Description
Please respond to the question below. In your response, be sure to draw upon the course materials and additional materials as well (be sure to cite these sources). Question #1In recent discussion with friends, the concept of shared history comes up – the idea that our place in the present has been shaped by a history that is deeply intertwined with those in our collective…and that in many ways, each of us hold some responsibility. Further, during your discussion, the idea that our current political, economic, and social spheres are deeply impacted by this shared history. Your discussion covers numerous recent topics – racism and discrimination, criminal justice policy, excessive use of force, mass shootings…all sensitive topics emerging within the collective. During the discussion, you can feel some tension, some frustration around the ideas of responsibility and acceptance of this perspective. With your newly acquired knowledge, you feel the pull to support this concept. Please construct your response to your friends, providing meaningful examples from the course materials, current events, and other sources (if appropriate). Hint: All course material covered to this point can be weaved in responding to this question.I will provide week one and six materials when you start solving the question.
Unformatted Attachment Preview
My week one response.
Understanding crime and justice through one’s own experiences and
the environment is accomplished with intersecting lenses.
Examining how your individual history and encounters have affected
your thought handle on criminal behavior and the organization of equity
within the United States could be a captivating endeavor. Your
childhood in Fairbanks, Gold country, with its one-of-a-kind financial
elements, the impact of your family structure, and your encounters of
manly and ladylike energies all come together to make a complex
embroidered artwork that shapes the premise for your elucidation of
the readings.
The encounter of developing up in a “boom-and-bust” economy, which
is essentially subordinate on common assets and climate, does give a
one of a kind point of view on the concepts of survival, communal
dependence, and adjustment. Your encounters outline how financial
and natural components can influence the elements of a community,
which in turn might influence the rates of criminal action and the sorts
of violations committed. The need to alter to the cruel and variable
climate, in conjunction with the financial instability, may contribute to
the versatility and solidarity of a community. These variables seem
possibly be a obstruction against criminal movement and social
integration.
Together, the presence of crucial ladylike vitality in your childhood,
characterized by kindness, sustaining, and imagination, and the
nearness of manly impacts, which give soundness and boldness,
illustrates how these energies can shape a adjusted air. Your point of
view on wrongdoing and equity may be affected by this harmony,
which may lead to an understanding that a all encompassing criminal
equity framework requires reformatory measures, ordinarily related
with manly energy, and rehabilitative and sustaining approaches, as a
rule related with ladylike vitality
It is especially illuminating that you simply have reflected on the work
of family structure and its capacity to act as a buffer against outside
challenges. The prove infers that solid familial joins and communal ties
can considerably influence how people arrange the issues that society
presents, such as financial hardship and criminal movement.
Thought of the “what uncertainties” – imagining being brought up in a
distinctive setting with contrasting degrees of financial openings, social
bonds, or sex vitality impacts – opens the entryway to a mindful
examination of how distinctive encounters frame our discernment of
societal issues. Since each individual’s translation is significantly
affected by his or her specific history and encounters, this highlights
the importance of recognizing and regarding the different perspectives
communicated in discussions concerning criminal equity and the
legitimate framework.
My week two response
A Critical Exploration of Criminal Justice Policy, Historical Injustices, and
Invisible Punishment
The conversation surrounding this week’s lesson plans presents a critical
analysis of criminal justice policy, specifically posing questions to widely
accepted notions of invisible punishment and how African Americans have
historically been treated. To put it plainly, Alexander (2012) argues that a
control structure keeps a large segment of the African American community
permanently outside of mainstream culture and the economy (p. 13).
Meanwhile, Travis (2002) argues that our system unintentionally reduces
individual liberties and rights by producing unintended effects.
The investigation of how these policy results have materialized in our country is
based on a review of our shared past, which recognizes that the influence has
been widespread and has either greatly benefited or negatively impacted
individuals. The readings imply that these results—while not explicitly
intended—are intricately linked to institutionalized prejudice and historical
injustices. Understanding the relevance of this approach becomes critically
dependent on taking personal experiences into account. Examining whether
people have seen or experienced situations that support the claims made in the
readings, such as modern-day instances of invisible punishments, lends a degree
of realism to the conversation.
