How The Shawshank Redemption Humanizes Prisoners
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- Опубликовано: 19 май 2024
- Help me make more videos! / popdetective
On a narrative level The Shawshank Redemption is a movie about the power of hope in the face of extraordinary hardship. But underpinning Andy Dufresne’s story we also find a blistering critique of the prison system and criminal justice policy in the United States.
RESOURCES
• How to support male survivors:
www.rainn.org/articles/sexual...
• Just Detention International:
justdetention.org
• Statistics and facts about sexual violence:
www.rainn.org/statistics/vict...
• Criminal Justice and Prison Facts:
www.sentencingproject.org/cri...
REFERENCES
• Ava DuVernay's documentary The 13th:
www.imdb.com/title/tt5895028
• Watch The 13th on Netflix:
www.netflix.com/title/80091741
• The Race Gap in US Prisons:
www.motherjones.com/crime-jus...
• Biden's Crime Bill Speech Is Worse Than You Think:
www.pastemagazine.com/article...
• Rope Needs More Gay by Rantasmo:
• Rope Needs More Gay
CITED ARTICLES:
• LA Times movie review, September 23, 1994:
articles.latimes.com/1994-09-2...
• Washington Post movie review, September 23, 1994:
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/...
PATREON
If you’d like to help fund my video essays, please visit Patreon:
/ popdetective
PAYPAL
If you'd rather make a one-time donation you can do it via PayPal:
www.paypal.me/popdetective
TEXT TRANSCRIPT
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COMMENTS
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FAIR USE
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CREDITS
Writer/Producer: Jonathan McIntosh
Motion Graphics: Jonathan McIntosh
Logo Design: Justin McIntosh
Outro music: Jonathan Mann
Help us caption & translate this video!
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Good essay. One criticism you didn’t touch on is classism. Andy stands apart from the other prisoners because of his education and this is ultimately what allows him to escape and form a new identity, with skills not accessible to his working class friends.
Yes, Andy has more skills and education, but he uses his skills to improve his fellow prisoner’s lives. He builds a library and helps them get their GEDs, putting them on the path to success. He escapes because he holds onto hope and patiently digs out of the prison walls, not because of his academic privilege.
When I watch this movie, I always think of Andy’s silence AS his coping method. There are so many scenes with Andy seemingly staring at nothing, and the way I have always interpreted this is as dissociation. He never talks to his fellow inmates about his trauma, and with this mindset, to him, it didn’t happen to him, he wasn’t there.
Small correction: exploiting prison labor isn't *essentially* slave labor, it is *literally* slave labor: the 13th amendment, which conditionally forbids slavery, makes a specific exception for prisoners.
Jesus, that Joe Biden clip.
It's not the only one neither.
It's hard to believe that Shawshank redemption came out with such scathing reviews. It really shows how the cultural and political climate of the time truly guides the reviewer.
fun fact: a convict, Yoshie Shiratori, was and has been known to be famous for escaping 9 prisons, all of them labeled to be impossible to escape. Yoshie later states after he is a free man that he didn't really have any determination to escape, it was just the constant harassment and beatings by the guards that led him to push himself to his ultimate limits just to do escapes like that.
Redd is the protagonist of this film. He's the one who goes through an arc, he's the one who learns a lesson, and he's the one who really changes. It took me a few viewings to realize this.
I think that part of the reason that Andy is presented as a strong, silent type, is because it is not presented from his perspective, the movie is from Red's point of view and may either not have the full picture, or may want to present his friend as "better" that he really was.
One of MANY examples of the kinds of problems you talked about is the system for California firefighters. Most of the dangerous wildfires are fought mostly with prison labor. Then, when they get out, they are inelligible to become firefighters.
It's crazy how high-ranking politicians from BOTH political parties contribute to keeping the prison-industrial complex alive and well. They don't care about the people, they just care about their power and getting their paycheck. No wonder it's gone on as long as it has.
It's too bad nobody wants to create a "medicine-industrial complex" AKA universal health care.
@@Xondar11223344because it’s a nice idea but will have dire consequences, we aren’t Canada, and most European countries don’t even have universal health care, they have a public private option which still allows choice
For a country claiming the banner of land of the free, it is ironic 25% of the world’s prison population are jailed in the United States, consisting mostly of African Americans, by for profit prisons which have no interest to decreasing recidivism. Thank you for this video essay, I hope it goes viral.
Its only the land of the free for a select few.
