Unmasking the Illusion: The False Promise of Justice for All
A Designer’s View on Achieving Equitable Outcomes in America’s Judicial System
Ladies and gentlemen, please rise.
The audience stood.
Men were instructed to remove hats, and everyone was directed to place hands over hearts to pay homage as the ceremony unfurled the colors of the American flag, the national anthem beckoning. “Oh, say, can you see…”
Amid the hypnotic sway of the crowd at the Shriners Annual Circus, my eldest son stirred to stand. But in stark contrast, I remained anchored to my seat, refusing to partake in the synchronized ritual. My son recognized his Daddy was not moving, so he quickly sat back down and waited patiently for the festivity to begin.
Around us, the zeal of blind compliance pulsed through the assembled crowd. Yet, like an incendiary beam targeting the nape of my neck, I sensed a penetrating stare from behind.
Turning, I met the gaze of an elderly white man, perhaps a grandfather relishing a Saturday afternoon with his grandchildren. His eyes blazed with fury, a volatile mix of resentment and ire.
In response, I tipped my hat, an old-fashioned gesture of acknowledgment ingrained in…
