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Enormous and growing parts of the population are basically…

“Enormous and growing parts of the population are basically superfluous for profit-making purposes. Along with this, the jail population is increasing very rapidly; it's the highest in the industrial world by far. New and onerous crime bills are being passed to deal with this superfluous population.” quote by Noam Chomsky
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“Enormous and growing parts of the population are basically superfluous for profit-making purposes. Along with this, the jail population is increasing very rapidly; it's the highest in the industrial world by far. New and onerous crime bills are being passed to deal with this superfluous population.”

Noam Chomsky

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Large segments of society are deemed unnecessary for profit, leading to harsher laws and rising incarceration.

In simple terms: People are treated as expendable for profit, causing tougher crime policies and more prisoners.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge economic devaluation of human life.

Themes

inequality economics criminal justice politics human rights

Mood

critical concerned urgent

Type

political analytical activist

When to use this quote

  • policy reform
  • activism
  • community organizing
  • legal advocacy
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

exploitation structural violence policy labor market mass incarceration

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does profit motive shape lawmaking?
  • What alternatives exist to reduce incarceration?
A Different Perspective

Economic arguments may overlook cultural factors influencing crime rates.

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