"Our Class: Trauma and Transformation in an American Prison" w/ Chris Hedges

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This talk by author, activist, teacher and dissident Chris Hedges at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, NY is about his new book, “Our Class: Trauma and Transformation in an American Prison,” released on October 19, 2021 by publisher Simon & Schuster.
Hedges has taught courses in drama, literature, philosophy, and history since 2013 in the college degree program offered by Rutgers University at East Jersey State Prison and other New Jersey prisons. In his first class at East Jersey State Prison, where students read and discussed plays by Amiri Baraka and August Wilson, among others, his class set out to write a play of their own. In writing the play, Caged, which would run for a month in 2018 to sold-out audiences at The Passage Theatre in Trenton, New Jersey, and later be published, students gave words to the grief and suffering they and their families have endured, as well as to their hopes and dreams. The class’s artistic and personal discovery, as well as transformation, is chronicled in heart-breaking detail in Our Class. This book gives a human face and a voice to those our society too often demonizes and abandons. It exposes the terrible crucible and injustice of America’s penal system and the struggle by those trapped within its embrace to live lives of dignity, meaning, and purpose.
Recorded at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, NY on June 28, 2021.
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Cameras - Eleanor Goldsmith, Jill Malouf, Elizabeth Press, Claire Hutchinson
Audio - Troy Pohl
Director - Branda Miller
Production - Steve Pierce
Post production - Alexandra Shablovsky

[@jimmcgettigan4826]

Without a doubt one of Chris Hedges’ most emotive presentations, from his heart and soul. He talks the talk but he most certainly walks the walk. May God Bless this great, caring man.

[@michaelgnit8476]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@AudioPervert1]

Resistance, empathy and clarity - Kudos to Chris Hedges!!

[@dorriewoodson1414]

I can add nothing. No one can add to this outpouring of reality which Indicts our country, the USA of national shame.

[@joethethunder4906]

So some tells the truth, some one cares then is okay we all can go back to be salves of the system. Some they we all will wake up and change the way the world works.

[@AKWhatitis]

@@michaelgnit8476 jjust km j ok

[@luxtuttle4970]

Incredibly moving work on many levels. The world is a better place because of this man. He's a light in a very dark time.

[@randallcollura]

Well said!

[@pamelamccall5653]

But there seem to be no solutions!

[@jamesbarker9895]

I've read nearly all of his books and listened to many of his speeches and interviews. I can say with no cynicism at all that he has made me a more compassionate, more understanding person. What an astounding person he is

[@sousleszarbres]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MAN! ♡!!!

[@saracook6487]

This is wonderful. Chris Hedges is a national treasure.

[@patriciagriffin1505]

I’ve listened to this several times as Chris Hedges is so poignant when speaking of these friends in prison. What a brilliant journalist author and human being. Thank you so much

[@liesarenowtruth3880]

God bless you Chris. With Love from someone who keeps trying to stop believing in God.

[@helenjaime9718]

Occassionally I run into these incredibly people who touch my soul so deeply that it challenges all my seamingly logical stands. I have watch Chris for years and believe in his honest anger at the injustices of this world and his courage to stand up to them and try to bring them forwrd for all to see. They've all broaded my perspective. This one left me in tears and wondering.....

[@amypowell6249]

Chris Hedges is a Treasure of Humanity.

[@mcolin378]

Chris is simply unique. I am grateful for the education I amass each and every time I listen to his lectures.

[@justmyopinion9883]

I believe Chris Hedges was starting to cry towards the end of this lecture. He is such a caring, kind hearted man. My hope is that he will continue to share his compassion and wisdom for many more years.

[@markcrounse9919]

There ARE saints amount us, spreading the message to empower & help others, be kind, responsible & respectful to all. Do no harm. Thank you Chris. In a world of confusion, chaos & carnage…you ARE a beacon of light & inspiration.

[@victoriahaas9364]

You are my hero Mr. Hedges. I can keep going on because of you when I lose hope.