Source?
+cellonpot The USA are neither the freest, nor the richest, nor the best country. US Americans are just constantly told it is.
That reminds me of lyrics from a Corporate Avenger song: "Too many cages in the land of the free."
@@metatron478 You can't be the land of the free while placing capitalism on a pedestal.
I like the inclusion of Biden. That certainly wasn’t placed there by chance.
We need to make sure everybody knows that biden is basically blue trump.
Corinn Heathers was*
@@syn010110 Biden may be unjustly attacked regarding race issues (like President Trump), so I get that comparison. But Biden is a career politician, so I'd say that's where Trump has more positive attributes to offer. Also, many Biden critics say Biden's intent is not racist, and those same critics say otherwise about Trump...so, yeah, but I think that's what you were getting at anyway.
@@LoganKing4 he hasn't shown that he's adequately progressed from that ie the bussing comments
@@LoganKing4 You need to watch videos with commentary on the recent democratic candidates' debate. I could make some suggestions.
Rape is about control and overpowering someone else, thanks for talking about this.
This movie tore me apart the first time I saw it. Many of my family members are in or have been in prison. It's a reality for poor Mexicans in America. My great uncle, for example, was incarcerated two months after his 18th birthday and was in prison until he was 73. He was given life for armed robbery. He grew up in Las Cruces, NM where almost everyone was poor and Mexican. Thinking about him, the sweetest, nicest grandpa of a man losing the most of his adult life and youth because of decisions he made as a poor teenager is just... and the part with the old man killing himself? that shit still worries me. My great-uncle has been out of prison for about two years now and he's doing okay, but only because my family took him in and got him the help he needed. if my mom wasn't the middle-class person she was, able to provide him a room to live in and pay for mental health care, he'd probably be dead or back in prison.
That was an absolutely astounding video. So rarely is sexual assault of men taken seriously, and I'm glad that you're raising awareness on it. More power!
Called out Biden, called out men's rights idiots, you are 100000% on point once again. Love everything you do.
The scene of Brooks and its soundtrack always make me cry.
Me too 😢
These videos are so high quality I fell like a new person when I finish watching one
Also The Green Mile. Another Stephen King piece, unsurprisingly.
And film by Frank Darabont.
I saw his silence as his depression and shock of the situation. I tend to become quiet when my depression hits the hardest. I didn’t interpret it as a strength, but I think it’s interesting how we all have different interpretations.
When’s Part 2 of Sexual Assault of Men Played For Laughs?
I absolutely loved that video essay!! It’s one of my favourite ones!!
I love your channel!
Currently working on part 2. It will be my next upload.
@@PopCultureDetective Thank YOU for this channel!
@@PopCultureDetective thank you so, so much!
Thank you so much, I love your content and I appreciate the amount of work you put into your videos!!
Wtf we have the same profile pic
Great video. My one quibble is the characterization of Defresne as the "strong silent type" and that it negatively portrays trauma reactions in men. In the book it's very clear that Defresne's character is extremely cold and contained. That's part of why he ends up in Shawshank; there was no sympathy for him during his trial at any point because he was entirely unsympathetic. In fact, his character growth in the book is that he actually acquires in prison, a deeply dehumanizing environment, a level of humanity that he never had on the outside. Nonetheless, another great video. Becoming a patron.
Fantastic video! I recently wrote my high school English final exam on the Shawshank redemption, so needless to say I love this film.
Ive always thought of Andy’s soft spoken nature and atypical masculinity was one of my favourite aspects of the movie, but I thought it was interesting to hear your thoughts on how his inclination to suffer in silence rather than speak up about what was happening to him could be perpetuating certain stereotypes. I had never thought of it that way, and we do certainly need more male characters that speak openly about their emotions and traumas. Looking forward to your next video!
"They sisters have taken quite a liking to you."
"I dont suppose it wouldn't help any if I explained to them I'm not homosexual."
"Neither are they. You have to be human first. They don't qualify."
THAT'S THE BEST FUCKING LINE IN ALL MOVIES AND BOOKS COMBINED I'VE EVER HEARD🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I am involved with a community program that specifically caters to young persons (aged 16-25) whom have had experiences with the juvenile justice system, the regular adult justice system and foster care/ward of the state.
I've personally seen kids come in, who are 23 (my age). Who've just been released from prison or jail. Fresh out of jail in fact, no place to go or even proper clothes. Just whatever they were given.
