Is Mass Incarceration in America Actually on the Decline?

Is Mass Incarceration in America Actually on the Decline?

Mike Langenright
Ideas and Opinions

If you follow the news, you may have heard that there's a bipartisan movement to stop locking up so many Americans. The New York Times recently wrote, “A bipartisan campaign to reduce mass incarceration has led to enormous declines in new inmates from big cities, cutting America’s prison population for the first time since the 1970s.”

Unfortunately for reform advocates, reports of progress towards ending mass incarceration have been greatly exaggerated.

Ava DuVernay’s Netflix film ’13th’ reveals how mass incarceration is an extension of slavery

Ava DuVernay’s Netflix film ’13th’ reveals how mass incarceration is an extension of slavery

Mike Langenright
Ideas and Opinions, Viewing Recommendations

Slavery technically ended over 150 years ago. But Ava DuVernay wants you to take another look at the amendment that abolished it.

Her documentary “13th” is a powerful look at how the modern-day prison labor system links to slavery. The film, which premieres on Netflix and in select theaters Friday, offers a timely and emotional message framed by the upcoming election and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Load More