Alice Goffman: How we're priming some kids for college - and others for prison

In the United States, two institutions guide teenagers on the journey to adulthood: college and prison. Sociologist Alice Goffman spent six years in a troubled Philadelphia neighborhood and saw first-hand how teenagers of African-American and Latino backgrounds are funneled down the path to prison - sometimes starting with relatively minor infractions. In an impassioned talk she asks, “Why are we offering only handcuffs and jail time?”
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[@lunaproductions13]

Why do people keep saying things like "Why is this white privileged chick talking about this" it's probably better that she is that and talking about it because as mentioned she is privileged. She can have her voice heard more easily than the people she talked about and that's good for them.

[@rockout556]

Wait so I'm confused. White kids don't go to prison?

[@lunaproductions13]

Brandon Arends They do but there are a lot more minority children that get racially profiled and sent to jail for mostly stupid reasons BECAUSE they are a racial minority.

[@rockout556]

***** a lot of people get profiled for many reasons, and unjustly prosecuted. I won't pretend that racism doesn't exist in the system. It does. But it's a sign of a much larger problem, and if we focus only on racism, we'll accomplish nothing, even towards that goal.

[@mdarnell514]

This is neither here not there but Im considered “white” by most people / majority of society... yet i grew up in a place where I was most definitely an ethnic minority. In school and demographically. I dont know if its because i grew up in a culturally diverse place or because I really have other things in my mind. But i just dont think about it that much. “Race” i mean. Im not trying to sound more evolved. Im not trying to devalue the suffering that still goes on and the dna imprinted genocidal torture and transgenerational misery that it carries with it... like that william blake quote. “Some are born to sweet delight, others born to endless night.” So when i say that im really “over it” when someone brings up race, or racism.. i mean... i wasnt thinking about it at all until it was brought back up... i feel at that point that the “issue” is back. I feel i have to regress morally and intellectually to put myself on the level where a conversation over a tedx about helping our youth get better education so they dont end up in the heinous prison system turned into a witch hunt on that lady. Im not trying to play down the importance of the racism amongst other injustices that still go on everyday. I just feel that i want to be the change. And it starts with me so... what happend and is still happening is... theres no words. I take accountability as much as i can. My genes are pre ww2 irish snd romanian immigrants. This is not my families homeland and they werent enslaved to be here. They also didnt rape and pillage and enslave anyone. So why am i apologizing? Idk because everyone treats me the same as if my family was a plantation owners. That’s racist as well. And ive been treated sexistly a ton of times as a female musician especially. Im just babblimg now my bad.

[@sonrisaverdean757]

yeah she calling out her own people for what they have done. I appreciate it.

[@8dutchmen]

I have a lot of respect for this woman. She has more guts than me to get up on that stage, and she went way above what most people would do. She actually got out there and is doing something.

[@incongruence1917]

I applaud Goffman for a well-delivered, passionate, speech. I admire that she used her position of privilege to challenge the oppression of the less-priveleged members her community. The institutionalized discrimination she speaks of is not just an issue for American people of color, it is an issue that effects EVERY American. I'm disheartened by the sexism, classism and racism in many of the comments.

[@rslersle9316]

Incongruence she is a murderer

[@yumimakai]

The comments here are kind of sad, everyone seems to focus just on one particular part of the speech and not the point that children are getting arrested and given criminal records for things that, had they have been in a richer neighbourhood or school they would have been let off with just a day of detention or a warning, that children are being punished for being born into a family that is poor or is a part of the minority. I have had a friend that had been in the same basic situation, her father had unknowingly bought her a car that had been reported stolen, and yet, all the cops did was take down notes, look at the receipt that proved that her father had bought it, and they let her go, properly going after the company who had sold the car. I've seen a fair share of school fights and all that has been done is teacher yelling and dragging off the ones involved in the fight to detention, not jail. The point that I believe this speaker is getting at is that a child should not be thrown in jail and have their futures ruined for doing the same things other kids have done, or being a part of an accident they couldn't control simply because they come from a poor neighbourhood or happen to be of colour. She's trying to make the point that perhaps justice isn't truly blind, otherwise rich white kids would have just as many criminal records for the stupid things that kids do as the less advantaged ones, she's not saying that kids should not be punished for doing something wrong, but that sending a kid to jail because they pushed another kid or because they happened to be in a car that was stolen is too harsh, after all, if it had been some rich white person's son sent to jail for being in a car that had apparently been stolen, there would have been outrage, a public apology and their record erased.

[@DarkJonas33]

"Speak the truth even if your voice shakes"

[@6.21.02]

Yes, I noticed that right away. She seemed like she was going to cry at one point.

[@Usenabt]

Sound like shes about to burst into tears any second.

[@owenboshington]

NE H pe

[@weili906]

I sound like that whenever i public speak

[@ChosenMinistries-kn9vg]

Yeah you think …… because this really sad . This does not happen it white neighborhoods. She has a heart and empathy!!