In light of last week’s dialogue, it is imperative to assess if this critical
viewpoint is consistent with individual worldviews or appears inconsistent
because of unique experiences. Taking a critical look at one’s own opinions and
possible biases in light of the facts supplied, this introspective analysis adds a
nuanced layer. Ultimately, understanding criminal justice policy in its entirety
requires an open examination of historical legacies and the concrete effects they
have on marginalized communities.
My week three response
Reflecting on Failure of the Criminal Justice System
The reflections I have made concerning the materials we have read in
class reveal the systemic injustices that people of color, particularly
marginalized black men have been experiencing in the United States.
Comparatively, the data provided reveals that the incarceration of black
people has always been higher than that of their white counterparts.
This in part explains the rate of bias in the criminal justice system
towards black people. The data also shows that surveillance of black men
is higher compared to that of white people. It is disheartening when
reflecting on these data since they depict the disproportionate
incarceration of black men which has resulted in the systemic prejudices
and biases in criminal justice practices and policies, leading to further
injustices and inequalities in the society. Essentially, familiarizing with
the persistent struggles faced by marginalized communities evokes
feelings of sadness, frustration, and anger.
Reflecting on our reliance on punishment rather than other responses
that include more compassion
Besides, the discussion concerning the handling of the black community
reveals fundamental flaws in the criminal justice system as they often
overlook rehabilitation protocols by emphasizing punishments. Notably,
it becomes unsettling to realize that many of the criminal justice systems
pursue punitive measures despite ample evidence suggesting the
effectiveness of rehabilitation. Ideally, it becomes more of an issue of
concern especially when the legal authorities fail to identify that failure
to mitigate the root causes and overemphasis on punitive measures only
ends up exacerbating incidences of recidivism and violence. As a result,
this calls into question the commitment of the legal justice system to
ensuring a compassionate, fair, and just society where people feel safe
regardless of their skin color.
Explore the role that feminine and masculine energy have on this issue
A close examination of masculine and feminine energy appears to be
very critical in the way society handles the culprits of the justice system.
Remarkably, feminine energy is associated with some sense of
compassion and care that aligns with the rehabilitative approach that
this discussion finds to be a better alternative to punitive approaches.
On the contrary, masculine energy is characterized by aggression and
dominance, which makes the criminal justice system seek control
through punishment. These traits represent different aspects of human
behavior but are not inherently tied to gender. As a society, it is essential
to confront the disproportionate handling of black people in the criminal
justice system. Notably, this can start by familiarizing with the root
causes and reevaluating the approaches that our law enforcers use to
handle culprits. Such evaluations can lead to a more just and fair society
where everyone feels safe.
My week four response
Gandhi’s famous quote, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it
treats its weakest members,” genuinely hits home, and it makes us think
significantly around the piece of compassion in our general public. The
discrepancy that exists between the rich and the devastated, as well as
among whites and minorities, seems, by all accounts, to be a
concentrating inclination that keeps us from turning out to be genuinely
perfect. Because of the readings, I wind up envisioning that our country
might have been put together not such a huge amount with respect to
care and understanding all things considered on bias, disparity, mental
self-picture, and struggle, in spite of the way that it professes to be
established on these things. It will be obvious that depressing estimates
focus more on the desperate than they should, which is what makes
people consider the verifiable reasons for them (Jahn, 2020). There are
various things that make people restless to seem mindfulness and
understanding, counting powerful, political, monetary, and social issues.
Maybe the reluctance comes from a well-established long for to keep
control structures in put, to be sure if it suggests keeping unevenness
input (Ghandi, 2016). As I naturally suspect around these inquiries,
obviously the fundamental issues that cause dejection, bias, and
partition are hard to confined. A call has been made for everybody to
have the option to search inside themselves and adapt to the messed up
real parts that are incorporated into our overall population. We request
a complicated strategy that thinks about the inseparable associations
that exist between the otherworldly, political, financial, and social parts
to unravel these worries. It infers getting liberated of tendencies that
are at this point there and building a general public where affectability,
consideration, and understanding are more fundamental than
contemplations that segment people
My week five response
Sacred feminine and sacred masculine energies explore the qualities
considered innate in every person, though to differing degrees and
proportions. These energies significantly influence how we behave in
many areas of our lives. Acknowledging the positive and negative facets
of this energy inside oneself is essential to personal development and
comprehension. Regarding the sacred feminine, nurture, intuition, and
empathy are positive traits, whereas oversensitivity or inactivity are
negative traits. Conversely, the holy masculine can include reasoning,
strength, and assertiveness in a healthy context, but it can also turn into
rigidity or violence when out of balance.