What the program does, is ensures that they have shelter, education, transportation (bus passes), and if they are able. Wiping their criminal records.
I've seen the struggles depicted here, but with much younger people. Young adults, who already had a hard life before hand. Who now have a harder life to face...
I'm proud to say, that the program specifically aids those who just got out of the justice system. As it does help.
When we talked about justice and punishment in my ethics class (I live in Bavaria, Germany), we learned that the prime directive our justice system is to give convicts the possibility of living a life without crime.
This of course means that a lot of resources go to mental health programs, help with addiction, education and finding a good occupation.
I only recently saw an American documentation on German prisons versus American prisons. After talking about redemption so much in school, I was shocked by what the American system actually looks like, focusing to much on punishment.
The first article of the German constitution is that the human dignity is untouchable.
If we focus on staying true to this base line, I think we will get to a better place.
I watched this movie four or five times as a teenager. I guess back then I didn't know the cliche of gay men only being portrayed as monsters. I definitely didn't read that in the movie. I always thought of the sisters as predators, that they would assault women or children if given the chance. Maybe I was taking that Freeman line more literally than some. I'm also a straight white guy that had no out friends in high school so I wasn't likely to know. It's interesting to look back on it now.
The Shawshank Redemption is a film classic and definitely worthy of being in everyone’s movie collection.
The Shawshank Redemption, my favorite movie of all time? Yes
Pop Culture Detective, an excellent video essay channel? Yes
Deconstructing and exposing the criminal justice system? Yes
Trashing Joe Biden who really needs to be taken down a peg? Yes
All in one? YES
I love that you mentioned how mass incarceration should be a concern for so called "men's rights activists". So often people who talk about "men's rights" are just trying to derail a conversation about women's issues instead of actually fighting to address things like male incarceration or suicide rates.
It is this video that made me realise how the construction of the extended prison library begins with the breaking of a wall 23:13 thus depicting the installation of an access to art as an escape from prison comparable to Andys breakout.
You don't post often, but when you do then it's so good. Thank You for those informative and smart Videos.
Great essay. One criticism I have with this is you criticized the film for having Andy not process trauma properly and seemed to knock the fact that he is the male stereotypical “strong, silent type.” However, on Andy’s first night, you got to see first hand what happens to prisoners that cry and seek help. Let alone this film taking place in the 40’s, a time where seeking help for processing trauma was in its infancy, let alone in a prison setting.
Thank you! Thank you! Shawshank is my favourite film of all time and this was a fantastic essay on an amazing film, and certainly gave food for thought.
I respectfully disagree on two points.
The Shawshank Redemption was the first (and only film) I've ever seen in which the idea of a man wanting to rape another man is expressly said to be "not homosexual". (As Red pointed out "Neither are they. You have to be human first. They don't qualify." I've seen this film so often I can literally quote it :)). This tallys with men who rape other men- most do identify as heterosexual. As you pointed out, rape is about power not sexuality. Were the rapists coded as gay? Debatable, imo. Interesting fact- in the shower scene where Boggs first talks to Andy, the director wanted it to be closer to the book ie; more physical sexual harassment. The actor of Boggs said it was too obvious and they should make it more subtle, hence the verbal innuendo. (Also realistic for prison, where a lot of rapists try and 'befriend' their prey first).
Secondly, I always saw Andy not being open about his sexual assaults as in keeping with his character and not framed as a particularly good thing. Towards the end of the film, he talks about how his wife saw him as a 'closed book' and how it led to her murder, which was his greatest regret. Hence imo, him not being 'open' to discussing the hardships in his life is a major flaw. Though he is the best friend of Red, there is an implication that he is also closed off even from him.
Also... wow... the fact that the film is framed from the perspective of a black man is something I've never truly considered the ramifications of. (I just figured they wanted Morgan Freeman because... he's Morgan Freeman). But, considering, as you say, the vast overrepresentation of black men in prison in the US, this framing device works brilliantly.
I'm going to have to rewatch this film again.
Thank goodness. Thought we lost a good RUclipsr for a moment. Welcome back man.
Takes time to research and have facts.
I love your videos so much. I also love this movie for how it dodges the 'sexual assult as comedy' trope and its critique of the prison system. It has its flaws, but it has aged much better than other films. Amazing emotion, story, and message all around.
I cried four times during this video, probably because my views on prison system changed so much since first seeing the film.
