Boxes with Zero Tolerance

In this exploration of cultural roots, family bonds, parenthood, human rights, and freedom, Pérez writes from a border community member's perspective about the Zero Tolerance policies that separated thousands of children from their families crossing into the U.S. and without a viable tracking system in place. In many ways, this is an anti-heroic [un]crown[ing] of American sonnets, uncrowning the administration that created and implemented these cruel policies that continue today with other policies and actions. Even as the work uncrowns, it is also an attempt, through the writing of this work, to "crown" or affirm humanity and human rights during these turbulent times and always. This work acknowledges that many may feel their literary art cannot effect social change, and who has the "right" to speak on any issue at all, but ultimately suggests that to remain silent about what is happening in our communities is not a solution either.