Various factors, including personal experiences, familial background, and
cultural conventions, shape these traits. Growing up in a home that
valued emotional expressiveness, for example, could help one feel more
connected to the sacred feminine; on the other hand, surroundings that
prioritized stoicism and competition might make one feel more
connected to the sacred male. When one thinks about their own
experiences, incidents where these energies impacted circumstances
come to light. For instance, in a leadership position, using the boldness of
the sacred masculine can be important for making decisions, while using
the empathy of the sacred feminine could improve team interactions.
A systematic imbalance that disproportionately affects women is shown
when policies connected to mass imprisonment are examined. Within
the criminal justice system, women frequently have particular
difficulties, such as poor access to healthcare and increased abuse risks
(Bergh, 2011). Policies that ignore these discrepancies and maintain
marginalization cycles are blatant examples of power imbalances. To
promote balance and justice in all areas of life, we must recognize and
comprehend the interaction of sacred feminine and male forces within
ourselves and society.
My week six response
The concept of collective consecrated feminine and male energy
is influential in society. These energies affect individual well-being
and the social balance in a workplace environment. The symbiotic link
between individual and collective energies shapes society for better or
worse. People use their sacred feminine and masculine energies for
Successful leadership and power positions, demonstrating a healthy
symbiotic relationship between these energies’ leadership(Masculine
and feminine—in balance, 2014). The divine masculine energy is resolute,
assertive, and strong, whereas the sacred feminine
is sympathetic, compassionate, and nurturing. Thus, these leaders can
balance individual and collective needs in their decision-making. This is
essential for workplace or community harmony and productivity.
However, leaders driven entirely by sacred masculine energy interact
unhealthily with these energies. This lack of consideration and
compassion can lead to a toxic workplace.Overemphasizing divine
feminine energy can also cause indecision and lack of
assertiveness, impairing leadership (Masculine and feminine—in balance,
2014). The impact on social, economic, and political policies is another
essential part of this symbiotic interplay. Policies favoring sacred
masculine energy over sacred feminine energy may neglect
underprivileged or vulnerable populations and prioritize competition
and individual achievement above communal well-being. However,
balancing these forces can lead to policies prioritizing individual and
social growth, creating a more peaceful and equal society. These
energies and policies affect the families and tend to thrive when
they are harmonized.
In parenting, the sacred feminine energy nurtures and supports, while
the sacred masculine energy disciplines and guides. This fosters a
healthy upbringing and well-rounded development in youths. The “tough
on crime” approach has toxic energy since it promotes punishment and
jail above prevention and rehabilitation. This approach can cause family
separation, income loss, and trauma for children of incarcerated parents.
A policy that promotes healthy energies like restorative justice, which
focuses on mending harm and addressing the root causes of crime, can
benefit families. This helps the community recover and break the cycle of
crime and jail. Policies that help families and make society safer and
more must balance responsibility and rehabilitation.
In conclusion, our culture is shaped by the sacred feminine and sacred
male forces working together. A healthy balance of these energies can
improve leadership, policies, and families, while an imbalance or
disrespect can harm them. To achieve a fairer society, we must balance
these energies.
Week two materials
Week four materials
Week one
Friends discussion
My lenses have been shaped mainly by my neighborhood, family structure, and socioeconomic status. I
grew up in a rural town in PA called Hickory. It is about fifty minutes southwest of Pittsburgh. It has many
horse farms that take up most of the land. Jobs in the area mainly consist of oil and gas services. The community
is very tight knit. There are harvest parties every year that gather the community into celebration. The town was
unheard of until a police shooting left an individual dead in 2022. This struck the community hard but
everything has died down since then. The school I attended was very small but had a diverse background.
Everyone treated each other the same but outside media often caused conflict to ari se.
