"In our culture, identity is shaped by the ability to have. Cornel West talks of a `rage that boils in the soul.' These young African American boys see the dream, but have no way of achievement. They have to strike out and find release. That's what we're seeing in this meaningless violence over starter jackets. It's not really about jackets; it's an expression of people who feel trapped."
"We have created an idolatrous society," said Smith. "What is needed is faith to overcome any obstacle ... a transcendent desire to want what God desires to create an identity not in what I have but in what I can be with God at my side."
-- Nancy M. Spitler