Silencing the Incarcerated - America's Attitude Toward Prisoners

People without a voice are not people in any meaningful sense of the word. Silenced people cannot express their ideas; they can neither consent nor protest. In order to keep people in a state of subjugation, silencing their voices is essential. Nowhere is this clearer than in U.S. prisons. America’s prison system has long been shrouded in secrecy, with laws and regulations that prevent incarcerated individuals from having their voices heard.

Despite the strides made toward criminal justice reform, laws and practices still remain that silence prisoners’ voices and prevent the public from seeing inside the walls of prisons. America’s prisons urgently need the attention of the media and the voices of the incarcerated must be heard to shed light on the issues of systemic injustice and to pave the way for transformative change.

One glaring example is the denial of voting rights for felons in many states. Another is communication, with letters and phone calls heavily monitored, limiting their expression and the dissemination of their experiences. Both serve to further isolate incarcerated persons from the public eye, perpetuate stereotypes and dehumanize prisoners, making it harder for the public to empathize with their struggles. In light of recent stories concerning the inhumane and cruel treatment and poor conditions found in many of America's carceral facilities, these struggles are all too too frequently life-threatening.

Media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and understanding of societal issues. However, American prisons have remained a taboo topic, with limited access granted to journalists and media outlets. Michelle Alexander, a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, stated, “The media’s silence perpetuates the idea that prisoners are disposable, unworthy of our attention.” This invisibility further entrenches the systemic problems within the prison system, such as perpetual lock down, inadequate healthcare, and racial disparities.

Allowing incarcerated individuals to share their stories can humanize them and unveil the realities of the prison system. As Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement remarked, “Amplifying marginalized voices is the first step toward dismantling oppressive systems.” By listening to prisoners’ experiences, we can identify the root causes of incarceration and advocate for alternatives to imprisonment, such as restorative justice programs.

There's a very important reason this blog often features Voices of the Incarcerated. The power of information lies in its ability to inspire transformation, and as we amplify the voices of those affected by mass incarceration, we sow the seeds of a more equitable future. The goal of introducing these voices and amplifying them - and in turn, asking our supporters to do the same - is to unite, collaborate, and advocate relentlessly for the rights and dignity of the incarcerated. Together, we have the capacity to create a ripple effect of change that reaches the darkest corners of the prison system, offering the promise of hope, compassion, and true justice for all.

Incarcerated means paying a price and taking responsibility for a crime that was committed. It does not mean one is less than human, deserving to be silenced, available to be degraded, abused, or incapable of redemption. Restoring and amplifying long-silenced incarcerated voices is the first step to recognizing humanity.