Apartheid Quote by Michelle Alexander
“The United States imprisons a larger percentage of its black population than South Africa did at the height of apartheid. In Washington, D.C., our nation’s capitol, it is estimated that three out of four young black men (and nearly all those in the poorest neighborhoods) can expect to serve time in prison.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, 2010
The U.S. incarcerates a disproportionate share of Black men, surpassing apartheid-era South Africa.
In simple terms: U.S. prisons hold many more Black men than apartheid South Africa.
Address systemic bias in criminal justice.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- community advocacy
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What reforms can reduce disparity?
- How does public perception affect policy?
Complex causes include socioeconomic factors and legislation.