What Are Writers, And Institutions, Supposed To Do With Junot Diaz And His Self-Pardon?

And it’s sure not just Díaz: “This ‘talk about how you’re going to do and be better’ stuff isn’t actually a great formula for reconciliation. It offers neither retributive nor restorative justice. It privileges public acceptance over making things right with the actual victims, who barely seem to register at all. But it’s pretty effective: In an age of never-ending public relations wars, we’re so starved for any sign of sincere spiritual struggle that we rush to reward self-proclaimed sinners who say they’re trying to make good.”