Last week in celebration of “National Book Lovers Day,” I discussed both the benefits of reading and the growing sentiment towards limiting the reading material available to justice-involved individuals in jail or prison. This report explains how obtaining reading materials has become an added component of the prison industrial complex.
Prison Industrial Complex
The term “prison industrial complex” (PIC) describes the extensive system of private businesses and organizations that benefit from mass incarceration. Their purpose is to maintain a high prison population and promote the continuation of mass incarceration. A misconception is that PIC only refers to filling prisons with individuals that can be utilized for free or reduced labor.
PIC also involves the marketplace supported by the purchases made by individuals incarcerated and their families. This includes food and necessities found in prison commissaries, telephone services that until recently have been unnecessarily too expensive, and media services such as television shows and movies on tablets. Books were traditionally a free option that individuals had access to for educational, entertainment, and therapeutic purposes. Now much of that is changing.
Everything For Sale
In Michigan, prisoners may receive publications ordered by members of the public from the following Internet vendors, provided the publication has not been used and is sent directly to the prisoner from the Internet vendors: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Hamilton Books, Prison Legal News, Schuler Books, and Walmart. Unused books from other publishers may be accepted, but this is still a far cry from the free or reduced-cost options that existed in the past.
In addition to the limitations on receiving publications in Michigan prisons, there has been a notable shift towards technology-driven initiatives in correctional facilities across the United States. These programs, such as tablet initiatives, have introduced a new dynamic to content availability for incarcerated individuals. By offering options like music downloads, e-book subscriptions, games, electronic messaging, and communication tools such as phone and video calling, these programs aim to provide a broader range of entertainment, education, and connection.
Double the Burden
It is important to note that Black, Hispanic, and Native American women are disproportionately affected by any additional costs or fees. These women are overrepresented in prison and jail populations and as intimate partners, co-parents, and spouses of incarcerated men. Furthermore, these women often bear the responsibility for any court-related expenses. According to a report from the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Forward Together, and Research Action Design, families surveyed paid an average of $13,607 in court-related expenses, with women responsible for covering the expenses 83 percent of the time.
Monday was National Relaxation Day. I hope everyone had a peaceful day. Sometimes it seems there is no peace for marginalized women in America, but rest assured that you can help make a difference.
Remember, this year marks the fifth year of our annual WISER Women fundraising campaign. Please help us reach our goal of raising $5,700 to support our mission of advancing women-focused research. Please consider contributing $57 via PayPal Giving Fund (PayPal account required) or credit card (through PayPal). Your support can create a lasting impact!
