White Like Me - Michelle Alexander on White Privilege and the Drug War

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Last Friday, we had the privilege of interviewing bestselling author Michelle Alexander about her groundbreaking book The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness for our film White Like Me. In this clip, Professor Alexander talks about how white privilege shapes perceptions of black criminality, notions of guilt and innocence, and the drug war.

[@macwoofinn]

so true. None of my friends ever got busted for drugs because their parents were the doctors and lawyers and judges and cops while 20 miles away poor kids were being arrested for having one joint.

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@UnexpectedWonder]

This Lady spoke the Absolute Truth

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@alfredbrooks3013]

THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Thank you, Michelle Alexander ,Thank you!!!!

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@steph7614]

Think about how damaging it is that criminal charges are made public even AFTER an individual serves time, or pays fines. How is anyone supposed to move forward?

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@sandysunrise9618]

Agreed!!! You and Mr. Stevenson are wonderful, courageous and powerful with the truths you are telling!!!! Bravo!!!!

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@wr2907]

When you spend more money keeping one person in prison that could send 4 people to college you lose too.

[@NickyM_0]

The Girl You've lost the point of why they are sending them to prison and why college would NEVER be an option. It is to tear down the black person, community, criminalise and keep black people in a disadvantaged and in an inferior position. In prison and when they have left. For WS it is not about cost it is about purpose, which to them is worth every penny spent. Also, you've not taken into account how prisoners are made to work in prison making commercial products on less than minimum wage and most black prisoners are there for decades. Prisons are modern day plantations in the US.

[@folasadeadeluola4ussenatev864]

Thanks for your comments ... The TVs ...

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@Knorssman]

"you weren't screwed over by the state? white privilage!" its not about white privilage, its about state exploitation and we should be glad for anyone who can avoid it and try to help as many people as we can and prevent the state from ruining their lives

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@InternetTerrorist21]

Source?

[@future4you]

Dealing drugs is not a victimless crime. It destroys communities and hurts families. Dealers should have public humiliation in their sentences. It should be cruel and unusual because nothing is working.

[@BelleMJones]

Color blindness????? Why so people need to be blinded by color???? As if there is something wrong with color.....the problem isn't color or race. The problem is the thought and actions to the sight or color and race. Associating or assuming negative (thief) or positive (smart) to ones look is the problem. Not the color. My color is important to me. As should other people's color (white as well because white is a color) should be to them.

[@dorisfranse6320]

tip jar! I often see color cause I'm a black person who happens to be very light-skinned and was born in South Africa and grew up in a family with a range of colors. No, I'm not mixed, I have 2 half siblings that are albino. So, color fascinates. I also grew up in South Africa during apartheid, so I'm very sensitive to racism and I can see it even when it is cloaked by something else, I can pinpoint! But I also never judge others by the color of their skin cause I know what racism is! The point you made about attitude is one that I've talked about often. The same kids (one black and one white) could do the same thing and can be taken totally different by society, this is what we are referring to. As Michelle says, black kids have no privilege of making mistakes! I've seen this attitude even among blacks, where blacks will look at other blacks through the eyes of some white people (read negatively)! This to me is the most troubling thing!

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@bigtoine45]

SHALOM LEVI's examples are terrible. Here's the truth, every people group that makes up the US population has contributed greatly to "real" advancements. Its not underground info, "PBS: Everybody is special" or wishful thinking by inferior people, its just not taught. Another symptom of Privilege is the mindset of, "if I don't know about something, then it must not exist." Most people groups don't have the luxury of wisping away truth when it conflicts with their feelings.

[@OnlyTakesOneBadDay]

I'm liking the censorship going on in these comments. Freedom of speech on stretching as far as your feelings, I take it.

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@bigtoine45]

I wouldn't consider it "crying." Its speaking out on a hidden injustice. Women speak out on being sexualized and under compensated in the work place is not, "whiney cry baby." Its just true. Even though there are tons of examples in society of women sexualizing themselves for profit. I don't think anyone would agree to telling women at large, "Quit freaking feeling sorry for yourselves, and work to change things by example!" (said with peace and respect, truly)

[@kurtpatterson1296]

Michael Moore's choice for Joe Biden's V.P.

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@future4you]

Are you related to the dean at Ohio State Mr. Alexander?

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@petera41]

so true love your comment happens in the army white folks with dui continue to serve in the us army one of uus with a dui immedialy sent up for dismisal we are treated like 2nd class people even the service.

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@Sweetcheeks79110]

People are stupid, whiney cry baby's! Quit freaking feeling sorry for yourselves, and work to change things by example!

[@Howleebra]

American born black people are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration because they came to America on slave ships not trade ships so they haven't been able to build the generational wealth that keeps them safe in a society based on institutionalized class Warfare just like medieval England. Your ability to pay keeps you out of trouble nearly regardless of your crimes IE (OJ SIMPSON) and there's plenty of white people in prison but they're all from poor backgrounds. If black people were a "Target" of this mythical "institutionalized racism" you would see African and Caribbean immigrants suffering the same rate of incarceration as american-born blacks but the shocking dichotomy in those numbers tells the true Tale. People who come to America with money a work ethic and an intention to stay out of trouble will do great regardless of their skin tone while those who choose to engage in violent Street crime will be thrown in the penitentiary regardless of the color of their ass... if America was predicated on institutionalized racism Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern people would also suffer under the boot of the "evil white man" but for some reason these demographics are able to stay out of trouble even though they're obviously non-white. The mythical depiction that a secret cabal of evil white men plotting against the benevolent black race is laughable... it's just good old-fashioned institutionalized class Warfare based solely on wealth and thus privilege because wealth conveys privilege not your race. if you don't have time to read a history book just watch the movie Braveheart or go ask an Irishman about how the English treated them If a white man living in a trailer park caught the accusations Michael Jackson did he be doing a 30-year bid in prison quicker than you could say "Beat It" 😂

[@InternetTerrorist21]

Looked it up didn't find anything.

[@KLBVV]

You Really Are Confused Man!!!

[@nicknametoolong]

Your sarcasm fails sir. If that is not a prime example of white privilege, then what is?

[@savvy777333]

can someone pop that zit on her chin?

[@greghughes6098]

Her brain would leak out. It's a load bearing zit.

[@Mortison77577]

This is propaganda.