I grew up in a middle-class household. The family finances were well managed, and we would go on
one vacation a year. My mother’s fulltime job was a housewife. She was always there to take care of my brother
and me. My father worked seven days a week but would always be home around 4 pm. Looking back I am glad
that I always had a parent to watch and take care of growing up. My mother instilled feminine attributes that
consisted of nurturing and compassion. As I matured my father played a more importan t role. He instilled
stability, values, and strength. Hard work and his motivation played a key factor in me taking the next step in
going to college. Additionally, we would go hunting and fishing periodically throughout the year. With that,
there were lessons learned that would never be forgotten. While in high school I learned from my brothers’
mistakes to stay out of trouble, or I would feel it quite literally.
The readings and the current topic make the case that external factors shape individuals’ liv es
tremendously. An individual’s socioeconomic status means a lot more today than it did many years ago. With
the economy in shambles, I have personally witnessed more families struggle with the cost of living. More and
more individuals seek help using government programs or going to a local food bank. Yet, a solid family
structure can be a solution to get through these tough times. The readings also talked about how the crime rate
was higher in cities rather than in rural areas which makes me often question what it would have been like to
grow up in one. I never went to a highly populated city until I was around 10 years old. I never knew about
homeless individuals or drugs. My family tried to keep me away from the incidents that were common there. If I
had to experience seeing unpleasant things daily growing up, then I believe it would have changed my mind set
and could’ve led me down a different path. Finally, I agree that the criminal justice system is flooded with
individuals going in and out. There is improper funding and individuals today are not seeking employment in
law enforcement which is unpleasant to see.
My reply
What happened to you in Hickory, a small country town in Pennsylvania, changed how you see the world.
You grew up in a close-knit village known for horse farms and oil and gas services. You saw the
community’s strength by going to events like the yearly harvest parties. The terrible police killing in
2022 put this sense of community to the test and showed how events outside of small towns can affect
them.
How your family was set up was very important to your upbringing. Growing up in a middle -class family
with good money management gave me security and yearly vacations, which are not always possible in
today’s economy. As a full-time homemaker, your mother cared for you and showed you kindness. On
the other hand, your father taught you about security, strength, and how important it is to work hard.
These family factors were critical in deciding that you wanted to go to college.
Your thoughts on the social and economic problems that many people face today, like how they have to
rely more and more on government help and local food banks, show how important socioeconomic
status is becoming. The difference between growing up in the country and the facts of city life, like
homelessness and drug problems, shows how the environment affects how people think and what they
do with their lives. What you said is similar to what I read about how outside factors, like a person’s
socioeconomic position and family structure, significantly affect their life path. It is easy to see how
these factors affect society by looking at the current state of the criminal justice system, which has
problems with funds and staffing.
Friends discussion
My understanding of crime and all the matters that surround such a topic have their roots in my
upbringing and some of the peculiarities of it. I was born into a military family with both of my parents
serving in the US Army until I was entering middle school given this my parents were not always the most
present as the Army was quite busy in the early 2000s to put it mildly. The implications of this led to me
being considered an “at-risk youth” by about 7th grade. Thankfully, in high school I had grown out of that
categorization following me attending schools for those at risk youths. My interactions with my peers at
the time have significantly impacted my perceptions of those who were very much in the school -toprison pipeline as many of the people I had classes with came from inner city Baltimore and lived a very
different life than I. These myriad experiences with those that many would only see for negative actions
on the morning news has impacted how I see those who become criminals because we as a society often
only see the label of a criminal conviction and little else especially for those who hail from poverty and
the working classes
My reply
Your childhood in a military household and the experiences you have had as an “at -risk youth” have had
a significant impact on the way you think about criminal behavior and the legal system. You were
exposed to difficulties at an early age due to your parents’ frequent absences brought on by their duty in
the United States Army during a busy period. As a result, you were classified as a kid who was at risk by
the time you were in the seventh grade.
Nevertheless, your trip took a favorable turn when you were in high school because of educational
environments developed for those considered to be at risk. This allowed you to interact with students
from various backgrounds, some of whom were difficult to navigate, particularly those from inner -city
Baltimore. As a result, you gained a unique perspective on the lives of people who might be on the path
from school to prison.
