Americas War on Drugs - The Prison Industrial Complex Essay

After viewing the documentary: Americas War on Drugs - The Prison Industrial Complex, it is clear that the Criminal Justice System is in desperate need of reconstruction and repair with policies such as the mandatory minimum sentencing act which has proven to be unsuccessful and unjust in its efforts to deter criminals from committing illegal acts as seen with the increase of incarcerations of the American people and the devastating effect it has had on those in prison and the family members of those incarcerated. With Canadas Prime Minister Stephan Harper and his Conservative approach to follow in our bordering neighbors foot sets with the Safe Streets and Communities Act, and his get tough on crime approach Canadians are†¦show more content†¦210). But for individuals like Kemba Smith and Johnny Patillo, that did not have a previous criminal history or those without an extensive criminal history or record of confinement may be highly susceptible to becoming prisonized (Griffiths, 2010, p.212 ), which depends on the individuals personality and the amount of support they attain from family and friends and the length of their time served. However, inmates with children are perhaps the most affected by the pains of imprisonment as the separation and loss of contact to these children effect both the parents, children and all loved ones close by. According to a study done by Joseph Murray (2005) titled, The effects of imprisonment on families and children of prisoners, imprisonment of a p artner can be emotionally devastating and practically debilitating, causing a loss of income, social isolation, difficulties of maintaining contact, deterioration in relationships, and extra burdens of childcare can compound a sense of loss and hopelessness for prisoners’ partners (para 7)†. Additional pains that may not be seen as serious as those listed above include; coping with the loneliness, boredom, and hopelessness (Griffiths, 2010, p.210). Moreover are the pains of imprisonment that can be seen in regardsShow MoreRelatedThe Prison Industrial Complex Feels Like A Dirty Phrase1610 Words   |  7 PagesThe prison industrial complex feels like a dirty phrase, an almost unspoken taboo in this world. However, unlike most taboos, it is an unspoken taboo. No one likes to discuss the oppresion that is happening to a group of marginalized people. It is slavery, and unfortunately there is no other way to phrase it. Prisoners are being put to work, for cents an hour. They are being kept in cages, the conditions of which are atrocious, and then are let out for just enough activity and roaming time so theyRead MoreAn Interpretation Of The Fourteenth Amendment1711 Words   |  7 Pagesinterpretation of the 13th amendment. -13th amendment basically abolished slavery *Conveys to us what the Prison Industrial Complex is -â€Å"is a term used to describe the overlapping interests of government and industry that use surveillance, policing and imprisonment as solutions to economic, social and political problems† (http://www.prisonabolition.org/what-is-the-prison-industrial-complex/) *Throughout the film DuVernay maps the journey of African Americans as they endured slavery, segregationRead MoreThe Prison Industrial Complex Is The Economic Interrelation Between Private Prisons And Various Public1748 Words   |  7 PagesThe prison-industrial complex is the economic interrelation between private prisons and various public and private job sectors that have become dependent on the expansion of the private prison system. A partial list of these sectors includes construction, pharmaceuticals, and law enforcement, including probation and parole. The prison-industrial complex also runs a cheap inmate labor force for various corporations. Approximately 2,266,800 adults are currently imprisoned in America. In addition toRead MoreEssay about Mass Incarceration of African Americans2060 Words   |  9 Pages1970’s the term â€Å"War on Drugs† was coined by President Richard Nixon . Later President Ronald Reagan officially declared the current drug war. In reality the war had little to do with drug crime and a lot to do with racial politics. The drug war was part of a strategy of used by the government. The President identified drug abuse as national threat. Therefore, they called for a national anti-drug policy, the policy began pushing for the involvement of the police force and military in drug prohibitionRead MoreThe Underlying Foundations Of America s Mass Imprisonment Arrangements2045 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"Beginning in the 1970s, the prison population began swelling, climbing steadily through 2009. Now, this nation imprisons more of its residents, 2.2 million, than any other.The United States ja ils a quarter of the world s prisoners, although it contains only 5 percent of the world s population. The statistics are sobering for a republic that celebrates justice, fairness and equality as the granite pillars of its democracy. (Walsh, 2016).† The underlying foundations of America s mass-imprisonmentRead MoreEducate A Convict, Close A Prison Door1845 Words   |  8 PagesEducate a Convict, Close a Prison Door /They’re trying to build another prison/ For you and me to live in/ Another prison system/ for you and me/ Minor drug offenders fill your prisons you don t even flinch/ All our taxes paying for your wars against the new non-rich/ They’re trying to build another prison/ for you and me to live in/ Another prison system/ For you and me/ All research and successful drug policy show that treatment should be increased/ And law enforcement decreased while abolishingRead MoreThe African-American Male and the Criminal Justice System2725 Words   |  11 Pagesquarter century has seen an enormous growth in the American incarceration rate. Importantly, some scholars have suggested that the rate of prison growth has little to do with the theme of crime itself, but it is the end result of particular U.S. policy choices. Clear (2007) posits that these policy choices have had well-defined implications for the way prison populations have come to replicate a concentrated occurrence amon g specified subgroups in the United States population in particular youngRead MoreThe United States Food And Drug Administration2428 Words   |  10 PagesThe United States Food and Drug Administration, also known as the FDA, is the government agency â€Å"responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological product, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and product that emit radiation.† It is â€Å"also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines more effective, safer, and more affordable. Created under the TheodoreRead MoreJails and Prisons Comparison Paper1965 Words   |  8 PagesJail and Comparisons Paper David L. Alexander CJA/234 October 8, 2012 Robin Kemp In considering the jails, as well as state and federal prisons, and in modern America, one must understand the historical contexts in which the three institutions were conceptualized and put into practice. Then a discussion of the reasons behind the drastic recent growth off these three ancient institutions must be had. Finally, a review of the security classifications which enable these facilitiesRead MoreAmerica s War On Drugs3748 Words   |  15 PagesThe term â€Å"War on drugs† was first announced when President Richard Nixon created a volume of programs intended to suppress the consumption of certain recreational drugs in 1972. It marked the beginning for the era of mandatory minimum sentencing, privatized prisons, racism, and constituency that profits as a result of the illegal drugs. The â€Å"Just Say No† and the D.A.R.E. campaign were created to help youths from starting to use drugs but they were not effective. Treatment programs have directed their