Agenda for 5/14

1.  The political influence of "for-profit" prisons.

2. For-Profit Prisons Are Bad, But the Drug War Is the Problem

3. Finish "The House I Live In."

• Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent. The film is also available on Netflix.

4. Work on "The House I Live In" viewing questions (Assignment 23). Important info about this assignment:

• Due: 5/20 (Wednesday)
• This assignment will count as a TEST GRADE!
• Paragraphs will be graded on accuracy, thoroughness, effort and how well you support your claims with evidence/details. 
• Each question should be answered in a substantial paragraph.
• Your answers should be typed.
• Answers should be in YOUR OWN WORDS - plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment.
• Click here for a list and short bio for the people featured in the film.
• Click here for a document containing the major stats presented in the film.
• 10 pts/question (70 pts total)
• Late assignments will be deducted 7 pts per week late (one letter grade per week).

Here are the questions you must answer:

1. The film introduces you to lots of different people whose lives intersect with the War on Drugs. Which stories stuck out in your mind as you were watching? Which characters did you feel close to, who did you like? Were there any “good guys” or “bad guys” in this film? Which characters and stories surprised you? 

2. Think about the story of Anthony Johnson and his family. Who were Anthony’s father’s role models? Who were Anthony’s role models? What challenges does a kid face growing up with an incarcerated parent? Can you explain how the cycle of drug use, drug dealing, and incarceration gets passed down through generations? Think about the way Shanequa Benitez, who grew up in the same housing project as Anthony Johnson, talked about the practical necessity of selling drugs to get by. Why do you think it’s so hard for a kid to break free?

3. Who were the early drug laws designed to target? When did the “War on Drugs”
begin officially?

4. The film shows footage of politicians speaking in favor of harsher drug legislation, even though evidence suggests that harsh laws don’t help the problem. Why are politicians supporting laws that don’t work?

5. How has the drug war changed
the role of law enforcement? How
does the pursuit of drug crimes bring money into police departments? What negative impact does this have on non- narcotic police operations? How has the drug war changed the relationship between police and the community?

6. Were you surprised by the statistics in the film, i.e. to learn that the US has the highest prison population in the world? The film talks a lot about what’s wrong with the system, but it leaves it up to the audience to imagine a different reality. After watching this film, what would you propose as an alternative to incarcerating people for addiction and drug-related crimes?

7. The House I Live In is a documentary film that makes a provocative statement. Why do you think Eugene Jarecki made this film? What is the central message and the purpose of the film? Who is its intended audience? How do you think the filmmaker wants you to feel after watching?