[@Izo84]

Don't understand the dislikes. Truth hurts. She held a fact based speech and pointed to directions that could offer a better future. What is the benefit to the society with the current handling of this problem. It only benefits the private owners of these so called correction facilities.

[@InqWiper]

Izo84 The dislikes probably come from people thinking this is just another ignorant wanna be hero who is trying to absolve the black community of all responsibility. With so many such speeches it can be hard to see this one for what it is rather than what you are expecting. I was very suspicious at first myself, but it turned out better than expected. I think she might be a little of an apologist but I think she had some good points about law enforcement and the "justice" system in the US.

[@stuvs830]

40k to keep someone in prison, 30k to educate them in school, according to one post.

[@rslersle9316]

She is a murderer

[@Spokker]

“Why are we offering only handcuffs and jail time?” Per pupil spending in the Washington DC school system is approaching $30,000 per year. The system is 67% black based on the most recent statistics. Reading and writing proficiency is abysmal. Two of three meals per day per student are free or reduced in price for those who need it. There are a myriad of after school programs to keep kids busy. Most school systems in urban areas are like this. I'd say that we are offering plenty, but the parents have to step up.

[@bigfletch8]

Spokker That's part of the reform, but the parents grew up when that disgusting graph of incarceration was launching skyward. What would you say, face to face, to the parent of Chuck, about his year in remand for pushing a kids face in the snow after insulting his mother...sure there may be two sides to this event in the school yard..but remand because of lack of bail money???Would you tell her to "step up??? How much did it cost Chuck, and also the system that housed and fed him? Im a 6'5" Australian power athlete (very tough indeed) retiree, but I teared up when that remarkable Alice told her story. (In my imagination I saw her and Hilary Clinton as rivals..who would you vote for???). Any American should look at those incarceration figures and hang their head in shame...but only for a few minutes of reflection. Then "we the people" should make this reform their number one priority. The world is watching. Want to gain more respect? Then have respect for the millions of youngsters in your own backyard. The vast majority of you would feel the way I do, but it is the small minority who are calling the shots (literally in some cases). I would start by sending this talk to all your contacts....and if you dont...ask yourself, why not!

[@Maxander2001]

Spokker "The system is 67% black based"

[@brandonstednitz8408]

Spokker I would argue that the problem is more than just "broken home syndrome", as some people call it. We're still advancing students through K12 based on their age, not how well they understand the material. We still teach students to pass tests, instead of how to learn. We tell students about all these wonderful things like calculators and computers, but then tell them they aren't allowed to use them ever, and wonder why they stop caring about Math and Science before they reach high school. Not that you're wrong, parents don't just need to be involved in their children's lives, but do so in a positive manner. But the problem is substantially larger than just that piece.

[@brandonstednitz8408]

***** But after we entered WW2 we started shipping them off to internment camps.

[@flaccidego3013]

Yep

[@VaclavDekanovsky]

Thank you, Alice. That's an real eye-opener that it's often the environment where we live rather then our intelligence, skills or values that determines our future. I hope it will help many people to realize this and that we have so many opportunities to change it by playing different games, by focusing on different things and by just taking different approach than the one which ends in jail. Thank you once more.

[@wpotter451]

I commend you for doing more than just writing, you witness the issues and was able to share with those who would never think of living in a society. I would only hope more will see the cause and need to do more than just observe a demographic society.

[@Sewingstars]

I don't understand why someone advocating for the increase of human rights, minority rights, and increasing awareness to these issues is a bad person and coming under fire for doing this morally right thing. I don't believe in letting white people run these dialogues, but if a white person can dedicate their life to the increase of awareness of institutionalized systems of oppression and work with these disparaged communities as modern day abolitionists with POC and acknowledge their privilege and use it to help dismantle a system that gives disproportionate power then I applaud that. White people can never understand the struggle of minorities and POCs, but if they can give light to the atrocities of modern day racism by spreading a message largely not covered by media culture in America I can applaud that as well.

[@levensc7915]

realnarutoboy I'm just curious, what do you think the "problem in the black community" is.

[@InqWiper]

Sewingstars The struggle of the white people is trying to build a society while other groups are trying to tare it down and blaming it on the white. How's that for a struggle? 90% of the world is not white. Fucking move if you don't like it. I suggest Africa, where the majority is black. They probably all live in perfect harmony over there. You fucking nut.

[@sithorn99]

อาจารยยอด

[@mpilting]

I'm a white guy who lived with black people for a while, so I kind of know what you're talking about. Black people are under-privileged. The people I lived with didn't own a computer or even a cell phone, so they didn't have access to the internet. I wonder what would have happened if I'd bought them a computer and hooked them up with internet. I tend to think that internet access is almost a human right, at least in developed countries. How can young people, going to school, do their homework without internet access? Sure, they could go to a library. If they had transportation, which they don't. Cars cost money and so do buses. So these young people are left without access to the outside world - a world full of knowledge and information. If only they had access to it, it might change their lives.

