lizlovestalk

[lizlovestalk]

SOLITARY CONFINEMENT- We’ve been shown its wrong.

I recently started watching the HBO series Oz (1997-2003) and it covers the lives and events of people in a fictional correctional facility. The prison is maximum security, so most of the criminals within its walls are being punished for violent crimes, like murder, rape, assault etc. I find this series a dramatic, but the somewhat realistic presentation of life in prison in the United States but a big problem I don’t understand is that with this depiction of the prison system, solitary confinement is used to further punish inmates for altercations that leave someone wounded or even killed. With this depiction of the effects of solitary confinement, why then, do we continue to use it as a form of punishment. With something as little as an actor, putting on a performance showing obvious depletion of character, why do we lock away people in real life?

I point to the extremely true and unfortunate story of Kalief Browder from the Bronx. He was falsely accused of stealing a backpack from someone, plead not guilty and underwent almost three years in solitary confinement after being subject to violence at the hands of guards and other prisoners. After being released from Rikers Island, in New York, Browder later killed himself.  His story is not as simple as one sentence, but his blood is on all of our hands. Browder’s case was continually pushed aside from judge to judge’s desk because he continuously stood firm in his truth that he should not be punished for a crime he did not commit.

The fact that we put people away and condemn them to face themselves for prolonged periods of time does damage to the brain. The philosophy that allowed solitary confinement was a Quaker belief that if a prisoner was put alone in a stone cell with a bible they would eventually repent (NPR). Solitary confinement has been found to cause severe mental effects, from becoming violently insane to like Browder, committing suicide. Solitary confinement has proved to be nothing but a form of cruel punishment, a direct violation of the eighth amendment. Human beings are social animals, we need to know people hear us, we need to know other people to listen to. Taking away that basic need from a person because they get into an altercation of any kind is inhumane. But we continue the tradition to this day and force prisoners, who are already locked away in cells, out of control of their own actions (when to eat, defecate, etc) taking away the last thing they have. Our prison system stands for what seems to be this belief that if you infringe on someone else’s inalienable right to happiness, life, or liberty, you will have those revoked. But are these rights not inalienable in the first place? Locking someone away for a portion of their life in hopes that they will rehabilitate themselves and repent for the crime they committed should be seen as a crime by the state. But, in this sense, because we all seem to agree that the best possible solution to criminal activity is to take away someone’s right to seeing other people, or the larger population it is ok, and then after proving they change if they do manage to survive their sentence, or are approved for parole, they are stripped of their right to vote (in some states), and it is extremely difficult to obtain a job because of a question a lot of employers ask on applications. People are stamped with a label for the rest of their lives, labeling them “criminal” for any crime. Not to mention the inequality that exists in our country that disproportionately punishes people of color.

Various organizations exist to oppose institutions that condemn people with criminal records, Ban the Box, the ACLU are among reputable groups fighting for injustices against people. Have any other organizations? Let me know!

Links can be found below!

http://bantheboxcampaign.org/

https://www.aclu.org

[lizlovestalk]

BUYING BLACK WHILE BROKE -The Members Only Club

“Buying black”, meaning purchasing goods or services from people who are black and identify themselves as black is a positive reaction towards white supremacy in the business world. With movements as early as Tulsa, where the first black wall street existed only to be destroyed later, buying black while broke, however, seems to be extremely difficult. A person who is already financially challenged finds it difficult to buy black-owned products or services because the overwhelming narrative around products offered stems from a basic humane way of supporting people who look like you. The philosophy of buying black is to support people of color by engaging in business with them instead of going to white people, because your money, when spent at big corporations, or even just not black-owned will eventually contribute to a bigger gap in wealth, not favoring black people.  When I can, however, purchase cheaper products, not manufactured by people who earn a living wage, or by people who share the same culture. I have recently turned to trying to participate in a black center for exchange. My challenge is this; when I look for black-owned brands (clothing), I find mostly lists of black-owned apparel stores. Stores where there is a regular tee shirt, with an afro-centric saying, OR original designers who have very cute, unique clothing, only to realize a pocket square costs like $234. Maybe I'm being cheap, but its hard being broke and trying to support your fellow peers in a capitalist society, especially one like the United States, where supporting a community financially is a major foundation towards a better experience for the said community. Not buying black, (not buying that $400 Yeezy shirt and instead of going to H&M for example) is in comparison, turning your back on your sisters, brothers, peers of the black community. What I am left with, is the guilt of not being able to afford to support people who look like me. Because of this buying black, investing into businesses where you can see yourself in the owners is a “members only” “you must have this___ much money to ride the black train. With America, and other country’s histories of exploiting and enslaving people of color has led to incredible disparities in the economy of black people.

Buying black, when it is very expensive should not starve you. In order for one to be able to support black-owned businesses, certain tax brackets are placed. Whats the point of buying expensive black-owned products when after you’re finished you can’t afford to feed or shelter yourself?

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU’RE BROKE AND STILL WANT TO SUPPORT?

What you can do to support other people of color, is sharing them with whoever you know. You can spread the word to other people. If no one sees the store, they won’t buy anything from it. Promote small businesses built by people of color, the word must be heard about people of color who create anything anyone would want to buy.

DO you know any black-owned stores?

Some black-owned stores linked below!

https://shopmatte.com/

http://www.39vii.bigcartel.com/

Beads Byaree

http://www.chelseabravo.com/

https://adornedbychi.com/

https://www.christianahjones.com/store/

[lizlovestalk]

WELCOME!

Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Liz and I am 22 years old, from Brooklyn NY. I started this blog to talk about things that happen today, already happened, analyze TV shows and historical events through different lenses, fashion and other topics that interest me. I am a history student and model but I am interested in writing histories and analyzing fictional/non fictional events through various lenses. TALK YOUR SHIT will be a place for constructive thoughts on society, politics and the world. Thank you for visiting!

[lizlovestalk]

COMING SOON.