Your experiences have provided you with a more nuanced perspective of criminals, exposing the
tendency of society to disregard the greater context of individuals’ lives, particularly those who come
from working-class or underprivileged families. This comprehension highlights the significance of seeing
beyond the label of a criminal conviction and recognizing the socio-economic and personal conditions
that frequently play a role in determining a person’s route to criminality.
Week two
Friend discussion
This week’s readings really helped me to tap into my thoughts about what I learned last year, last week
and also what I have been through in my life. I was really interested in the Invisible Punishment book
because it reminded me a lot of the Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison by Jeffrey Reiman. The
outcomes of the policies put into place before our time and even in our society today, have been focused
on poor, impoverished, urban and predominately black communities and getting people off the streets
with little regard to the “invisible punishments” that come with imprisonment. Most people that have
been sent to prison or pleaded guilty to certain crimes actually have no idea what they are really signing
up for until time goes by and mail, and phone calls begin to impede their lives. For example, when I was
convicted of a felony in 2014, I was told that I would serve time in jail, complete 90 days of house arrest,
4 years of probation and have to pay a fine. What my paid attorney did not inform me were the things
that would come from beyond the courtroom that would ultimately make-or-break my future as a young,
black woman. In addition to the aforementioned, I lost my driver’s license privileges for three months, I
was told I could not redo my student loans for three years and I spent two additional years attempting to
find a job because most places were not hiring felons. I also lost my rights to carry a firearm or to renew
my passport. To say I was discouraged would be an understatement. I was devastated and really,
contemplated giving up on life many times.
The idea that policy today is similar to policy before we were born mimics “”civil death” in which the
offender is defined as unworthy of the benefits of society, and is excluded from the so cial compact”
(Jeremy Travis, p.25) is very, true. Mass incarceration not only takes people (mainly blacks) away from
their families, but it also strips them from some of their basic human rights and the benefits that we all
deserve as United States citizens, such as the right to vote or obtain a decent education. I found it quite
interesting that armed robbers and rapists have a better chance at obtaining an education or getting
welfare benefits than a person convicted of a drug crime. That has to be a jok e, right? I also found the
graph on page 28 of the Invisible Punishment book to be interesting because over 70% of people do not
believe courts are harsh enough when dealing with crime. What else are those people expecting the
courts to do when they are already tearing families apart and even after people serve their sentence of
whatever the judge gave them, they still have to live a lifetime of public scrutiny and survive a decrease
of their basic humanity. Many of us had hopes that Jim Crow laws were done and over with but as
Michelle Alexander begins describing in her book, it is still very, much around. Lawmakers and Congress
are just a little better at hiding their racist endeavors in the many policies that they create that they
claim are aimed at stopping or decreasing crime.
I am deeply hurt by the way policies are created and supported by the public mainly because I have fallen
victim to many of the things discussed in the assigned readings for this week. As I watched Bryan
Stevenson talk, I realized that he was talking about the community where I was raised and the
community that my family lives in today. There is so much despair there and a feeling of disconnect from
the greater portions of not only society, but the world beyond our town’s limits. Ma ny of the black men
in our town are incarcerated or on some form of probation and parole, and they will probably never want
to adhere to things put forth by Congress or the criminal justice system because of the ways they have
been treated all their lives. We need to stop lying to ourselves saying that the issues being discussed in
these readings “are not our problems” when in fact they are all of our problems and will probably come
around to effect someone we know in our lifetimes.
My reply
Your analysis of the readings for this week speaks to a very personal level. It provides a sincere
examination of the complex effects that criminal justice laws have on underprivileged populations.
Comparing “Invisible Punishment” to “The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison” highlights
structural inequities, especially in urban regions that are disadvantaged and have a high concentration
of Black residents. When you talk candidly about your own experience, it shows the hidden costs of
incarceration and highlights the “invisible punishments” that go well beyond the legal ramifications.
You have carefully incorporated the idea of “civil death” into your story to highlight the social
marginalization that people involved in the criminal justice system experience. Your open description of
the unexpected repercussions of your conviction, such as the loss of opportunities and privileges,
reveals layers of hidden costs frequently missed by mainstream discourse. Your observation regarding
the differences in welfare and educational chances for people with various criminal histories makes one
stop and consider critically how equitable the current systems are. Creating the link you do with Bryan
Stevenson’s speech gives it a natural personal touch and highlights these prob lems’ concrete effects on
your neighborhood
Friend discussion
In the first video, I really like how Bryan talked about identity. He mentioned how you can be a teacher
or a doctor, but if you put caring in front of those two words, you will do completely different things.
