The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

A collection of flashcards to assist in studying key concepts from "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander.

What was the initial outcome for Emma Faye Stewart after refusing a plea deal?

She was sentenced to ten years probation and branded a drug felon.

Which demographic is particularly affected by the War on Drugs according to the text?

African Americans, especially in poor neighborhoods.

How did the incarceration rates for African Americans compare to whites during the War on Drugs?

Black men were incarcerated at a rate that was more than thirteen times higher than white men.

What systemic issues are associated with the War on Drugs?

Discrimination in employment, loss of voting rights, and eligibility for public assistance.

What role does discretionary policing play in racial disparities in incarceration?

Police have broad discretion to stop, search, and charge individuals, leading to racial profiling.

What did Human Rights Watch report regarding drug offenders sent to prison?

In seven states, African Americans constituted 80 to 90 percent of all drug offenders sent to prison.

What is the long-term trend in black imprisonment rates for drug offenses?

Black imprisonment rates for drug offenses have decreased somewhat but remain grossly disproportionate.

What factor is often used to justify high incarceration rates for African Americans?

Crime rates, though not supported by actual drug crime data.

What do studies show about drug use across racial lines?

People of all races use and sell illegal drugs at remarkably similar rates.

How does public perception contribute to racial bias in drug enforcement?

Media imagery creates a stereotype that equates drug crime with blackness.

What does the data say about emergency room visits related to drug use across different racial groups?

White youth have about three times the number of drug-related emergency room visits as black youth.

Why might stereotypes contribute to job prospects for ex-offenders?

The stigma associated with a criminal record further alienates individuals from the job market.

What does the Supreme Court's ruling in Whren v. United States permit?

Police can use minor traffic violations as an excuse to stop motorists for drug investigations.

How do collateral consequences of incarceration impact families?

Ex-offenders often lose access to housing, jobs, and social services, affecting family stability.

What is the impact of incarceration on children of imprisoned parents?

They face emotional and behavioral problems, and risks of delinquency increase.

What consequences do incarcerated parents face for maintaining family relationships?

Incarceration often leads to diminished contact and weakened bonds with children.

What socioeconomic trend influences community stability in neighborhoods with high incarceration rates?

The removal of young men for imprisonment disrupts social networks.

What is collective efficacy?

The social cohesion among neighbors and their willingness to intervene for the common good.

What happens when families experience a loss due to incarceration?

They often face economic strain and may have to move, leading to further instability.

How does the War on Drugs affect employment prospects for individuals with criminal records?

Individuals face extreme discrimination and fewer job opportunities.

What effect does parental incarceration have on family structures?

It contributes to higher rates of single-parent households.

What is the relationship between race and the likelihood of being incarcerated?

Black men are seven times more likely to go to prison than white men.

What is the significance of the 'One Strike and You're Out' policy in public housing?

It allows for eviction based on any criminal activity of residents or their guests.

How does the stigma of incarceration affect reintegration into society?

Ex-offenders may feel like outcasts and struggle to find housing, jobs, and social support.

What does the text suggest about the long-term impacts of mass incarceration on communities?

It leads to degradation of social networks, economic disadvantage, and increased crime.

How do disenfranchisement laws affect communities of color?

They diminish political representation and influence in resource allocation.

What similarities exist between the Jim Crow era and the modern system of mass incarceration?

Both involve systematic discrimination and exclusion based on race and status.

What did the 2008 situation reveal about racial disparities in incarceration rates during a Presidential election?

Disenfranchised individuals could have swung the election if allowed to vote.

What empirical evidence supports the coercive mobility hypothesis?

Higher rates of incarceration lead to increased crime in communities.

What is the problem with the prison system as it relates to economic stability?

High incarceration rates reduce overall economic activity in affected neighborhoods.

How do drug-related arrests influence perceptions of crime?

They contribute to the public image of crime being linked to specific racial and ethnic groups.

How does absence of fathers in homes affect family and community dynamics?

It leads to weakened family structures and increases risks for juvenile delinquency.

What does Barbara Anderson's experience illustrate about societal perceptions of ex-offenders?

There is a significant stigma and discrimination that limits their ability to reintegrate.

What is the goal of 'Ban the Box' initiatives?

To reduce employer discrimination against individuals with criminal records in hiring.

How are conditions of release often punitive?

They frequently include financial obligations that ex-offenders cannot meet.

What societal response does the text highlight regarding young black men and criminality?

They are often viewed as inherently criminal due to prevailing stereotypes.

What negative impact does incarceration have on community safety?

It disrupts informal social control, leading to increased crime rates.

What challenge does the text present regarding 'tough on crime' policies?

These policies often exacerbate the underlying issues of poverty and crime.

What is the role of implicit bias in policing?

Implicit bias can affect the decisions of law enforcement, leading to discriminatory practices.

In what way can self-perception among ex-offenders be affected following incarceration?

Their self-esteem may plummet due to societal stigma and discrimination.

Why are solutions to crime in neighborhoods often ineffective?

They fail to address the root issues of poverty and social disorganization.

What does the legacies of Jim Crow laws illustrate regarding mass incarceration today?

Both represent systems of racial control masking under different social justifications.