What the reaction to Trump’s felony conviction tells us about the word “felon”
Jakie Lay
This week, we’re revisiting a series we call Word Watch, where we go deep on a piece of language that’s really sticking in our teeth.
So we’re turning our sights on “felon” — which is all over the discourse following former President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden’s recent convictions — and looking into what it tells us (and can’t tell us) about the 19 million people in the U.S. carrying that designation around.
Parker and Gene chop it up with the comedian Arif Shahid, who performs under the name Felonious Munk, to talk about what it means for him to carry this reference to his felony conviction so publicly. Then, Gene talks to Josie Duffy-Rice, a writer who focuses on the criminal justice system, to look at the ways “felon” sticks to people long after their sentences end.
This episode was co-hosted by Gene Demby and B.A. Parker, produced by Christina Cala, and edited by Courtney Stein. Our engineer was Josh Newell.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
