The punitive mentality of chest-beating is nothing new in history. As the United States is moving toward locking away huge numbers of citizens, particularly young males of color, policymakers should reflect on how such a policy fared in South Africa. In the late forties, the pro-apartheid nationalists launched a political campaign by exploiting white fear of black crime. Throughout history propagandists have used fear to justify violence toward fellow humans. When angry emotions are ignited, the result is a hatred-driven vindictiveness. The ethic of brotherly love is conveniently suspended by the psychology of vengeance. Certainly, punishments are an essential part of the social fabric of any society, but they must be administered in a manner that restores the wayward to the social bond. The notion that institutions can intimidate or punish persons into transforming their lives is faulty psychology and false religion. 15 references