humanitarian cause - prisons

[gusl]

This is a message for the arriving freshmen: are you looking to get involved in a humanitarian cause?

If so, then look no further than your local prison. Rape, slavery, racial strife: it's all there! And the authorities are indifferent. I am amazed at how little attention this problem receives.

Comments

[smandal.livejournal.com]

As scary as the report is, old cons will tell you that it's not as bad now as it used to be. All the drug and fraud convictions are diluting the concentration of violent inmates in prisons.

That said, it's still a real danger, and the attitude of the American public is that prison is state-mandated purgatory with suitably horrific conditions for however long your prison term is. Rehabilitation, of even simply civility, is not really on anyone's mind.

[selfishgene.livejournal.com]

I can't understand that 'cruel and unusual' thing. What could be crueler than prison? I would much rather be flogged (maybe even have a hand cut off) than spend years in prison. (Presuming access to modern medical care afterwards.)

[smandal.livejournal.com]

Well, there were punishments like floggings and binding in locks prior to the Quaker movement in the 19th century to institute "penitentiaries." These were places where inmates were held in extreme isolation with only a bible to keep them company, to get closer to God and repent. Then with the advent of modern social theories, prisons became more about reform and rehabilitation. Since then, esp. with wave of European immigration in the early 20th century, prisons have been tools of political agendas and an industry with its own interests.

[brianfey.livejournal.com]

Yah. After all is it just men. Valueless men.
Thanks for the link.

Perhaps someday men will have value besides being a wallet, bullet fodder and a mule.