What is the identity we have created for us as an American people?
You could look at the advances and innovations in technology we have made, you could consider the fact that people from many different countries aspire to come to our country and join us on our journey, as well as the many other things we have accomplished.
Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, believes that our identity is at risk because we have not completely dealt with our history of terrorism and racism that came from within (and not just since 9/11). In this video below, he explains that all of our achievements are shadowed by the suffering, abuse, degradation, marginalization, and injustice that takes place within in a society whose justice system rewards those who are rich and ignores or punishes those who are poor and innocent. Can we truly have a positive identity when our justice system sees no problem in sentencing children to death in prison?
Stevenson says that to really change things, we need to change our thinking to include the poor and the disadvantaged, and to think and talk about them (and with them) in a way that is integrated into our own lives. He also asks the question: “Can we fully be human if we don’t acknowledge the connection that we have with each other?”
Ultimately, a society (and its members) is judged not by its successes or the way it treats the rich, wealthy, and powerful, but how it treats the poor, the condemned, and the incarcerated.
About Nicolle Morales Kern
Yes!!!!
Everytime we talk about injustice, some Taco Tio or Tio Tomas jumps on our case. Seems like some people are comfortable with injustice and inequality but the more moral and compassionate among us continue to bring it up because these things deserve our attention.
Definitely agree wit you Cyrena, but unfortunately our values and morals are fading away with the every day main stream media.
Well said, Diego, and nice profile pic!
Great video, it goes to show that we should learn, as a society, to appreciate those who have less wealth or live under poverty. As a matter of fact, 15% of the entire population of the US lives under poverty. Thats 15% of over 300 million people. The media doesn’t like to talk about this, because these poor families are left underestimated, or they become some “irrelevant” issue to reporters. The reality of this is that its a daily part of life for many people to face. I also agree that we have a corrupt justice system that needs to be fixed nationwide, and something must be done about it.