[@lunardelos1210]

God this was beautiful. I am so happy she used her privilege to come forward and give such a great speech on something so incredibly important. I was beyond moved to tears by this and I could tell she was trying to hold it in as well throughout her speech, showing her passion and empathy for this subject. The speech was well-written, well-paced, and well-spoken. She had my full attention the entire time. Well done, Goffman

[@SexualPotatoes]

How can some TED Talks subscribers be so racist? I thought you were in here for the knowledge?

[@seattle_ice]

@Hale Hardy When your government spends 300 years trapping people in poverty situations, and gives them no hope, what do you expect?

[@rslersle9316]

She is a murderer

[@UnknownUser-fg3fs]

Good speech but she sounds like she's going to break out in tears at any moment.

[@jaydeut1989]

UnknownUser ikr.. it's annoying lol

[@tkchan5]

UnknownUser Yeah, how dare she care about people

[@bigfletch8]

matesc e. So did I. Im a 6'5" extremely tough power athlete who lives in Australia. I teared up, because yet again, I see what should be a leader to the rest of the world on all fronts,pouring endless resources trying to resolve conflicts in the rest of the world that have been going on for ten times longer than the US has existed. I imagined what I would have said to the mother whose son was held in custody for the most pivotal year of his life.

[@lilacosmanthus]

Tiffany Chan She will automatically show she cares via the content of her speech and how eloquently she delivers it. No need have extra facial expressions.

[@taram5191]

UnknownUser Exactly what I was going to write. I've chalked it up to nerves.

[@TigerGemini98]

To teach kids how to love, accept, and uplift one another is so important. It can end things like systemic racism, gender inequality, etc. Adults need to give them all a chance and prioritize their success. The world needs more people like you, Alice.

[@jasmin4319]

is she the daughter of the great Erving Goffman? If yes: HOLY ..! Erving Goffman is a classic Sociologist, great theories, great work, everyone should read him

[@Kris-ce4yt]

She’s his daughter!!!!

[@natalieg858]

YES I JUST REALIZED THAT NO WONDER SOC101 MADE ME WATCH THIS

[@lupo19fun]

Excellent speech! We need a whole new schooling system.. job system, and housing system. Its the future.A system where we don't create bad people. ;)

[@rslersle9316]

jt lu she is bad people she is a murderer

[@pauladams1814]

hate only hate, fear only fear and live to love. Thank you for a beautiful speech.

[@Waltham1892]

Exactly what a struggling inner city community needs. A white, middle class, acadmic Joan of Arc bringing their TRUTH to a TED talk. Her thesis advisor must be so proud of her.

[@TheSCIOnce]

Your right, no one should be saying these things. We should not be talking about this stuff

[@Waltham1892]

We should talk about these issues, openly and often. However, stripping people of their agency, used well or poorly, just to pick up "the white man's burden" and play savior? To much given up for a TED talk.

[@JeremyStreich]

Waltham1892 This "Joan of Arc" is just a woman who saw a problem and is looking to shine some light on an issue that needs to be talked about, and solutions found. I've seen African Americans say these things, and it fall on deaf ears. Using her position of privilege to get a larger audience is a good thing, is it not? Would you have preferred this topic not to have seen the stage at TED?

[@Waltham1892]

No, it is not, and for several reasons. First, she speaks from a position of profound ignorance, as if no one knew how hard it was being poor before she brought it to our attention. Second, she speaks in ignorance. The police unjustly pulled her friend over only to find out the car was stolen, not that he was pulled over because the car was stolen. Her friend was arrested because he was poor, or black, or both, not because he had just assaulted another individual who was poor, or black, or both. Lastly, stripping people of their agency, making their lives the subject of your epiphany, does not help them. It makes their story about you. It’s an ego trip at someone else’s expense.

[@darkangel424cod]

Waltham1892 pretty fucking sure she was saying that it wouldn't of happened if they were rich and white so Idk what issue u have. I think your just complaining to complain

[@himasf]

Good message but she sounds like she's gonna cry any second throughout the whole speech. So uncomfortable to listen to.

[@brandonstednitz8408]

himasf Of course she sounds like she's going to cry at any second. She became emotionally attached to someone who had all their options taken away for effectively no reason, for which she in their place would have had no consequences whatsoever. I wouldn't expect you to be on the verge of tears hearing this story, but it should certainly piss you off, because it is flat out not right.

[@illiiilli24601]

himasf If you talk like this, you get a louder applause though...

[@mcclendonreport]

***** Well said.

[@matthewknight9540]

himasf She believes in what she's saying and she wants change.. Its brutal and uncomfortable, but she means what she's saying and cares about her cause.. Emotion doesn't detract from severity or reason.

[@himasf]

Matthew Knight maybe so but it definitely DIStracted me. i dont know why you guys defend her delivery this way. for all we know this is her natural presentation style. all i said was it was uncomfortable to listen to. i did not make any judgments on her sincerity or gravity of the cause. if a presenter was talking about a funny subject and seemed to be on the verge of cracking up the entire time i would be equally distracted.

