The Next Big Idea Daily Why Are So Many Americans Behind Bars?
Apr 15, 2025
Benjamin Weber, a historian and African-American studies professor at UC Davis, dives deep into the dark legacy of mass incarceration in America. He connects the dots between racial slavery, colonialism, and today's prison system, highlighting how these institutions serve as tools for population control. Weber discusses the global ramifications of American imperialism on policing, revealing a troubling link between historical injustices and contemporary surveillance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of solidarity in racial justice movements and the urgent need for collective action against systemic oppression.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mass Incarceration's Global Reach
- Mass incarceration's global reach is often overlooked.
- It has been used to control populations, from the Philippines to Mississippi.
The 13th Amendment's Exception
- The 13th Amendment abolished slavery but allowed it as punishment for crimes.
- This exception, rooted in the Northwest Ordinance, remains in federal and state law today.
Shared Theories in Prison and Foreign Policy
- Prison policies and foreign policies share foundational theories.
- Concepts like preemption and deterrence were developed both domestically and in overseas American colonies.
