The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway Understanding America’s Prison Problem – With Bill Keller
Jan 11, 2023
Bill Keller, author of 'What's Prison For?' and former executive editor of The New York Times, dives deep into America's complex prison system. He discusses the surge in incarceration rates since the 1970s and highlights the role of race in these trends. Keller emphasizes the waste of human potential behind bars and advocates for rehabilitation over punishment. Comparing U.S. practices to more progressive countries like Norway, he calls for better education and support for nonviolent offenders to reduce recidivism.
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US Incarceration Rate
- The U.S. has an exceptionally high incarceration rate, surpassing countries like El Salvador and Cuba.
- This surge began in the 1970s, influenced by rising crime, political opportunism, and racial backlash.
Bipartisan Effort & Profit Motive
- The rise in incarceration rates wasn't solely due to crime or racism.
- It was a bipartisan political effort, fueled by profit motives and legislation like the 1994 crime bill and the 1986 Anti-Drug Abuse Act.
Racial Disparity in Incarceration
- Black Americans are overrepresented in prisons, comprising 40% of the incarcerated population despite being 13% of the U.S. population.
- This disparity has roots in historical injustices like Jim Crow and convict leasing.