PK
Piper Kerman
66quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Piper Eressea Kerman is a well-known American author, former convict, and social activist.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 28, 1974, in Boston, Massachusetts. Currently alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Kerman is an American citizen, having spent time in various countries during her life due to personal circumstances. Her profession spans multiple fields, including writing, activism, and social work.
Early Life and Background
Piper Kerman grew up in a middle-class family in Concord, Massachusetts. She was raised by her parents, who later divorced when she was young. Kerman's experiences with her mother during this time period would later shape her views on family dynamics and personal relationships. Her early life laid the groundwork for the introspection and self-awareness that would become hallmarks of her writing.
Major Accomplishments
Kerman's most notable accomplishment is her bestselling memoir, _Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison_. Published in 2010, this book chronicles her experiences serving time at Danbury Federal Correctional Institution for smuggling cocaine from Brazil to the United States. Her story highlights issues surrounding mass incarceration and women's rights.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to _Orange Is the New Black_, Kerman has co-authored a novel called _Who Was Jackie O?_ and contributed essays to various publications, including _The New York Times_. She is also a vocal advocate for prison reform and human rights. Kerman serves as a board member of Women's Prison Association (WPA) and advocates for restorative justice practices.
Impact and Legacy
Piper Kerman has left an indelible mark on the literary world, sparking conversations about inequality and social injustice through her writing. Her work transcends individual circumstances to highlight systemic issues that require attention from society at large. As a result of her advocacy, numerous organizations have implemented reforms aimed at improving conditions within women's prisons.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kerman is widely quoted and remembered for shedding light on the harsh realities faced by women in prison, particularly those who are marginalized and oppressed. Her unflinching portrayal of these experiences challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the prison system and society's broader treatment of vulnerable populations.
Kerman's commitment to activism has led to increased awareness and understanding of issues related to mass incarceration, rehabilitation, and restorative justice. Her presence as a writer, activist, and advocate serves as a reminder that personal stories have the power to inspire change and push for reform when used effectively in conjunction with passion and dedication.
Quotes by Piper Kerman
"
Great institutions have leaders who are proud of what they do, and who engage with everyone who makes up those institutions, so each person understands their role.
"
The women I met in Danbury helped me to confront the things I had done wrong, as well as the wrong things I had done. It wasn’t just my choice of doing something bad and illegal that I had to own; it was also my lone-wolf style that had helped me make those mistakes and often made the aftermath of my actions worse for those I loved.
"
So for all my scoffing at “holy rollers,” was it such a bad thing if faith helped someone understand what others needed from them, rather than just thinking about themselves?
"
D. H. Lawrence used to observe on our national character: “The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted.
"
I understood that faith could help people see beyond themselves, not into the abyss but into the street, into the mix, to offer what was best about themselves to others.
"
According to the CDC, cigarettes kill over 435,000 people a year in the United States. Most of us in Danbury were locked away for trading in illegal drugs. The annual death toll of illegal drug addicts, according to the same government study? Seventeen thousand. Heroin.
"
In my travels I had encountered all kinds of people whose dignity seemed to have a price – widely variable – and I thought that next time I had better set my price higher than anyone would pay.
"
Personally, I thought that one could thank the Lord at a lower volume and perhaps with less self-congratulation.
"
I opened my mouth, mad enough to spit, and said loudly, “I don’t eat iceberg lettuce!” Really? I asked myself. That’s what you’re going to throw down with? “I don’t care what you eat, just don’t be pickin’ in there!
"
Lack of empathy lies at the heart of every crime – certainly my own – yet empathy is the key to bringing a former prisoner back into the fold of society.
Showing 1 to 10 of 66 results