From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle
Liberty, Liberally Volume III - Issue XII
December 2023
To De-Stigmatize We Must Decriminalize
December 8, 2023 Lately, there's been a lot of talk about "destigmatizing" addiction, using this term as a key focus. That’s the buzz word, lately. When you pull an arrow from a wound, it bleeds. But the bleeding isn’t because you removed the arrow, it’s because of the arrow itself. We face a paradox in our approach to addiction: while we talk about destigmatizing it, we continue to criminalize drug use. Criminalization inherently creates stigma. Much like an addict, we’re addicted to making laws, and clinging to those laws, even when they prove to be harming society. The term "stigmatize" originates from the Greek word "stigmatizien," which means "to mark or brand," particularly with a hot iron. It is derived from "stigma," meaning a mark or tattoo that was burned into the skin. This process was often used in ancient times to mark slaves, criminals, or traitors for identification. Over time, the meaning of "stigmatize" evolved in the English language to signify not just a literal branding but also the figurative act of marking someone with disgrace or infamy. This extension of meaning reflects the lasting social and psychological impact of being metaphorically "branded" by society. Stigmatizing something requires that society make that thing taboo. So are we trying to actually de-stigmatize these human beings, or are we trying to figure out a way to de-stigmatize people while also continuing to stigmatize them in the first place? My argument isn’t about compassion, it’s about logic. It’s not about empathy for the addicted, either.
Alaska
Compensating for the Wind
By Josh Fryfogle August 15, 2015
Maybe they are responsible for the mess they’re in, but shunning them from society, marking them out as shamed publicly, that’s making things worse. It’s just foolish.
Truth is violence to a lie Words like burning arrows fly
Yes, de-criminalization will likely lead to some bleeding. Yes, there will be consequences for society as a result, but those are not because we removed the arrow of unconstitutional injustice from the body politic, but because it was anticonstitutional from the moment it was shot from the bow. The damage it will do when we remove that arrow, when we decriminalize substances, will be intense for a while, while we bandage these broken people. But we will avoid the inevitable death of society if we do not. This is triage. It’s messy, but necessary. The damage is already done, and we need to deal with it by removing the offending arrow.
Fighting back, they miss the mark The archer aims to find the arc Speaking truth while in submission Eyes are closed but seeing visions Telling how the war will end Compensating for the wind In this war of words we wound The liar knows the lie is doomed
Decriminalizing anything is difficult, from a civic perspective. For one, the damage is done. Secondly, we have to recognize and reckon with our collective responsibility for that damage.
The convoluted fog of war The liar lies all the more
Decriminalizing substances is complex and won't magically resolve all problems, much like a salve doesn't instantly heal a wound. However, it creates the circumstances needed for healing. Society must confront the damage caused by its policies and work towards repair.
The liar calls the truth naive A weakness meant to be deceived And truthfully that's what it sees The truth is always on its knees
Writer’s Note: I understand that this might seem counterintuitive, and will probably raise more questions than it answers for the reader, but I plan to write more about these issues in future editions of Liberty, Liberally. I also understand that for many people, this essay might cause strong emotional responses. I welcome any questions and feedback, and I promise to keep that information in mind as I continue to write about this very real problem.
Speaking truth while in submission Eyes are closed but seeing visions Telling how the war will end Compensating for the wind Truth is truth can never lose And it knows that truth can't choose Its only fate through time and space To be there in its rightful place Speaking truth while in submission
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Eyes are closed but seeing visions Telling how the war will end Compensating for the wind
From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle
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From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle