Fashion designer Asantewaa Freeland was once applauded for the success of her designs, but now she faces a different kind of judgment. Despite being a creative person who contributed much to enrich the world of fashion, Freeland has been convicted of two misdemeanors and is facing jail time in the United States. With her future uncertain, many defined the harsh treatment she faced as a tragedy, questioning why justice is so often served so disproportionately.
1.Fashion Designer’s Devastating Fate
The fashion world was rocked when a local designer,who had made a reputation through their unique and revolutionary designs, had to suddenly shut down their store and online presence.
The cause of the closure was devastating. The financial strain of the declining economy and recent surge in competition had been too much for the small business to handle. Potential customers had opted to purchase from cheaper, better known stores instead, leaving the designer struggling to survive.
- The creative designs were no longer seen on the streets.
- The store was empty of even the most iconic pieces.
Subsequently, the closure left a heavy impact on their previous customers – many of whom relied on the designer for one-of-a-kind looks. Additionally, future customers and admirers of the designer’s style were deprived of a unique experience.
- No more innovative, refreshing ideas.
- No more marveling over individual fashion statements.
It was a truly unfortunate outcome for the designer, who had invested so much time, effort and resources into building their business. The fashion world was silence as we mourned the demise of this unique creative voice.
2.The Dire Consequences of US Prison
American prisons are home to a concerning number of individuals – 2.2 million, to be exact. The US’s population in prison is the highest among all countries, with its prisoners accounting for 22 percent of the world’s incarcerated population. It’s no surprise, then, that the overcrowded, over-burdened system in the US has dire consequences:
- Violent behavior: Prisons in the US are often violent environments that are controlled through conflict. Research by the National Institute of Justice has linked violent environments in US prisons to an increase in hostile and criminal behavior.
- Racial disparities: With the prison population comprising mostly non-whites, prisons raise serious questions about civil rights and the enforcement of race-based laws. Furthermore, prison environments are not designed for rehabilitation or education, leading to a lack of resources and an overall bleak outlook for these individuals.
- Economic impact:The US invests thousands of dollars into its prison system. The cost of incarcerating an individual is estimated to range anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000. Studies also show that the costs of criminal activity accounted for by the prison population is greater than the cost of prison expenditures, leading to a less than favorable economic impact.
Unfortunately, the dire consequences of the US prison system are unavoidable. With its broken infrastructure and unequal enforcement of law, the US prison system is in dire need of reform. In order to reduce crime and improve the lives of inmates, officials must prioritize incarceration reform that is evidence-based and designed to promote rehabilitation and reintegration.
3.Struggling for a Second Chance
Sometimes our mistakes hinder us in achieving what we believe we are capable of. We lose self-confidence and feel that redemption is an unachieveable goal. Tears and regrets fill us with hopelessness and helplessness, and it appears that a better future might never be. However, it is important to remember that despite the missteps, you can still take the initiative to secure a second chance.
Here are some helpful ways in pursuing a second chance:
- Take responsibility. In order to show that you’re serious about making a change, you need to fully own up to past mistakes. Acknowledge the wrongs and accept that it is up to you to move forward.
- Forgive yourself. Don’t let your mistakes define you. Instead, give yourself permission to move on and learn from them. After all, everyone is capable of great transformations, and you can be one of them.
- Be persistent. When asking someone for a second chance, don’t be discouraged to just hear ‘no’ as a response. Keep making your case, and providing relevant information of how you can be useful to their organization.
- Be creative. Try to identify a different option than the one that previously failed and come up with ideas or strategies to approach the situation more efficiently.
Remember that with determination and dedication you can rise from your mistakes and take that second chance you are striving for, like a phoenix from its ashes.
4.Rallying for Justice in the US Courts
A clash between citizens and representatives of the law has frequently erupted in the United States courts in recent years. In support of justice, people have been gathering in regards to a variety of matters that affect us all:
- Police Brutality: Advocates have been protesting against law enforcement officers accused of doing wrong by excess violence or other improper behavior.
- Voting Rights: This includes rallies to uphold the powers of everyone to vote without obstruction.
- Equality in the Workplace: Groups are protecting civil rights and just compensation through court proceedings.
These causes have grown in public interest significantly, shaping a strong message to the court systems nationwide. The systematic misuse of power against those least able to defend themselves has been a focal point of many protests. To inspire lasting change, more and more citizens have been taking a stand on the issue.
Courts of public opinion are now having a powerful influence on the decision-making processes within the US court system. The rulings of many high-profile cases may be seen to have been affected by the public outrage, convinced by the strong protest movements in the pursuit for justice.
The fate of the fashion designer accused of a federal crime hangs in the balance, with the potential of spending time in a US prison. Perhaps we are all meant to be confronted with difficult decisions about what is right and wrong – this just happens to be one particularly poignant and controversial case.
One thing is certain: there is no easy solution for both the authorities and the accused, but we can hope that justice will be upheld and that all individuals will receive a fair and just verdict.
