- What kind of parallel Stevenson makes between slavery and mass incarceration? What that comparison tells us about racial relations in the United States?
- Stevenson argues that "In Germany, there has been a meaningful reckoning with the history of the Holocaust; this sort of reflection and remembrance has been largely absent in America, where many people resist confronting the most disturbing and difficult parts of our past." In your opinion, what is the best way to deal with American past of racial injustice? How can that lead us to a more just society?
According to the article: The Injustice of This Moment Is Not an Aberration
- Why does Alexander associate mass incarceration, and mass deportation to U.S historical racial politics of inequality? Provide an example from the article to explain your answer.
- How white nationalism exacerbates the politics of mass incarceration and mass deportation? What are the consequences of perceiving people of color as a problem?
According to the textbook: Race & Racisms chapter 11: Racism and the Criminal Justice System
- What are the collateral consequences of mass incarceration? Provide an example to justify your answer.
- As the author states, Effective crime control depends on reducing economic divisions, not expanding the prison system. What ideas do you have for reducing economic inequality in a way that may lead to reduction in crime?
Full Answer Section
This comparison reveals the enduring legacy of racial inequality in the United States. It underscores the fact that slavery was not merely a historical event but a foundational element of the nation's economic and social structure. Mass incarceration, in many ways, is a continuation of this legacy, perpetuating racial disparities and reinforcing discriminatory power structures.
- Reckoning with the Past and Building a Just Society
To address the complex issue of racial injustice, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This involves:
- Truth and Reconciliation: Acknowledging the historical injustices and the ongoing impact on Black communities is crucial. Establishing truth and reconciliation commissions can facilitate open dialogue and promote healing.
- Reparations: Providing tangible reparations to individuals and communities harmed by slavery and its aftermath is essential for addressing the generational effects of systemic racism.
- Education: Implementing culturally relevant curriculum that accurately portrays the history of race and racism in the United States can foster empathy and understanding.
- Policy Reform: Addressing systemic inequalities in areas such as housing, education, employment, and criminal justice is vital for creating a more equitable society.
By confronting the nation's history of racial injustice and taking concrete steps to dismantle the systems that perpetuate it, the United States can move towards a more just future.