The prison system is often seen as a necessary evil in society. It’s a place where individuals who have committed crimes are sent to serve their time, with the hope of rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into the community. However, what many fail to realize is that the prison system is not just a place for punishment, but it is also a destructive force that affects not only the inmates, but also their families, communities, and society at large. From fees for making phone calls to the physical takeover of communities, the prison system cannibalizes everyone it touches.
One of the most obvious ways that the prison system cannibalizes those it touches is through the high fees for making phone calls. Inmates are often isolated from their loved ones, with limited opportunities for communication. The only way for them to stay in touch with their families is through phone calls, which are heavily monitored and often have limited time durations. To make matters worse, the fees for these calls are exorbitant and can add up to hundreds of dollars per month. This puts a huge financial burden on the families of inmates, who are already struggling to make ends meet. This not only affects the inmate’s mental well-being and relationship with their loved ones, but it also perpetuates a never-ending cycle of poverty and financial strain.
The prison system also cannibalizes communities through the physical takeover of neighborhoods. Many prisons are located in small towns and rural areas, where they become the main source of employment. This may seem like a positive thing at first, but it often comes at the cost of the community’s well-being. Prisons are often built in low-income communities, where individuals are desperate for any kind of job opportunity. This creates an unhealthy dependence on the prison system, as the community becomes reliant on it for economic stability. This also leads to a higher incarceration rate, as prisons need to be filled in order to keep the jobs in the community. This vicious cycle of poverty and incarceration continues to perpetuate, with devastating effects on the community and its members.
Furthermore, the prison system not only affects the inmates and their families, but it also has a ripple effect on society as a whole. The high rates of recidivism, or re-offending, among inmates is a clear indication that the prison system is failing in its goal of rehabilitation. Instead of addressing the root causes of crime and providing opportunities for inmates to better themselves, the prison system often leads to a cycle of incarceration. This not only puts a strain on the already overcrowded prison system, but it also leads to an increased risk of crime in society. It becomes a vicious cycle, where individuals are caught in the system and have very limited opportunities to break free from it.
It is clear that the prison system is cannibalizing everyone it touches, from inmates to their families, communities, and society at large. The negative impact of the prison system goes beyond just the individuals who are incarcerated, it affects us all. We must acknowledge and address these issues in order to create a more just and equitable society.
First and foremost, we must address the high fees for phone calls and other basic necessities within prisons. These fees only add to the financial burden on inmates and their families, and it is essential that they are reduced or eliminated altogether. In addition, we must work towards providing better job opportunities and economic stability in low-income communities, so that prisons are not the only option for employment. This will not only help to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration but will also create a more diverse and sustainable economy.
Furthermore, we must prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration programs within the prison system. By providing inmates with the necessary tools and resources to better themselves, we can work towards reducing the rates of recidivism and creating a safer and more productive society. This will require a shift in our mindset, where we move away from the idea of punishment and focus on rehabilitation and second chances.
In conclusion, the prison system is a destructive force that cannibalizes everyone it touches. From the high fees for phone calls to the physical takeover of communities, the negative impact of the prison system is far-reaching. It is time for us to address these issues and work towards creating a truly rehabilitative and equitable prison system. Let us not forget that it is our responsibility, as a society, to support and uplift those who are incarcerated and their families, instead of contributing to their destruction. Only then can we truly move towards a more just and humane society.
