Manifesto Against the Criminalization of Addiction
Treating crimes related to addiction, gang violence, prostitution and theft with incarceration makes no sense and is counterproductive. Addiction is not the issue. Prostitution and gangs are not the issue. These are symptoms of the issue. The issue is a lack of just living situations. The issue is a lack of, as a country, validating and celebrating communities, tradition and culture. The issue is a lack of restorative treatment for physical and mental health issues – addiction being one of them.
(Arianna M.)
Performer/ writer Arianna M. offered this text to our project, a powerful manifesto about the vicious cycle of addiction, violence and incarceration and the call for restorative treatments and justice. The text was performed as an imaginary box recitation on a street corner.
CREDITS
Co-created and performed by Arianna M.