[@carsonpark4742]

Quality message and script. Needs delivery practice. Sounds so shaky / not confident, makes the message weaker. Hope she practices that for future lectures.

[@lewisvincent3070]

Carson Park To me it represented passion about the message

[@CanadianSushi828]

***** Everyone should be immune to criticism, I agree.

[@CLOUDSTR1FE]

Carson Park I do agree however I don't speak publicly. I'm sure there is some angst when speaking in front of people especially about a topic like this.

[@Nvrloptimism]

Carson Park she probably began to worry about all dem KZbin COMMENTS CRUSADE to destroy her thesis lmao

[@trystenemeraldwolf9484]

Carson Park if you didn't look at her eyes she had tears behind them nearly the entire time its a subject that she feels is a grave injustice and she is sad that it is happening she held on very well for what seems to me being on the verge of cryin

[@JukEboXAuDi0]

What a great talk! Although during the whole time I thought she was going to break down and cry. If this is a symptom of working within our system then our system has a major problem .

[@MrJaxmill]

A beautiful mind!!!!! she like me, not for color but for justice. Thank you Alice!!!!!

[@xiimarii4372]

Damn y'all! You're going attacking this woman who is doing something great for our YOUTH. Forget the racial divide for a second. We want the generation/s behind us to be greater than us, right? Get over yourselves and think collectively. The point of humanity to help each be better, for everyone's gain.

[@rslersle9316]

Xii Marii she is a murderer

[@MadkittenzK]

dont bother to read the comments below, this is a good ted talk

[@alarioderpp_control000aa9]

amen you right

[@carternull4420]

This speech brought me to tears, her book is entirely worth the read as well.

[@singularitybound]

This would have been alright over a decade ago... But now collage is turning out to be useless for most... Its worse then prisons and a life in debt. You cant even protect yourself from them by bankruptcy. Most high profile jobs are not even hiring by degree anymore. Also all but the top of the top cant even keep up with current knowledge at the rate its increased/ing to. Labor market = slave market the whole thing really is set up as a form of slavery. Of coarse society requires a certain lvl of "blank" to maintain; but the irony is w/o evolving it never maintains; it historically always goes into decline. Luckily we all are atm; well for those that survive the disruption coming (already underway.)

[@samasoku]

Singularity Bound i would also say that if Id be too lazy to work for my career, but good thing im not. if youre a workers son or daughter you *can* climb the ladder. this is why it is not slavery. you may need to work harder than a rich mans son, but you can make it. so stop talking about slavery, it is just false and sounds like youre too lazy to do sth about it

[@weefeatures]

*Chauvinists* out in full force again. Can't stand to see a _beautiful, powerful woman_ succeed? It's 2015, come on. *_Real men_* know how to treat a woman, by automatically liking the video no matter what the content is. Kind Regards, Wyatt Nite

[@ValkiryeMax]

Wyatt Nite SWEDEN YES

[@Mbd3Bal7dod]

Wyatt Nite no you r wrong if u or any one else liking the vid just because "she" then you are not making her equal to a "him"

[@damnitstroubleman]

Clever screen name, mate.

[@sebvanjole]

Excellent, impassioned people with heartfelt, inspiring and relevant messages - that is what I (used to) expect from TED

[@starzzzy22]

I think everyone should do research on "zero tolerance policies" in school districts and pay attention to which school districts implement these policies. A fight equals 9 days out of school, even if your child is trying to defend themselves and didn't start it. And let's just hope the school doesn't employ police officers that handcuff kids as young as kindergarten for doing things like throwing tantrums.

[@hannaholiver8831]

my boyfriend was arrested in 10th grade for a "gang war" he was defending his friend who was being jumped by the same people that robbed his mothers house. arrested and sent jail and alc at the age of 16. The racism is rampant in our school system, a simple mediation session with a counselor could solve 99% of these problems.

[@mulus2008]

I am Native and its similar. on the next reserve from my mothers reserve a man stole a chocolate bar and wound up doing life and is still on the inside. another was put in for a horrific rape crime. in 1979 and is still in, even tho DNA tests cleared him.

[@Karma8Kami]

I wonder why there are so many dislikes on this video, she hasn't stated anything but simple, verifiable facts, and presented it in a perfectly acceptable manner, nothing to dislike here as far as I can tell?

[@minecraftminertime]

50% of comments: Bullshit talk! I thought Ted Talks were supposed to be knowledgeable! Disliked! 30% of comments: Great Inspirational talk! It really shows the crime rate in black neighborhoods! Liked! 20% of comments: She's going to cry any second during the speech!

[@akwaabab8504]

she was excellent and very passionate. i wonder how many people in the audience actually listened to her.

[@showoflifewithnoelandchasi9687]

How can I get in touch with where Alice Goffman works or how she advocates? My daughter needs to connect with her. She is in the same passion boat for the same thing!!!!!!!!! Kudos young lady! You are doing what this nation needs!

[@rudegraphix]

Thank you Alice

[@troycambo]

Wow. This speech really opened my eyes. I honestly never knew the word "bad" had three syllables before.