[@GirlofNicky]

I am not black, but I am sickened by this hideous prison system.

[@ianwoodywoodwoof345]

Chris Hedges is a noble man long may his song draw to it the good. I love you brother.

[@GirlofNicky]

Thank you for your courage in telling the world about these ghastly injustices in the USA and especially the covert slavery still perpetrated upon low income black men & also some women.

[@eileenmc4746]

as well as indigenous, Hispanic etc groups

[@veronicaalessandrello1022]

With Chris Hedges, not a single word goes to waste. From start to finish, my mind is 100% submerged in his story.

[@Walter-vi3vh]

Power & strength to Chris Hedges.

[@georgefurman4371]

Thanks for reminding us that love exist and that is a decision to share with the oppressed our humanity.

[@Rubylove48]

Really appreciated this talk and how he spoke from the heart rather than reading a speech.

[@karambos2]

Absolutely fantastic video. Thankyou. Chris Hedges is an amazing person.

[@conradlodziak8852]

Extremely powerful presentation by an absolutely excellent human being.

[@solidaritytime3650]

My sociology professor introduced me to Chris Hedges last year - and since then I have made my way through his entire speaking corpus

[@GirlofNicky]

Reverend Hedges walks the walk. Amazing courage.🙏🙏🙏

[@AudioPervert1]

if one can imagine, in a utopian sense, that there exists a Chris Hedges in every nation, every oppressed and collapsing society across the world ... Maybe! We all can be little Hedges of resistance, courage and honesty. Kudos to Chris Hedges and MediaSanctuary. Thank you!

[@DeeNutz]

Can't help but love this guy

[@robert4art2]

I love you, Mr. Hedges.

[@LetsGoGetThem]

Glad to be here again. Sanctuary is great for hosting him every year.

[@mccamman]

I am in my first semester teaching politics at a super max in California. The people who operate this program, like Chris, move in a state of grace. Christian or not, it is this message of service to the suffering as a force that gives life meaning that should not be forgotten.

[@colterino]

Speechless. Saint speaking of saints. American Karma ain’t too good.

[@aboriginetheblackoriginal1349]

Great speech. Hedges' works are convicting. I followed his articles throughout his stint with Truthdig and he's never ceased to amaze. Good fight, good trouble.

[@GirlofNicky]

“If everyone charged went to trial, the system would collapse.”

[@elenapalacios6853]

One of the last great American brains. I salute you Chris.

[@naftalibendavid]

Footstep follower. Chris Hedges has a faith I can only imagine. The strength that comes with it is truly admirable.

[@monatinnell4570]

Chris what would this world be with you? Thanks again for showing us how to be a real human being. You always teach us to walk the road less taken especially when it’s the toughest. Blessings to you and The Class ❤️

[@100perdido]

Thanks to Chris Hedges, I am slowly beginning to understand what Eugene Victor Debbs meant when he said:.."As long as there is a soul in prison, I am not free".

[@robertdj4909]

Thank you Chris...

[@fredphiri5328]

This is so profound from Mr Hedges.

[@Labor_Jones]

Thank you Chris and Thank you 'Sanctuary'

[@sweepthelegjohnny]

Also, thank you Chris for making whatever burdens we carried with us to listen to you speak at least feel lighter after having listened to your prepared remarks. Finally, thank you for not only calling to our attention the evil around us, but also the evil within us. The modern prison system truly is Jim Crow 2.0 and the 21st century version of the plantation system.

[@howarddyer3225]

Hedges 2024.

[@catsantos353]

Along with Mr West & Mr Wolff, I too aspire to be like Mr Hedges 💘

[@dawna1214]

We have to protect Chris Hedges so whatever happened to Noam won't happen to our other cherished Elders.

[@0hmyme]

Thank you Sanctuary. Dear Chris - to put it simply - I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Your kindness, honesty and integrity are beyond anything most so called leaders of the west have to offer. Your Vasily Grossman quote from "Life And Fate" at the end of "fascism in the age of trump" had a profound effect on me. I read America the farewell tour and felt the shame.

