The Fire This Time Summary and Analysis

A misconception held by many in the American public today is that racism is shown through bursts of racial discrimination, offensive language, or violence. Causes like affirmative action, for example, bring advocates of racial justice out in droves. Yes, it is important to find solutions to clear social and racial problems. Racist violence must also be condemned. However, Alexander argues that the emphasis of racial justice should focus on the biggest producer of racial oppression—mass incarceration and the criminal justice system. There is some movement from civil rights and legal organizations for prison reform but it is simply not enough. The problem of mass incarceration is too vast. Civil rights lawyers are subject to the same racial stereotypes as other people. They have become professionalized—choosing to engage with elite circles rather...