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less than $2.50 a day, in some part of the world Not I. And I’m willing to bet, neither would 15 5
ravaged by climate change while private you. We don’t have to believe in reincarnation to
corporations earn billions building prisons, fight for a world that we’d actually want to be
detention centers and border walls for profit? born into. section two

Understanding and Interpreting /

1. Reread paragraph 5 and explain how karma works, according to Alexander. Why does
Alexander conclude that thinking about reincarnation in these narrow terms could also be Michelle Alexander
dangerous (par. 6)?
2. In describing her expanded thinking in college, what does Alexander suggest about the
differences between karma and being born again at random?
3. Summarize the essential lessons that Alexander learned from reading the work of political
philosopher John Rawls. How does Alexander build on or repurpose Rawls’s ideas?
(pars. 8–10)
4. Explain how Alexander uses this idea from Rawls to support her own theories about combating
climate change: “True morality becomes possible only when we step outside the box of our
perceived self-interest and care for others as much as we care for ourselves.” (par. 13)
5. Overall, based on what you have read, is Alexander hopeful or pessimistic about the future?

Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure

1. Vocabulary in Context. The word “alarm” is a common one that you encounter regularly, but
look at its use in the following sentence in paragraph 11: “Democratic politicians expressed
alarm, yet many continue…” What is its meaning in this context? What is something that you
might express alarm about?
2. Skill Focus. Alexander starts her piece with a short narrative about an interaction with a
stranger on the street. What was she likely trying to accomplish by including that personal
experience, and to what extent do you think it was an effective way to introduce her topic?
3. For the most part, Alexander adopts a neutral tone to describe the development of her moral
philosophy, but look closely at paragraphs 10 through 12. How do her language choices create
an emotional reaction in her readers? Explain why she may have made these language choices.
4. Paragraph 14 is one long rhetorical question. How is it intended to connect with her readers
and lead them to the concluding paragraph?
5. Alexander has structured her piece in an unusual way in that her main point — using the idea
of reincarnation to advocate for global environmental and economic action — doesn’t come until
more than halfway through her piece. Why might she have chosen to structure her piece this way?
If she had placed her main point near the beginning, how might the effect have been different?

Topics for Composing

1. Analysis. Overall, why does Alexander believe that thinking about reincarnation is an
effective tool for creating change in the world?
2. Argument. To what extent do you believe that thinking about reincarnation is an effective tool
for combating issues like climate change? What are other factors that her proposal does not
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