[@michaelgnit8476]

Finding the truth and the humanity in people other's try so hard to throw away.

[@sweepthelegjohnny]

Thank you, Chris, for showing - both by word and by deed - that the Good draws to it the Good, even in the darkest corners of society. Thank you, as well, for showing and living the Truth symbolized by the cross in Christianity: that God can make a way out of no way; or, how a prisoner can graduate summa cum laude from Rutgers while in prison.

[@jessicaemilia101]

Mr. Hedges, you have ministered to me. I am so inspired to get out there and do something for others. You are the definition of a life well lived. Thank you!!!

[@MonaLisa-lu8zi]

What a wonderful insightful speech. Most memorable are ; the prisons are full of poets; prisons are plantations; and of course the 14 year old boy, his best student, trumped up charge, spending all day in the hold, a system hoping no-one would witness their compounding of a lie, and one man awaits to witness it. Well done Chris for being there. I was with you in spirit. 👍

[@OlafsonN]

Sent here by the Chris Hedges Fan Club who always links to the original work. Chris Hedges is truly one of the Greats.

[@charleskesner1302]

A treasure and real truth teller. Carry on Chris.

[@kathopler2827]

God Damnit Chris you kicked my ass with this one brother ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥I love your soul man.

[@LTIPW416]

I feel like I just got out of church. Not just any church. A real church. May the Creator bless Chris Hedges and open the ears of our citizens that they may hear. . .open their eyes that they may see. . .

[@EclecticSceptic]

Simply brilliant. Thank you very much for uploading this.

[@elisekrentzel27]

You are a wonderful soul. Tyvm 🌺🌸🌼

[@Stfushitlib2]

Amazing.

[@faraichirimuuta3748]

god bless you, Chris

[@waynecoe1]

Bless you for reminding us to always keep the wretched in our hearts and actions. Thank you for not giving up on us all but toil to inspiring us each.

[@user-gl9iz1bp1r]

This country is run by gangsters. Thank you Chris Hedges - keep up the good fight.

[@billscott2457]

I read "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee." It made me cry and changed the way I think. Hedges does the same.

[@happygucci5094]

This broke me… than you Sir. Chris Hedges will be forever 🐐.

[@jahstemarie6179]

"To show them what a life of faith is about. .. means STANDING with the crucified of this earth,... And if necessary you must be willing to be crucified with them." 💘

[@stevendamon7309]

Sometimes I think the only reason this man is still alive is the fact that he doesn't have too many followers. Light, hidden under a bushel.

[@phyllisthompson4207]

Heart wrenchig, and heartwarming knowing someone cares.. This world can be hell on earth, but thru that dark , deep tunnel, is a light, and good will overcome evil, as light will overcome darkness! God bless you Chris!

[@Acode7940]

So powerful! Must be produced.

[@jerryhayes4722]

What this video shows me is we are a throw away society, we ball up and throw away human being as easily as Kleenex after cleaning our noses. All the wasted human potential in those prisons locked up. It truly saddens me and also angers me. But also renews my faith in mankind in the altruism that exist in the human spirit shown by these men and women who are in the most dire of human condition's, imprisonment. God bless you Mr Hedges and all the nameless faceless human beings who are imprisoned.

[@kathleankeesler1639]

Thank you.

[@jimsciubba5545]

Wow. This is amazing.

[@c0wb0i_kitt3noo4]

Chris is a true model of a man that has seen the brutality of many things. This topic, a for profit judicial system which incentives other poor and working class folks to lock up other poor, oppressed and working class, addicted I too have been through . Sentenced to 3 & a half years at the age of 18. A child. It took me years to recognize how traumatic it was. They pencil whip you.. I was in fact charged w/ false imprisonment . I was innocent.. If you claim to be a Christian, or if you are truly seeking genuine change. "You can not be luke warm" on this issue . If your a Cop, an activist or a inmate PLEASE recognize we all must work to STOP this for profit judicial system. I'm begging to see we are all human. Forget politics. Stop watching the news and come together. Love, peace & solidarity ✊🏽✊🏿✊🏻🏳️🏴

[@sidimightbe3246]

I love this dude, i watch him alot now and i used to be a groyper

[@cargotrailerkenny]

my heart aches along with yours Chris as a witness to the pure horror and pain that we visit on fellow human beings.