[@itsginnj]

For everyone talking about how her voice sounds shaky and saying it is annoying / that she’s unexperienced: she watched that kid Chuck die in front of her in the hospital due to some gun violence in the neighbourhood, after living very close to him for 6 years, they were even roommates at some point. Same for who’s saying that her speech is useless because she’s a privileged academic: if you read her book you’ll discover that she really did a lot to help the kids she lived with for six years, they became her family

[@meyoumemeyou]

I love how passionate she is.

[@sumiiabdii8959]

Am I the only one who just weeped as she spoke. This is sooooooo sad and very sensitive.

[@jeremyv2163]

lol oh settle down. the 18 year old adult did assault the other kid. if you cant do the time don't do the crime.

[@alexmitchell8110]

I hate the way she was smiling and looked like she was going to cry the whole time

[@ongBakvue]

Amazing! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@alextimmreck2891]

This is something everyone needs to see. Maybe you don't agree maybe you do, but this is worth spreading.

[@Sarahbabieexox]

This broke my heart.

[@say2fig]

Reading the comments on here shows that racism is still alive...freaking sad how most people still think today especially when they have the safety of being behind a screen...

[@Waltham1892]

I much admire the profound insights on life in communities of color and policing offered by white middle class college students who wrote a paper about it. Alice, dear, here is how life works in the big city. Jim pushes John's face into the snow during lunch. By 3:00 both Jim's friends and John's friends are squaring off and weapons are coming out because everyone is scared of how this is going to play out. At 5:00, one of Jim's friends gets into a fist fight with one of John's. At 7:00, one of John's friends knifes one of Jim's friends in retaliation. At 9:00, one of Jim's friends cranks off a few rounds at John's house because of the stabbing. At 11:00 A friend of Jim's is shot while hanging on the street corner to settle that score. At 1:00, John gets shot in payback for what happened to Jim's friend. This can go on for weeks. The body count; sky's the limit. Alice, dear, please don't talk about what you clearly don't understand.

[@ETBrooD]

Waltham1892 I'm not going to argue against that at all. If that's your observation, alright. The reason why I think it's not right for a minor to face jail time for what I see as a small offense (like pushing a guy into the snow) is that there are better alternatives. A better consequence would be something like... making him do unpaid labor for a few days. If he doesn't consent to that there will be added consequences. The last resort may be jail time. It should not be the first step. And it should only be for a short time, maybe two days, one week, one month, only in very desperate cases more than that. The punishment has to fit the crime. To me it seems like lives are being thrown away for little reason. It's a lazy way of "solving" problems. It's very bad for individuals, and certainly bad for society in the long run, because what makes a healthy, functional society is this -> individuals cooperating. A functional society does not destroy lives this easily.

[@Waltham1892]

ETBrooD I'm not calling for jail time either, but as I've pointed out, sometime taking action saves lives. If you think jails are over stocked with young black men, you should visit the county morgue.

[@ETBrooD]

Waltham1892 If you had the opportunity to give the government your 50 cents, what would you tell them which actions should be taken instead?

[@Waltham1892]

ETBrooD Why do you think the government is the only one who needs to listen to my profound wisdom? Maybe this problem is so intractable because its not a issue of policy but an issue of culture as well. The African American community has many justified complaints. However, most African Americans are in jail for crimes against members of their own community; that includes murder. Police officers are being murdered at an ever increasing rate; their fears are justified and their concerns need to be heard. Further, we live in a culture with a very strange relationship with violence in general and guns specifically.

[@ETBrooD]

Waltham1892 Alright, I get your point. I'll ask in a different way: what would your advice be, and who should be the people to make it happen?

[@dracosm0m]

She’s amazing

[@gregorymiller1021]

She's a proven liar and a typical western society hating Jewish feminist

[@babyirene3188]

One of the rare 'TED' talks that doesn't suck/ doesn't pat itself on the back/ isn't all about white people (or people who want to be white)/ isn't ungodly dull. How about some speakers who aren't caucasian? Good lord.

[@swiralgod]

Ignore the Clergy. Baltimore spends more money per student 15,000 a year than any other big city by NYC. 60% of those 18-25 don't have a High school diploma. For comparison the state of Utah spends $6,212 per student.

[@JazzRockablity]

Half of these ppl in the comments heard black and help in the same sentence and the rest of the video just went out the window...

[@thelittledetailscr7231]

I've never gotten angry from a ted talk before. This chick gets on my nerves and I can't quite figure out why.

[@mahmoudyzadeh]

This is true for any country. The crime rates are higher among poorer people. It is not because they are black as some people seem to think. It is just that in the US there is a more obvious connection between race and poverty. Again, some people want to say well that's just because they're black rather than thinking a little deeper and saying maybe it has something to do history, with power structures and deeply ingrained attitudes. Kids from deprived backgrounds are more likely to go through thew wrong side of the system and then pass that on to their kids, whatever their race. One child is born affluent and white, one child is born poor and black, how likely is each to end up in prison? Is this fair? Can anything be done?

