In this bonus episode, Liam and guests continue their discussion on the US prison system, in particular how it is represented and simplified in popular media, and the impact this can have on wider public perceptions of incarceration. Plus, they explore the potential impact of a Trump administration on prisons, and why other countries like the UK may not be as different as they like to appear.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.
- Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA.
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Highlights from this episode:
- In this episode, we dove deep into America's prison system and discussed its many flaws, shedding light on the complexities that are often oversimplified in popular media.
- We explored how reality TV shows can sometimes glorify incarceration, which isn't just misleading but also dehumanizing for those behind bars.
- The conversation highlighted the important role of documentaries in revealing the harsh realities of prison life, challenging the voyeuristic narratives often presented.
- Trump's impact on prison policies could be significant, exacerbating issues that affect the most vulnerable populations in society.
- The dialogue also touched on the media's responsibility to represent the incarcerated more humanely and accurately, rather than just sensationalizing their stories.
- Lastly, we emphasized that the conversation around prison reform is ongoing and needs continued attention, as these issues won't simply disappear overnight.
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Additional Resources:
Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant
Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson
U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista
Incarceration Rates by Country 2024
Global Prison Trends Report
How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside
50 years after the US declared war on drugs, AP examines racial disparities | The Associated Press
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?
What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?
What is the Civil Rights Act?
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