[@danielleboyd3070]

Thank you so much Chris.

[@lianetc]

Yes, Chris Hedges is a beautiful soul who works very hard to make the world a better place. Give him his due, but I think even he would be disturbed by the vast majority of these comments that adore the messenger but ignore the message. Our prison system is a heartbreaking disaster and in need of radical reform!

[@charlescanzater]

Wonderful work you do for all of humanity helping us to learn spirituality witch is our true purpose in life !

[@thisperfectworld]

Spectacular. Thank you for again featuring a talk by Chris Hedges, Sanctuary!

[@tangabiang5282]

Great: very inspiring. Thanks pr for interet and teaching prisoners. it's important social and personal duty.

[@dawna1214]

Personally I believe Chris's best work is his teaching in prisons...And Chris seems actually excited about his students. Well, excited for Mr. Hedges 🤣

[@katedanvers7781]

This is the 100th or so time I've turned to this brave man's words looking for strength to carry on. I've turned to this lecture before and each time forget, at the end he speaks of Haiti; my heart's first home. There I have the honour of being allowed to return and continue my efforts in teaching children how to grow food. Though the men who watch over me are called gangsters for 8 yrs I've watched them maintain a relative peace in the area they still hold. Their leader has the heart of a lion and the mind of a diplomat. I know he is hope for Haiti.

[@marqgoldberg7454]

AMAZING!

[@garlandthomson7501]

Wow This is so powerful I feel pissed and sad!

[@millebrpiedu]

Whoo hooo! The expectation is rising...

[@luisariss5361]

Chris is the best.

[@faithalessandri1879]

Saint Christopher 😭♥️💪🏼 You're my pastor too Chris!!!

[@thewiseman5948]

Was Chris Jewish or son of God,,,,,?

[@faithalessandri1879]

@@thewiseman5948 he's an Ordained Presbyterian minister like his father

[@Stfushitlib2]

I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS!!!

[@Stfushitlib2]

Just release it. Before my head explodes. 😂

[@mediasanctuary]

@@Stfushitlib2 Sorry! The book comes out on Tuesday...

[@Stfushitlib2]

@@mediasanctuary Just joking. I appreciate what you guys do. ❤️

[@douglascarlson9006]

Where the hell is Chris Hedges now? ... Why hasn't he publicly commented on the trucker's convoy? ... He's always been skeptical that something like this could happen - and now he's incognito ... He was once an a fearless journalist ... he has spoken on the importance of grass roots activism many times ... He has consistently encouraged us to resist solely for its own sake ... In a 2020 interview, he said he told indigenous pipeline protesters to "park your cars in their path, remove the engines and walk away" (paraphrasing)... The coverage given to the convoy by his employer - RT, has also been minimal and superficial ... He has also chosen not to publicly comment on the WEF and the book THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ... Also, after a 2014 speech he was asked to comment on 9/11 and blew it off by saying "Bush was probably just asleep at the wheel" ... And I've never heard him even mention Dick Cheney ... he's mentioned Liz Cheney, but not her father ... I once admired him but now I despise him for deserting us at a most critical moment in human history ... He's no longer on my list of fearless progressive journalists ... In no particular order: - Glenn Greenwald - Aaron Mate - Max Blumenthal - Abby Martin - Ben Norton - Jimmy The list goes on, but Chris is no longer on it!

[@Stfushitlib2]

@@douglascarlson9006 I can definitely see what you’re saying, but I’m not ready to write him off just yet.

