We can't get at crime unless we know what language it speaks. Otherwise, we are just suppressing the cough, not curing the disease.
Greg BoyleRead
Anyone who knows gangs knows that lawmakers cannot conceive of a law that would lead a hard-core gang member to 'think twice.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the disconnect between lawmakers' intentions and the realities of gang culture.
Greg Boyle articulates a profound truth about the complexities of gang life, suggesting that lawmakers, who are often removed from the experiences of gang members, cannot fully understand the motivations and challenges these individuals face. The phrase 'think twice' implies that legal measures alone are insufficient to change deeply ingrained behaviors and attitudes shaped by a difficult environment. This reflects a broader commentary on the limitations of legislative solutions when addressing social issues.
Themes
GangsLawmakersLegislationSocial IssuesGang Culture
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about criminal justice reform, this quote can illustrate the complexities of addressing gang-related violence.
More from Greg Boyle
All quotes βIf there is a fundamental challenge within these stories, it is simply to change our lurking suspicion that some lives matter less than other lives.
Greg BoyleRead
Relapse happens, especially when you're dealing with folks who are frankly the least likely to succeed based on their own pasts and difficulties. We can work with the most likely to succeed. I'm not interested in that.
Greg BoyleRead
We ought not to demonize a single gang member, and we ought not to romanticize a single gang.
Greg BoyleRead
Homeboy Industries has chosen to stand with the 'demonized' so that the demonizing will stop; it stands with the 'disposable' so that the day will come when we stop throwing people away.
Greg BoyleRead
The idea that any law enforcement agency or person would ever know these gang members better than Homeboy Industries is impossible.
Greg BoyleRead
Similar quotes
Laws alone can not secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his views without penalty there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire population.
Albert EinsteinRead
There has never been any evidence that the death penalty reduces capital crimes or that crimes increased when executions stopped. Tragic mistakes are prevalent...It is clear that there are overwhelming ethical, financial, and religious reasons to abolish the death penalty.
Jimmy CarterRead
Most modern freedom is at root fear. It is not so much that we are too bold to endure rules; it is rather that we are too timid to endure responsibilities.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
Listen; this world is the lunatic's sphere , _x000D_ Don't always agree it's real, _x000D_ Even with my feet upon it And the postman knowing my door _x000D_ My address is somewhere else.
HafezRead
I did not become a vegetarian for my health, I did it for the health of the chickens.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
We are effectively destroying ourselves by violence masquerading as love.
R. D. LaingRead