The New Jim Crow Study Guide and Call to Action by Veterans of Hope

Author:Veterans of Hope [Hope, Veterans of]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: new jim crow, mass incarceration, organizing, michelle alexander, prison, abolition, civil rights, harding, king
Publisher: Veterans of Hope
Published: 2015-08-10T04:00:00+00:00

4. Police Power

The Supreme Court has eviscerated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, effectively giving the police license to stop and search anyone, anywhere, at any time. Did you know the law had changed in this way? Have you ever been the victim of a stop and search by the police on the street or in your vehicle? How many times? What did it feel like? If you have never experienced it, why do you think that is?

5. Who Benefits from the War on Drugs?

Alexander notes that many law enforcement officials—including conservatives—were not eager to jump on board with the War on Drugs, because local communities were more concerned about serious crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery. The Reagan administration overcame this initial resistance by offering millions of dollars to state and local law enforcement agencies that would boost the sheer numbers of drug arrests. It became a numbers game driven by cash. Alexander writes: “Every system of control depends on the tangible and intangible benefits that are provided to those responsible for the system’s maintenance and administration. This system is no exception,” (The New Jim Crow, p. 72). What are some of the other benefits, besides cash, that this system provides to those who support it? Who benefits from the system as is, and who is harmed? Would changing the financial incentives be enough to end the system? Why or why not?

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