Thank you for this beautiful essay!
i swear Morgan Freeman looks like he's aged maybe a year, at the most.
actually started crying at the clips of the old man leaving. So utterly heartbreaking I had forgotten all about what happened to him and then remembered
You really made me rethink some of my favorite movies. Especially the 5th element. Thank you for opening my eyes
e m If you don’t mind me asking, what do you exactly mean? How has your view on your favorite movies changed? I was dumbfounded
In 2003 I did landscaping at an old prison that was shutting down. The only prisoners left were the severely mentally ill. They used to watch the groundhogs from the windows of their cells and break up their bread and throw it through the windows onto the ground so the groundhogs could eat it.
Thank you for making these videos, when i first got into feminism i got the impression that men dont experience systemic problems and anyone who says that men do experience sexism are the part of mgtow or the Red pill, but they dont care about anything except for shitting on woman. Your channel showed me that feminism is much more complicated than catcalling or manspreading, i thought that the main problem were working Class men who aren't progressive enough, now i know that feminism is about stopping the unjust treatment of everyone based on the expectations society has, no matters if its expecting women to take care of kids or expecting men to bottle up their emotions. Again thank you and sorry for bad english
I also really liked the boat scenes from The Dark Knight and how they showed that the prisoners can be less brutal than the "normal people."
When I watched the movie I really didn't see the gay coding for the Sisters, but that could just be me. It could just be that it's far more down played then normally. Next time I see the movie I will look for it.
But to me at first is seemed like them being just menacing and trying to feminize Andy as way of establishing dominants. It could be seen through the frame of critiquing hyper-masculinity, where "real men" punish "girly men", that was a running theme in the movie people putting themselves above others and then abusing that position of power sexually, socially, morally etc.
America, Land of the *free (certain terms and conditions may apply).
These videos constantly remind me that there is a lot of stuff about the world to unlearn, that there is real human pain glanced over for the sake of shiny image of stability in the world.
Thank you for that reminder.
Recent subscriber here but I clicked the second I saw you in my sub box! Love your videos. They're long, but I like the calm pacing. Video essays often are fast paced to keep attention, which can be useful and engaging, but I appreciate the pauses and the way you take your time. Well done.
One point you made, about Andy's silent brooding personality furthering the idea that men can't and shouldn't speak openly about their emotions is a valid and well made point. However, with regards to the story the film is telling, Andy's personality is one of the main reasons he was sent to Shawshank in the first place. I can't remember if this was brought up in the movie (I think it was, but it's definitely mentioned in the novella), but during his trial, the jury and judge couldn't believe that a man who was so dispassionate and cold could be innocent of the murder he was accused of. Andy's the type of person who shuts down emotionally when faced with great distress, which made him look guilty to outsiders. His inability to express his emotions is what caused his initial downfall. While it would have been great if the film had made more points about other characters being open about their emotions and traumas, I think Andy's personality really was integral to the plot.
if you make prison a profitable business...well, jailing people would be incentivized.
Content so good that all political spectrums have to acknowledge the good points my boy has.
Superpredator : how to dehumanize poor black teens.
What's that?
I'm just waiting for the day you talk about Mad Men.
Yours and Lindsay Ellis's videos are just on another level.
These are - truly - excellent. You've changed my mind on a number of topics by now.
The critics in '94 were completely up their arses in their ignorance of American prisons, and callous disregard for the people in it.
Polish movie 'Symmetry' is another great example were prison is shown realistically and prisoners are not dehumanized.
"You'll like that, it's about a prison break."
Book proceeds to show a quarter century of wonderfully executed revenge. Thanks Dumas.
Can't express enough how much I appreciate all of your work on masculinity (for reference I'm a PhD candidate researching emotional issues related to adolescent males) and this video is no exception. Only slight divergence of opinion is that Andy's lack of emotions can definitely be (and most likely is) a trauma-related response, likely a form of dissociation - so I wouldn't see the movie as conveying or glorifying that he "overcame" his trauma through willpower but rather it was just part of his survival response. That said, I can understand your interpretation as well.
Paddington 2 is always the exception.
This the first channel I'll become a patron for once I start earning. It's incredible the kind of work you're producing singlehandedly.
Christ, this might be the most important channel of our generation. Outstanding content
Absolutely brilliant. As an aspiring film maker and content creator I applaud your mastery over the skills of dissecting narrative. You give me hope to do what you do
Whenever someone mentions 'This film earned a spot into the library of congress' I always remember that Cars 2 got into the library of congress as well.... Cars 2
this video had me close to tears at multiple occasions, partly due to good work on the part of the film, but mostly due to the good work of yourself. thank you.
