Community Quote by Alice Goffman
““Together, the chapters make the case that historically high imprisonment rates and the intensive policing and surveillance that have accompanied them are transforming poor Black neighborhoods into communities of suspects and fugitives. A climate of fear and suspicion pervades everyday life, and many residents live with the daily concern that the authorities will seize them and take them away. A new social fabric is emerging under the threat of confinement: one woven in suspicion, distrust, and the paranoiac practices of secrecy, evasion, and unpredictability.””
About This Quote
Source Book: On the Run, Alice Goffman, 2014
High incarceration and policing turn poor Black neighborhoods into suspect communities, fostering fear, distrust, and secrecy.
In simple terms: Mass incarceration creates a climate of suspicion and fear in marginalized areas.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address systemic bias in policing.
Themes
systemic racism
mass incarceration
community trust
surveillance
social control
Mood
anxious
critical
reflective
Type
sociological
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- urban policy
- community organizing
- legal reform
- mental health support
Key Concepts
structural inequality
social stigma
psychological impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How does surveillance affect daily life?
- What can rebuild trust?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook individual agency and resilience within these communities.
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