The Power of Language

The Power of Language
By Justin Anderson

They call me SK 961. However, when I was born on March 24th 1981, I was given the name Justin Anderson. I bet as my mother lay there in that cramped hospital room holding her bundle of joy, she never imagined that 20 years later he would be called a number. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The process of dehumanization is slow, like the wheels of justice.
As an adolescent, I wore labels such as “bad” and “trouble.” Sometimes I felt ashamed, and other times I felt proud because it gave me the respect I desperately wanted from my peers.

By 18, my elders began using phrases like “dead or in jail” when discussing me. Some of them looked upon me with pity, while others kept their distance as if I were contagious. I will never forget the day my best friend told me that he wasn’t allowed to hang out with me anymore. It seemed as though everyone knew where I was headed – everyone but me.

The language that was used to describe me made me feel like a prisoner, although I didn’t fully understand it then until now. I felt restricted, boxed in, and counted out. The fact that I feel the same way as a prisoner as I did when I was free is something I thought I would take with me to my grave.

But if my story can help change how we use the Power of Language, then I will bare this shame 100× over.

I firmly believe that the key to unlocking change is by recognizing that the language we use. Our words have the power to influence the minds and behavior of others. If I am correct, then my hope is that you will ignore all the labels incarcerated men and women have been forced to wear. And by the Power invested in these words – let the re-humanization process begin.

Power to the people!

Justin Anderson