Michelle Alexander: Roots of Today's Mass Incarceration Crisis Date to Slavery, Jim Crow

democracynow.org - As the Justice Department sheds new light on the racist criminal justice system in Ferguson, legal scholar Michelle Alexander looks at the historical roots of what she describes as "the new Jim Crow." From mass incarceration to police killings to the drug war, Alexander explores how the crisis is a nationwide issue facing communities of color. "Today we see millions of poor people and folks of color who are trapped, yet again, in a criminal justice system which are treating them like commodities, like people who are easily disposable," Alexander says. "We are not on the right path. … It's not about making minor reforms and plotting along in the same direction. No, its about mustering the courage to have a major reassessment of where we are as America, reckon with our racial history as well as our present, and build a broad-based movement rooted in the awareness of the dignity and humanity of us all."
This video is an excerpt of the Democracy Now! interview with Michelle Alexander. Watch the full 45-minute discussion here: www.democracynow.org/appearanc...
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[@jehceeeh4714]

It's a shameful time during human history.

[@andrewgoosdy3814]

What happened to our young black men Just Like Jesse Jackson 5 Congressional Black Caucus where they at when you need them

[@anneshaadams]

so sadd

[@marthacmd]

I recommend to people I cross paths with to check out her book and you tube her talking about the new jim crow- I applaud her and respect her courage

[@TheWayOfRespectAndKindness]

All are given life.

[@Channel-JJ]

I'm always fascinated by this thought which is still a common theme today. No one disputes the speeding, broken tail light or any other reason for the traffic stop, the complaint is I get a ticket and don't pay or I don't show up for court and I get more punishment and that is wrong. We're not talking about someone being falsely accused or planting evidence were talking about committing a crime and saying I can't pay and that should be the end of it.

[@emscheel-gd5ml]

Well it's sad wat people doing this abouse to me for ther futur

[@yibby7]

Yibarek is sooooooo coooolllllllll wooooooppppieeeee sccooooopppiiieeeee pooooooooppppppie

[@emscheel-gd5ml]

Way are u American people use this seminar living life

[@chilangolpz6851]

WE HAVE TO TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!!!!

[@emscheel-gd5ml]

U new wat u guys should not tolk about my body my life in puplic this rep to me wat u guys are working on it

[@emscheel-gd5ml]

If I wor u people dink

[@emscheel-gd5ml]

U new wat fed is not in office yet people and u guys are abkuse her to do ur duty job to forward

[@emscheel-gd5ml]

Look new wat is going on ur country ?