[@Dulcimerea]

What a great man. Thank you.

[@nerdysister]

what a goddamn masterpiece. this hit me hard.

[@ToddAndelin]

what a hero of a man

[@baraka094]

Chris hedges you are my brother I am a muslim

[@timothybarger4347]

that was painful to listen to. I spent 50 days in a county jail, relatively cushy to what's talked about here and that was really disturbing. One of my cell mates was really cool and the look on his face when he was told he was being transfered to a jail he'd been in before, the stories of saran wrap placed on the walls to commit suicide with, and then the other cell mate who was transferred to another unit and committed suicided by falling headfirst from the top tier. It goes on and, I learned to respect the food you have or are given and not waste it.

[@timothybarger4347]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGWxm5SGgcerbtU "Goodness & mercy, driven from the minds of the people (!LamentIon!)

[@timothybarger4347]

Bazra "All kind of imangining" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqaulXWoaKeWepo

[@edgelordcutting]

God bless.

[@billwolfe6638]

Not since Eugene O'Neil's plays have I been so moved by drama - But I worry about Hedges, as he seemed so depressed at the end of his emotionally draining exegesis. I love the man.

[@TestTest-ft9xh]

Of course he is depressed. Everyone is, whether they are aware of it or not. At least he has clarity where it comes from and how it is created in a sick society. This clarity is the first step to healing. Those in denial and worse still, consumed by sadism and perpetration are the last ones to be free. That is my theory on karma.

[@lilithgrrrl]

Incredibly moving. Love everything he does - one of our truth tellers and prophets

[@jackgillespie6446]

Chris is the MLK of our generation.

[@arthurfrancisd.murphy1643]

MORE POWER TO YOU

[@wildmano1965]

These tears are contagion for the soul of the future of mankind.

[@Methuselah969V]

Very brave work In the facist corrections system I applaud him

[@billwolfe6638]

I'm crushed

[@marygard4608]

He's the only man of god I've ever listened to who did not try to manipulate me in some fashion. Which is crazy, because there are soooo many "men of god" who do not serve god. If there really is a god, there is only one way for us to serve him/her/it, and that's by serving the poor-Chris serves the poor, and our MSM makes him suffer for it.

[@siriuslyspeaking9720]

That sounds as if the poor will always be with us. Should the poor be simply served, or should they be strengthened, and what is the responsibility of the poor to themselves and society? I haven't watched the video yet. Does Hedges cover these questions?

[@marygard4608]

@@siriuslyspeaking9720 I truly am sorry for being glib, but finding ways for the poor to serve whom? I'm guessing you see people in need as oweing a debt to those who serve them. As a theologian, Chris sees the poor as Jesus Christ in disguise. I am an atheist, and not afraid to say it. But I think Chris is onto something. You, I think, are not.

[@siriuslyspeaking9720]

@@marygard4608 I'm posing the question of whether the "poor" are convinced that they need to be served'? That they have no personal agency, to do anything for themselves or to contribute to society, and thus serve others - not just be served. Poor is relative, in this world of widespread disparities. The poor in the wealthiest nations today don't live at the same standard as the poor in other countries, and we are talking about poor people in a very wealthy country. Has Hedges really stumbled onto something, or is he just expressing centuries or millennium old, rhetoric that humanity has yet to put into actions.

[@lunaridge4510]

Speaking as a devout/passionate atheist, I don't understand why spell 'god' in the lower case. Sometimes, they do that when referring to the native world's Old Religions' deities in plural, as 'gods,' which is also contemptuous and stupid, but why refer to a single deity with the lower case, I don't understand.

[@marygard4608]

@@siriuslyspeaking9720 People in need are the poor. People unable to serve themselves are the ones who must be served.

[@nikkkis90]

Will the play ever be available for online viewing? I would really like to see it and support it the best way I can.

[@arlie505]

wow !

[@therealmccoy3252]

First time ever Heard chris curse …..I like it

[@GirlofNicky]

“Prisons are plantations”