I always mention this in discussions about the US prison system.
Prisons in the US are so bad that Norway will not extradite prisoners due to it being deemed to be in breach of their human rights obligations.
"Maybe it's because I'm Irish."
im crying tears of laughter and sadness at the same time
It's always a good day when we get a new Pop Culture Detective, thank you 😊 Brilliant as always.
'Queer sexuality is not a threat to straight people.' Thank you
I cannot stress enough how much I freaking love your channel.
Well produced, informative and entertaining videos addressing topics/movies that are amazingly new takes of things that aren't often addressed. Keep doing what your doing, man. 💚🖤💚
If you're at all interested in learning about life in prison from real prisoners, I highly recommend the podcast Ear Hustle, produced in the media lab at San Quentin State Prison. Incredibly eye opening.
I'm so thankful that you make these videos about the issues that men face. They are fantastic videos, and they help me to better recognize the toxic masculinity I face (and possibly unknowingly reinforce myself). All of your videos are wonderful, and I look forward to each one as it comes out :)
The Washington post article also demonstrates the casual acceptance of prison rape as a form of retribution, as you mention in your male s dual assault video.
This is an excellent video essay and it made me cry as well. The scene with Brooks letting go of Jake, his pet crow, and leaving prison was awful. Even the shortest sentence is a life sentence when we have discriminatory hiring practices, lack of support in or outside of prison and policies that increase recidivism.
This movie and Silence of the Lambs are my favorites. Shawshank in many ways holds a mirror to the difficulties we face in and out of a prison. The worst prison a person can be in is one inside their own mind. Brooks was not able to escape it. Red did, because he made a promise and had a friend. One act of kindness that seems trivial to us might make a world of difference to another person. We need to start prioritizing knowing ourselves and knowing the ones we care about above all other things.
Money, power, status, sex, drugs are all things rhat can bring some enjoyment, but they can never heal us or fulfill our deepest needs. I had to learn the hard way. I hope that generations to come can take the media that is out there and use it to become more empathetic.
Every time I watch that record playing scene, even for a moment, I tear up. It's almost unbearably beautiful.
Brooks was here - honestly one of the most heartbreaking pieces ever
i watched this with my dad who is a teacher in prisons, and we both got emotional!
I have to say, your essays affect so many aspects of my life, and make me acknowledge my own personal biases and shortcomings. They really force me to hold a mirror to myself and ask important questions about what I believe, and how educated am I really when it comes to the things I claim to be passionate about. Thank you for helping me learn more about myself and the issues I speak for/ against.
While I was really excited for the second part of sexual assault played for laughs, I'm really happy with this intermission. I think its really important as a critic to also showcase the good as well as the bad. Highlighting the messages in this great movie not only helps you mentally (I've seen how much a struggle the past video has been on your twitter) but also shows we can have a really great movie without playing into current tropes of toxic culture. Really loved this video! Thank you for all your work and effort as an activist and content creator!
Thank you for this nuanced, intersectional, and in-depth look at the prison system!
I just want to make a quick note that Indigenous Americans are so often left out of the conversation even though they are the most disproportionately targeted by police violence. And, because Indigenous people’s make up such a small percentage of the US population, their issues are not often visible.
I really like your focus on criminal justice lately, but I think that it could be improved by mentioning Indigenous issues as well! Also, if you would be willing to make a video about Indigenous representation, I think that would be really valuable because I think it is one of the least discussed issues in the conversation!
Thank you again for your great videos. I learn so much with each one! :)
I had to stop and watch the movie at the 5 min mark knowing I had been missing something greatm Thanks for making me watch the movie and thanks for this video essay. You give me hope.
As a public defender, I really appreciate this video. Thank you.
Honestly I look forward to your videos more than any other channel I am subscribed to. All of your content is insightful, and just incredibly well done; truly appreciate the work you put into it.
It’s easy for us in our comfy homes to sit back and make a cry of retribution against the men in the prison system. It’s a whole other thing to live in that system as a prisoner. Not just with what it does to you in prison, but how it can often destroy your entire life afterwards.
We need more emphasis on helping these men become better, to live a prosperous life moving on from crime, not leave them to swim in it for the rest of their lives.
Thank you we need more rehabilitation programs
This was amazing to watch! I don't know half as much as I would like to about this topic and this was so informative. Thank you for all of the amazing work you put into these video essays!
