Lawmakers in many US states, after growing tired of inmates blaming their arrests on their race, have finally made being a member of a minority group a crime. So now, when inmates allege that they are only in prison due to their race, prison officials and others can truly say that, yes, it's because of their color.
Some inmates think this is an improvement. According to an inmate asked to be called Big Man, "I killed 3 people and would do it again if things were the same, but I'm only doing life because I'm black. So, at least now they're being honest!"
Activist groups condemn this move but admire the transparency. Lashandra Likens of We Matter Now says, "This is unfair! What other colors can we be? Purple? Green? We sure as hell can't be white! At least the haters are now being honest!"
Many lawmakers say that these laws are unconstitutional. According to US Senator, Bob Smith, "I am fairly certain that such laws are in violation of the 14th Amendment of our Constitution, and that they will be scrapped by the courts."
