A friend of mine recently recommended that I watch a documentary. “The House I Live In”, released in 2008, shows the history of and insight into America’s War on Drugs and its significant impacts on society. Through the utilization of multiple perspectives from law enforcement officers, drug users, prisoners, families, and professors, it is clear to see how far reaching this fruitless campaign has affected the U.S.
Through the increased militarization of police forces, extremely harsh (and racially-targeted and poverty-focused) sentencing practices, and widespread fear mongering perpetuated by politicians, America has earned the title as the “Prison Capital of the World.”
Take the time to watch “The House I Live In” for yourself. Perhaps this will begin to shed light on a fundamental issue that is crippling America from within.