Skip to content

Crime Quote by James Lee Burke

“The word criminal is more an emotional than legal term. Go to any U.S. post office and view the faces on the wanted posters. Like Dick Tracy caricatures, they stare out of the black-and-white photographs often taken in late-night booking rooms—unshaved, pig snouted, rodent eyed, hare lipped…” quote by James Lee Burke
Download Open image
““The word criminal is more an emotional than legal term. Go to any U.S. post office and view the faces on the wanted posters. Like Dick Tracy caricatures, they stare out of the black-and-white photographs often taken in late-night booking rooms—unshaved, pig snouted, rodent eyed, hare lipped, reassuring us that human evil is always recognizable and that consequently we will never be its victim. But””

James Lee Burke

About This Quote

The term “criminal” evokes strong emotions, and visual stereotypes reinforce a belief that evil is obvious, which can blind us to subtle wrongdoing.

In simple terms: Labels and images shape our perception of evil.

Key Takeaway

Question stereotypes.

Themes

stereotyping perception justice

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • law enforcement
  • media reporting
  • public opinion
  • education

Key Concepts

psychology media influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do stereotypes affect fairness?
  • What hidden biases influence judgments?
A Different Perspective

Simplistic views ignore complex motives.

3.3 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by James Lee Burke

Explore all 169 James Lee Burke quotes

More Crime quotes

Browse all 8,359 Crime quotes