[@akaking7499]

this made me feel better about my own country! I thought Georgia was a developing nation.

[@iuquad16]

I'm a bit confused... At 3:00 she claims that we (the American law-abiding citizens) are "asking" America's poor youth to live in halfway-houses, house arrest, and to deal with a Police force that seeks out criminals where they're most common. Others would say that they have ELECTED to live on house arrest through their choice not to obey the law. She implies that color and economic standing are justifiably correlated to higher crime rates, when in actuality, color and class are just excuses. And on the subject of the police... how many avid hunters do you see setting up a deer stand in downtown NYC? 0. Because everybody knows the best place to find a deer is in a forest, or beside an interstate. Of course the Police, who are employed to (although sometimes poorly) enforce the law, will seek to find crime in the areas where it is most common. Her confusion confuses me.

[@ronmaest]

Not sure about this Justice Affirmative Action. Will it be only for Blacks and Hispanics, or will it cover only the poor all throughout? How about the divide between men and women when it comes to incarceration rates? It should all be approached slowly and methodically.

[@ronmaest]

Ron maest Love how she fails to place responsibility on parents. Hatred for the State, like all hatred, is taught and reinforced (most kids are not born sociopaths).

[@starzzzy22]

Ron maest Your question is really important. This isn't just a Black or Latino issue. There are poor Asian communities, poor white communities and many others that are facing this issue. Due to the stereotypes in our society those communities other than Black/Latino are rendered invisible for their issues because most people believe "Asian kids are all smart and don't get into trouble" or "White kids don't get into trouble". Heck, even within Black and Latino communities, this is thought to be a "male" issue, and females often don't receive any advocacy either.

[@ronmaest]

starzzzy Exactly. Throw in political movements who use these issues to stay their own influence (ego) and all you'll get is this deadlock that's been going on and will continue to go on. And then politicians wonder why a lot of people fail to vote. What's the point?

[@12315yh]

she sounds a little nervous but great speech

[@caicaicaicaicaicai]

Can I please just watch this video and not be forced to over-analyze for english like please

[@jamesmatteuzzi8732]

We blaming the police? The government? Society? I hear her story of these young children and the hardships that grow up in. But not about their parents. Ps... if the uncle bought the car, and had a receipt, the case would of been dismissed.

[@numberad]

She sounds like she is crying the WHOLE time. Great message though. Sad that now-day white society can't understand it.

[@InqWiper]

Numberad I think the black community might also have some blame for the situation. How about you?

[@brandonstednitz8408]

InqWiper Frankly, yes. A lot of black people develop a victim complex where any critical comment becomes "because I'm black". And when you do encounter a black person who doesn't automatically hate all white people because slavery happened (and ended!), every other black person turns on them and brands them a traitor. Sweeping generalizations, of course, but you get the point.

[@OG1919]

She's somewhat scared; like stage fright. I've seen it before. It prevents "calmness" and that is what you're hearing, her inner-self is very excited, a little frightened, and apprehensive to get her issues across. I guess in other words you could just say she's not a professional speaker.

[@Faintingbabymountaingoat13]

She talks like police are just coming to blacks and Latinos houses and just taking them. Not mentioning that they got in trouble and break the law. Maybe if they didn’t break the law they wouldn’t have the police coming in their houses and “taking them away and getting searched”.

[@adamliu9612]

Some good observations but definitely wrong solution. How come some many refugees from Asia can live a better lives than these people and have the 2nd generation in colleges and become middle class, while these people mostly never move up? Those refugees don't know English language and less access to the welfare system (the don't know the system).The answer is: responsibility. The Asian culture is, you are responsible for your life and your family's. These people blame the society for everything. If anything goes wrong, it must be the fault of someone else. The liberal ask the government to take more and more responsibilities. I have read an article by an African American and she said, in the 1960s, a teen mom would tell her daughter to avoid being a teen mom. A teen boy would grow up and learn responsibility after his child is born. But nowadays, They don't have the urge to take the responsibility - it leaves to the government and society to take care the foods and other thing. If they fail in school test, it's because of not enough resources. The liberals even sue department of education because they conduct tests before issuing diplomas. The solution is changing the culture of some communities, teach them what is responsibility.

[@Typhoonbladefist]

SPOILER: This talk is no better than someone coming up on stage and proclaiming: "Hey there's this terrible thing that everyone knows about which is killing people and it's called cancer and we should all do something about it. We should work on making cures that help those need the help. I don't know how to fix it but there's people working on it though." Just replace the word cancer with jail and you have this entire talk summed up. I just saved you 15 mins of your time.

[@lordschwarzkopf5839]

Erving would be proud

[@MooMooManist]

Some of her sob stories don't check out... newramblerreview.com/book-reviews/law/ethics-on-the-run

[@gnick66]

Good speech and has good points but did anyone else find the way she smiled the whole time kinda weird? She also sounded like she is out of breath all of time. Or am I the only one?