I couldn't make it through even this video without crying. I have always loved Shawshank. It hit me hard, to be shown the truth of what prison was like. And I was quite aware that this view of it was more than 40 years old. How much worse had it grown in the interim? I still weep openly during that record player scene. It was masterfully written, executed and filmed. It's all too easy to close ones eyes to the reality of the system, especially when one feels that one will never experience it. To distance oneself is preferable to contemplating the alternative. Those people deserve to be there, otherwise they wouldn't be there. Whatever happens to them there, they brought on themselves. I will never do something so foolish as to end up there, so why would I care? It's sad really. Does anyone actually believe they will end up a statistic? They will end up one the evening news? The top of the Trending column? Of course not. But the people who are in that position, never thought it could or would happen to them, either. If it never happened to anyone, well.... the problem would be solved, wouldn't it?
It's not that wild for victims to not talk. Victims of both genders and all age groups often react with shame and silence, sometimes for decades. Women are sometimes even met with disbelief because they don't act victimy enough. Shutting down emotionally is a survival mechanism. It would be bad if Andy brushed it off or joked about it without cracking, as "walk it off" is more of a macho way of belittling victims.
Again this video was awesome. I cant wait for the part 2. You are by far one of my favorite RUclipsrs.
This film aged like a fine wine
Incredible! Thank you so much for producing this, it really came at an important time when labeling people as "criminal," or "illegal," justifies the violence done to them.
so excited you uploaded ! your video essays never disappoint :)
Of all the movie essays channels on RUclips today, yours is def one of the best. Every video is so meticulously though out and put together it baffles me. You always approach films in a different light, talking about problems most people ignore, all whilst linking everything to real word issues and providing real insight that make us revise all of our beliefs. Sincerely, thank you for your work man
Back in the 1950s my Great Uncle spent 10 years in prison in New Brunswick (Canada's province neighboring Maine) for grand theft auto (he was guilty) and he said that The Shawshank Redemption may very well be the most realistic movie he's ever seen. The only exception is the fact that there wouldn't be the same Warden and Guard Captain for decades. The Warden would be there for MAYBE 12 years and the Guard Captain would be promoted and stationed elsewhere after about 6 - 10 years. Other than that, he said nearly everything about the film is spot on. Even the suffering in silence is accurate cause unfortunately in the 1950s you HAD to bottle up your emotions and never seek help cause it was a sign of weakness otherwise. He once told me about a very emotional man he was in prison with who earned the nickname "Kid retarded" (even though he was like 38 y/o) cause they thought his emotions were nothing more than a mental disorder and a sign of low IQ.
This is honestly one of my favorite ever channels. Addressing the hugely complex issues in our society through popular culture is ingenious. The amount of work and detailed analysis in these videos is crazy. Thank you so much.
This video is heartwarming, the level of empathy and compassion for people so often diabolised is so rare nowadays. There’s hope for love.
Oh man. Ive never seen this movie but seeing this video alone made me cry.
Its a good video man, my farther has spent 16 years of his life in prison and he has never been able to fully put his life together despite being free for almost 2 decades now. I agree that something has to be done so that we rehabilitate prisoners instead of punishing them. I gotta say I don't agree with everything you have to say but it was a good vid and largely educational if not just a little bit biased.
In Year 12, we studied The Shawshank Redemption as our film study for English class. I wish I'd been able to watch this back then! This video essay was a brilliant expansion on what we learned, especially now that I'm older and more capable of understanding the nuances.
I was the only American in our class, so I was the only one in that class who had seen any snippet of what the prison industrial system churned out - who had lived in a pretty neighbourhood with no sidewalks so "undesirables" couldn't wander in and sully our uniform green lawns, who had seen men in the city sitting, broken, beneath bridges and in the mouths of sewage pipes, who had been taught around age 7 or so what to do if a cop ever pulled us over when I was in the car, because even though I was socially safest as a little white girl, I might be a tempting target for the wrong cop.
The prison system here, where I live now overseas, isn't much better really, but it's less deeply entrenched as a socially expected norm. Hopefully, this means we can enact change as quickly as possible. It's films like this that give hope to the real world as much as they do the characters who live within them.
That reminds me of how It's a Wonderful Life wasn't as well received when it came out as it would later be. I wonder if that points to a trend in more empathetic stories...
I'm never disappointed when I see a new video from you! Well done!