Seeing Through Walls: Captive Audiences and the Carceral State

Nov 6th - 20th, 2024

6:45-9:15 PM

Mass incarceration today succeeds—tragically—by insulating the majority of free society from the deep injustices of a system that exploits our most vulnerable populations. (Of course, many people are directly affected by the carceral state, and don't need to read a report to understand the damage it is doing.) How do we oppose a system that is adding another layer of exploitation by making incarcerated people and their loved ones products of the attention economy?

We will read selections from Danielle Allen's Cuz (2017), along with writing by Angela Davis, Michelle Alexander, and others, and we will explore the work of organizations like Worth Rises that are actively mounting nationwide campaigns to ensure people are valued over profit.

Co-taught by Len Nalencz, Professor at the University of Mount Saint Vincent and educator at the Bard Prison Initiative, and criminal justice advocate Amber Pedersen.