Dear Pamela, In the months following former President Donald Trump's felony conviction, politicians and media alike have used labels like "felon," "convict," and "criminal" to describe him. These words have long been discouraged by Vera and fellow justice advocates, and for good reason. It may seem like a small thing, but language shapes the way people think. And when we use dehumanizing language to describe Trump, we also stigmatize the millions of people with conviction histories who lack his wealth and connections. For more than 24 million people in the United States with felony convictions, these terms are used to justify the ways in which they are marginalized—from inhumane treatment behind bars to barriers to housing, education, and employment that punish people long after they have served their time. |
Pamela, language is powerful. It can have a serious effect on how a society sees and treats groups of people. Here are three ways you can help ensure that system-impacted people are treated with respect, dignity, and opportunity. |
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