[@tonbonthemon]

This video which was just posted yesterday is not an end in itself, so why should we say that it's bad? Why should we say that it's not going to have a good effect? Who's to say that this talk isn't one of many factors leading to more stories from the insiders? Who's to say it won't inspire more awareness and research? Who's to say it won't inspire funding for a good cause?

[@writedrunkeditsober]

This is why I'm a sociology major

[@Memetologist]

This is why you are failing in life

[@TheSCIOnce]

More racist comments than I expected...America

[@Unforqiving]

TheSCIOnce Statistics and reasoning is racist now, huh?

[@TheSCIOnce]

Statistics? Reasoning? You must think I'm talking about the TED Talk.

[@RyonJCobb]

Excellent talk!

[@peaceinthemiddleeast9987]

This is very frustrating to listen to. Very good tedtalk.

[@goldenkiwi222]

This is fantastic.

[@ariahlauren]

Two words: Thomas Sowell.

[@franciscogonzalez3818]

Goffman’s book is a great read

[@TheRadioSquare]

Also, one would think that a person giving a talk would at least manage to speak properly in public. Her cracking voice and stupid nervous smile are annoying.

[@troycambo]

TheRadioSquare i thought this was an intentional parody

[@deejkdeejk]

What have you done to promote forward thinking lately? I'd love to see you up on that stage, pouring your heart out in a rational--rather than purely emotional--way. But then again, it's easy to criticize others and forget your own shortcomings behind the safety of a screen.

[@samialghamdi4739]

TheRadioSquare, it seemed like she was sad about it all, i got the feeling she was about to cry. regardless the way she spoke was fine I don't think we need to judge how she talked about it and focus on what she talked about,

[@TheRadioSquare]

Demetrius Kent How is that relevant? Boo hoo if you can't do better than don't complain. Do you not understand how logic works? I specifically had training to handle public speeched because it's a part of profession but that's not even the point. Nobody forced her to come out on stage and talk, she did that to herself and didn't bother to prepare properly. You think other speakers done lesser things? You think they weren't emotional and didn't talk about things they care about? Because it seems to me a lot of people that came out on stage handles themselves a lot better than she did not matter what kind of topic they brought up.

[@deejkdeejk]

TheRadioSquare What's truly irrelevant is her demeanor while she's talking about an obviously sensitive subject. She's human, and she's talking about people she knew personally who she felt had been oppressed and stripped of opportunity. Of course she's going to be a bit emotional. I don't care if people who want to share thoughtful content can competently speak in public. I care about the concepts she's touching on. Try and be a little more empathetic, man.

[@vyentro29]

This is so sad...

[@joeymarliniv2158]

College IS prison.

[@xXxAssassin4lifexXx]

then I guess you might as well go to college

[@Ironclad17]

Midnight Overlord MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

[@coltonknight3214]

How is it prison? Serious question, not belittling your opinion, just curious.

[@NikkiCaswell]

Midnight Overlord It's the higher class (depending on what level, but still higher class as compared to those not going to college), debt filling while extremely indoctrinated with high unemployment rate type of prison. :/

[@OG1919]

Planet Earth is prison.

[@leocam3880]

One word for all you commentators...TOLERANCE!

[@ScarOfHell]

liked the talk, but it felt like she was about to cry at any moment during the talk. Its like listening to a mono-toned person. I'm thinking " are you about to make me feel emotional? nah not yet.. now?" Such nice lady, Good talk. but I couldn't tell if she was being passionately emotional or if that was her normal tone.

[@M2brSaA]

She likely was nervous because giving a Ted Talk is a big deal.

[@M2brSaA]

Ted Talks are a big deal because we are watching them, right? 😄

[@chipbrandstetter]

Funneled down the path? So...everyone is prison isn't guilty? No hearings, trials, appeals? Education and family would take care of this problem.

[@Ironclad17]

Why doesn't she go down to Baltimore and preach? I'm sure those black youths she's trying to support will culturally enrich her.

[@jake4farve]

***** Really? Just because she stands to challenge the system, you can judge her?

[@Waltham1892]

Jacob Stordahl She isn't "challenging the system." She is showing a profound and tragic lack of understanding of the lives of people she has chosen to live among. Further, she has cast them all as powerless re-actors so that she can play the role of white middle class savior. Another little white girl playing Joan of Arc.

[@Waltham1892]

Davidson Maene If I set fire to your car because I feel unheard, is that ok with you? If I set fire to where you work because I feel unheard, and now you don’t have a job, is that ok with you? If I make it so your grandmother has to travel half an hour to get her prescriptions filled, because I feel unheard and burned down the pharmacy, is that ok with you? It is amazing the amount of power I can claim for myself, just by anointing myself a victim.

[@Ironclad17]

Davidson Maene It's an entirely black police force and black government in Baltimore. Racial disparity is completely irrelevant. The problem isn't institutional racism, it's neglect on the part of the families and corruption in these institutions. I'm not going to pretend that the War on Drugs isn't disproportionately harming the disenfranchised, but the bogeyman of whites keeping blacks down isn't constructive.