Which I complete agree with him. He also mentioned about how many people used to be incarcerated
compared to now, and the number is a huge difference. With invisible punishment being brought up, it
goes to show that people really do judge others in any aspect that they can. Us as a society can take so
much away from certain people without even realizing what we are doing. This also should not be a thing.
It does tend to become an issue because barely anybody likes to be a leader. Nobody wants to be the off
ball out, so we tend to follow others point of views and perspectives on things.
I believe that there is still inequality and unfairness towards African Americans today. We see it almost
everyday even if it is on social media or even seeing it with our own eyes. History should be called
history for a reason, but we tend to repeat history with this certain topic, and why? Nobody has a
straight answer as to why they are treated differently. We all have the same bones, nerves, orga ns, so
what should it matter if we have something slightly different from each other that is our skin color.
My reply
Your discussion of Bryan’s talk about identity strikes a deep chord, underscoring the transformational
potential of empathy and the significant influence of adding “caring” to professions like teaching or
medicine. The idea of invisible punishment and the finding that incarceration rates have decreased over
time illuminate social assumptions and highlight the unintentional ways in which w e deprive people of
opportunity. Your astute worry regarding the unwillingness to take on leadership roles and the
propensity to adhere to dominant viewpoints raises important issues regarding our shared responsibility
for upholding particular norms.
Your admission of ongoing injustice and inequality towards African Americans is a critical
acknowledgment of the ongoing difficulties. Drawing a parallel between past injustices and current
challenges highlights the regrettable persistence of discrimination. I am prompted to consider the
underlying causes of these differences by your inquiry concerning why individuals are treated
differently, even though we are all human. Your interaction with the content reveals a careful
examination of societal concerns and a dedication to comprehending and resolving systemic challenges.
It is admirable that you are prepared to face hard facts and speak up in favor of a more just and equal
society.
My friend discussion
While reading through this week’s readings it opened up by describing that as a country America makes
punishing people visible to society. Once I thought about it a little deeper, I realized that is a very true
statement. American society has overgrown and populated prisons and this is a well-known problem, yet
we continue to imprison too many people for too much time. So the idea of an “invisible” punishment is
another layer to this system. Invisible punishment takes place outside of a traditional structure and
“diminishes the rights and privileges of those convicted of crimes” (Travis 28). Whether as a society we
are aware of this or not, it still occurs all the time to a large majority of American citizens.
The chapter mentioned something about bringing these punishments to an open view and making them
more apparent. Since “invisible” punishments tend to be subjective, and although I do agree that they
should be made visible, I do question how this is done. Obviously, it is still early in the semester, but
reading it has made me question what policies can be done to help prevent this.
I think we see it all the time in the media and news, that typically African Americans will
receive worse treatment/ punishment from cops than caucasian males. It is possible to
say that a cop may give a speeding ticket to a black man over a white man. One may even
receive different treatment when arrested which could lead to the deprivation of rights.
I 100% agree that this is a problem in America that leads to much inequality amongst
citizens, I just wonder how the government or police departments implement policies
when it is such a subjective topic that can be debated. I also found it interesting while
reading that there are more than 47 million Americans who have criminal records. With
a number that high it makes me question how many of those people truly deserve to be
called “criminals”. Is our criminal justice system too harsh or is there an underlying
factor that leads to these high rates?
Lastly, something minor that I read that I thought was interesting is convicted fe lons not
being eligible for jury duty. I feel like at first this seems like a reasonable agreement, but
I could also see this being argued both ways. If a majority of our American population are
convicted felons, then I could see how they could be considered as part of the people of
America to serve on jury duty.
My reply
Reading your review of America’s system of visible and invisible punishments is interesting. The
overcrowding in American prisons indeed sparks worries about the efficiency and fairness of our
criminal justice system. As you pointed out, the idea of “invisible” punishment is especially concerning
since it impacts people outside of prison walls and reduces their rights and privileges. It is reasonable
that you are skeptical about how to make these covert penalties visible. The im
