress, and peace remains an elusive goal, since impunity generates more hatred, leading to acts of revenge and more suffering.
Federica MogheriniRead
I don't share the view that the ICC is anti-African. The ICC is not putting Africa on trial. The ICC is fighting impunity and individuals who are accused of crimes.
Kofi AnnanRead
The struggle for justice doesn't end with me. This struggle is for all the Troy Davises who came before me and all the ones who will come after me.
Troy Anthony DavisRead
In countries with a properly functioning legal system, the mob continues to exist, but it is rarely called upon to mete out capital punishment. The right to take human life belongs to the state. Not so in societies where weak courts and poor law enforcement are combined with intractable structural injustices.
Teju ColeRead
I can't identify a race of people in this country who are more committed to the health of this country, who believe more in the Constitution, who believe more in equality and liberation and fairness to everyone else than black people.
Bryan StevensonRead
A private soldier has as much right to justice as a major-general.
Abraham LincolnRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.