[@Waltham1892]

When an African American family in a crappy neighborhood calls the police to complain about drug dealing and its co-occuring violence and urban blight right outside of their window... They should be told that "the war on drugs, and not drugs themselves, are disproportionately harming and disenfranchising..." That will make them sleep better.

[@Unforqiving]

She acts like we are inconveniencing people who break the law with court fees, jail time, and probation, when in actuality, it is them that inconvenience society by breaking the law in the first place. I'm sorry, but this girl is delusional.

[@travorisclark1987]

bope... court fees arent the issue. why charge an 11 yr old with accesory. why charge a high school,student with assault... how many kids should be in jail for fights growing up. what happened to innocent u,til proving guilty. there is a host of actually problems that actually affect minority communities and you decide to choose something you feel as if you can defend instead of attempting to see the whole picture, the point of this discussion is to see the difference in inyeraction. white students and black students fight and misbehave, white students and break minor laws and ordinance. but in minority communities you go to jail and start off behind the 8 ball. and in more affluent communities you are giving virtually a slap on the wrist.....

[@0theredqueen0]

Some people don't have time to make ugly and/or racist comments. Some people are saving the world 🌎.

[@cyrilignatiuskendrick6663]

Social scientists have been tracking this for years. Is Philadelphia sharply different than Charlotte, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Los Angeles or Dallas? The characterizations here lay the blame heavily on the police and perhaps some vaguely undefined system for the long term struggle and criminality of the population in question. Is it the case that these kids are funneled down the path to prison by police or the system. The vast majority of police would quickly challenge her characterization of them. So would most general data that is available to social scientists. Major forces in culture, family and the economy definitely play a role in their struggle, but realistically, these factors don't lend themselves well to the anti-police narrative or the emphasis that the struggle is something primarily thrust upon them by social institutions motivated by the desire to imprison and otherwise exclude them. These kids do have a tough life and do face barriers, but the barriers are substantially different than Goffman implies here.

[@paideia-e9u]

There is a well-known saying among people throughout prison system for more than 30 years since, that "If you walk like a duck, dress like duck, talk like duck, eat like duck, watch the same TV like duck, and hang around among ducks; then you are duck" So, what is so surprise about all these poor neighborhoods or the ghettos? Altc

[@MrSomeDude]

Those are not pure kids! Those are violent psychos rapist thief's and murders. Stop blinding the audience!

[@sorrystilltrying5062]

DavidYT Clearly not projecting.

[@ThomasDenk-o4u]

It's a crime to be poor in America. We have too many laws to begin with. Our educational system is a mess. Our prison systems are worse. I've been to college - Bachelor's Degree in Accounting - and I've been in the Wisconcentration Camp System for health issues. Our healthcare system is a mess too - in normal society but especially in our prisons. Speak out and become an activist.

[@alinac.9347]

I do understand that for every crime it should be a punishment. period.

[@edi9892]

That is horrible. I also heared that there is one City-district where 60% had were arrested or have to fear it, mainly due to debt and petty offenses that in many other countries wouldn't bring you into prison.

[@nooked23]

its a cultural thing. find this much crime in japans poorest neighborhoods. you wont.

[@MrPink-]

this talk is ridiculous, people who commit crimes are here being praised and unaccountable for those same crimes, justified for the fact of their background? free-pass crime? Only my opinion here, but careful with words, she sounds like people are incarcerated out of nowhere, just because they are poor. No. They are incarcerated because they do bad things. Stop blaming others and blame the ones who steal, murder, rape, assault etc....yes they are poor, mostly, but that's no excuse for wrongdoing. The idea she tries to pass is good but the talk is ridiculous.

[@impatientProphet]

take self responsibility

[@jeremyv2163]

thank you!

[@cellocovers3982]

I never went to college or prison and I'm an adult. I guess I'm not important though.

[@JazzRockablity]

Really. It's called count your blessings, and if your atheist, than be proud of yourself and keep it moving.

[@damok9999]

Probably had a decent high school. Ah today's adulthood standards... your manufacturing date!

[@ghania5869]

Shout out to this lady. I'm reading her book right now. It's disturbing to see how much of a struggle these 6th Street boys go through. I never at all in all my life ever imagined how rough it would turn out. Now I know, I can only sit here and imagine. Never is it fair to pay up for something that you shouldn't be paying for since it isn't caused by you. Amazing work this lady did and her level of patience is incredible. 😊😊

[@camuscat123]

bravo

[@sprice771]

She’s my shero!!! Go girl!!!!❤

[@bagofbarn]

She looks like she is about to cry the entire time.

[@Bongs237]

She sounds like the person before was singing and someone accidentally left the autotune on

[@KarenMartinez-nn8sr]

Real y doloroso, gracias por tan impactante speech.

[@rose1234568]

This should be shown to everyone in the academy and there should be more Ethical supervision in the police field, it’s disgusting how much of a power trip some cops get once they get the badge. I am feeling very thankful that I don’t live in America.