Most recent public comments by Alissa Hornung https://nowcomment.com/users/5909 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=509340 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=509340 Although this does not relate to mass incarceration, in another class of mine we recently held a debate regarding if the Robert E. Lee statue should be removed. The underlying argument for those that thought the statue should stay thought of it as a historical monument that was a tribute to the Civil Rights War. Those who opposed highlighted that the statue was a celebration of Robert E Lee who stood as a symbol of white supremacy. This related to Alexander's article as this is an example in which critical consciousness and discussions are taking place. Another argument for the removal of the statue was that in order to be progressive we need to eliminate symbols of implicit racial hierarchies. Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:20:16 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=509338 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=509338 Alexander pinpoints mass incarceration as the metaphorical New Jim Crow and seems to argue that all of our efforts in fighting for racial social justice and civil rights should be dedicated to this issue. However, this is one of many institutions that needs fixing and I think it would be a mistake to neglect other areas in which racism still looms large. There is no question that there is a racial bias in our judicial system, but this is also present in our political, economic, and social systems as we have discussed. Many institutions such as the media, job employers, police force and many more institutions continue to perpetuate a racial caste system. Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:09:44 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=509337 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=509337 I agree with you Chris. Especially with the statistic below citing that "the U.S penal system exploded from 300,000 to more than 2 million" and drug convictions are the cause of the major increase. When thinking about how our society treats drugs as either a medical concern or a judicial matter is also very telling of how the War on Drugs has such a large dependency on race. Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:01:01 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=509336 https://nowcomment.com/documents/52798?scroll_to=509336 I agree with you that the Drug War is the New Jim Crow. I looked in to see what some of the opposing arguments may be and one from James Forman Jr. highlighted that “drug offenders constitute only a quarter of our nation’s prisoners, while violent offenders make up a much larger share: one-half." His underlying point is that these laws that restrict employment and opportunities for convicts is not directed as drug offenders but for those that commit violent crimes. Tue, 12 Apr 2016 17:54:48 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=481923 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=481923 The sad end to this story shows that it is not only the people who are directly involved in "the game" that are affected. There are many people who resist street life but are ultimately negatively impacted because of family members. Eric reminds me a bit of Bodie. In one scene where Herc and Carver break in to his grandmother's house it is revealed that she has been raising him after his mother died of addiction and was homeless. She says that even though he was only four, "she knew he was angry". Similarly, Eric was exposed to rough conditions at a young age and it affected him for the rest of his life. Mon, 29 Feb 2016 19:14:47 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=481917 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=481917 It is clear throughout this article that Eric is struggling to adjust to the new environment. He was constantly behind in school, had multiple dating partners, and was disengaged. The school system has offered him help and opportunities yet he refuses to take advantage of this. Could it be argued that even if the schools in Baltimore had more resources and offered more opportunities to students that it would keep kids from ending up on the streets? To what degree does the blame for student's failure rest on the students vs. the system? Why did Eric and his sister have such different outcomes when they arrived in Montana? Wed, 02 Mar 2016 11:48:28 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=481910 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=481910 The question of the role of religion in The Wire is also raised in comments in the Code of the Streets article. Religion is somewhat sidelined as a narrative but I could see religion playing a larger role then depicted in the show. Many people turn to religion in times of need and in impoverished areas. Religion may act as an alternative for some who would have otherwise joined the drug game and being involved may provide opportunities off of the streets because there is a network of different people. As far as religions role in The Wire, we see the influence from a group of Reverends at a political level when they express their anger at Herc for assaulting a member of the Church. Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:15:14 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=481860 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49882?scroll_to=481860 In the final season of The Wire the issue of homelessness does become more apparent because of McNulty's "serial killer". Carcetti is seen preaching for the safety of these vulnerable citizens. Is Carcetti's motives for protecting these citizens also due to the media attention and need to maintain his reputation/appearance? In regards to Carcetti's priority on stats (along with all other politicians), is there another, more telling way for politicians to measure there success? It seems that they all succumb to the same pressures of their predecessors despite their intentions entering office. This is the same as the teachers who want to teach their students something of substance but are forced to teach to the test in order to achieve stats as well as the police officers. Mon, 29 Feb 2016 16:31:36 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=481850 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=481850 This is an interesting point made by Caroline. We have discussed how The Wire is an accurate representation of Baltimore with the exception of violence against women but is religion another exception? This begs the question of what other aspects low-income urban life are neglected? Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:57:35 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=481846 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=481846 D'Angelo is a good example for this case as he fits the description of a part-time father. D'Angelo is the only character shown with an infant (besides Kima) but I would say that most of the "street" characters in the show have no father figures present because they have either left or are in prison. Despite a lack of presence, the male authority over a woman and child is best depicted through Namond's father. His involvement as a parent is limited as he is in jail, however he financially supports them and exercises control when he demands Namond's mom to relinquish control over him. Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:51:37 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=481825 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=481825 As we know, there are various reasons for people to get involved in the drug game and different ways people may justify it to themselves or their peers. Though most of the people in the community frown upon drug dealings, there is an understanding that this stems from financial necessity and personally know people (often relatives) who are directly involved in the game. Those who most strongly oppose the drug trade complain about the violence associated with the dealings. Thinking back to Colvin's attempt to lower the crime rate and contain violence, his experiment with Hamsterdam showed improved stats and a happier community. Is Hamsterdam an impossible idea? Should we consider implementing this in real life? Tue, 01 Mar 2016 22:20:17 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=481821 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49884?scroll_to=481821 "At issue is a core tenet of the of the street" respect". Respect and reputation are two driving forces on the street and the Wire depicts multiple characters who have earned these including Avon, Marlo, and Omar. Avon and Marlo are able to exercise control of their gangs from a higher level despite their direct handling of drugs, killings or presence on the street because of the legacies they have built while Omar chooses to handle his interactions directly, though his name is enough to clear the streets. Is the only way to gain respect and a reputation through violence? Are there any possible alternatives? Tue, 01 Mar 2016 14:48:30 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=481776 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=481776 As we have seen in The Wire, the allocation of government funds is a constant issue as different institutions fight for money and there never is enough. Though Carcetti intended on giving police officers a 5% pay increase and increasing efforts on projects such as a witness protection program, when in office he was unable to fulfill these promises due to existing debts and the need to fund schools. What do you think of the predicament posed in the article, should more money (and how much) be allotted to community-based organizations? What other institutions do you think should be receiving more attention and assistance from the government? Mon, 29 Feb 2016 16:50:27 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=481773 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=481773 I think these are very important questions with many possible answers as Madison has said, one of which may be access to information. The Ferguson case has for-fronted the issue of police brutality to African Americans but was also game changing by providing footage as evidence. Since then I think that news outlets have been able to report more and been in a position to take a more critical stance because of this new information. However, it should be noted that the media has had a long history in excluding African Americans. This reminds me of the recent controversy surrounding the Oscars in which many African Americans refused to attend because of the lack of recognition of the Black community by the Academy or, for the one's who did go, addressing the issue by constantly discussing it throughout the show. Though many of the comments made by host Chris Rock will be undoubtedly controversial, this will hopefully spark important conversations about the exclusion of African-Americans in many facets of our society even today and that much work still needs to be done to reach equality. Mon, 29 Feb 2016 13:52:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=481761 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=481761 The situation described by Ronny is similar to many of the stories we have seen in The Wire. There are numerous factors that contribute to one joining a gang but it clearly is not a simple choice. Having widespread family involvement puts forth a predetermined future for many of these kids as connections and reputation play a significant role in street culture are are the means through which opportunities are afforded. This is evident through D’Angelo’s position in the Barksdale gang with his relation to Avon. Furthermore, the participation of the family normalizes drugs and violence at a young age. The pressure one receives to participate is demonstrated through Namond Brice’s mother who views her son as a disappointment when resisting drug dealing or engaging in violent behavior. . Wed, 02 Mar 2016 07:49:08 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=481713 https://nowcomment.com/documents/49881?scroll_to=481713 As Carolyn states we have seen the myriad of factors that contribute to one's involvement in "the game" whether it be structural, cultural (More Than Just Race) or other forces. The Wire exemplifies a peer group becoming one's gang through the Barksdale group (Avon and Stringer being childhood friends and D'Angelo's involvement through familial ties) but also shows the divergence of groups as in the case of Namond Brice and Michael Lee's friendship. In response to your final questions I would argue that Cutty, Namond and Poot are exceptions to a general rule (which there always are). I think The Wire includes these characters to show various plot lines and other struggles that arise in low income urban areas. Cutty shows the struggles of someone trying to get a legitimate job post imprisonment, the long process and need for connections when starting his own gym and trying to better the community. Namond's struggle of dealing with his mother to join the game despite his resistance and that although he acted out in school, he was not a bad "corner" kid. Poot is a bit trickier but perhaps after the many deaths of his friends he saw no way for himself to continue being in the game, which I could see happening to many people in real life. Mon, 29 Feb 2016 12:52:22 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=455838 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=455838 This note regarding the realism depicted in the show was interesting for several reasons. I think the show can be appreciated, and as we mentioned a great resource for academic discussion due to its authenticity. However, if gangs are using this show as a way to learn tactics how has that affected or become problematic for the police force? Furthermore, this may be a naive point of view but why would Marylanders scrutinize the plot for its authenticity? Initially I would think that this may be helpful to point out the corruptness and the show may act as a cry for help and give the city the attention it needs. Finally, if this is such an accurate depiction what other problems might arise? For example, we have discussed how the show neglects to address gender issues. Will those issues be disregarded in reality as a consequence? Wed, 03 Feb 2016 17:23:10 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=455837 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=455837 The question of quality in newspapers and newspapers evolving position in society today is another common discussion point in media studies. I also immediately thought of last weeks regarding the blurred lines of entertainment and information. At the beginning of this course Professor Williams explained that this class developed because The Wire reflects urban city life in ways that literature cannot. On the point that “we” (whoever that may be) favor entertainment over real facts is interesting when considering how movies and shows draw more popularity when advertised “based on a true story”. I would argue that the majority of audience take these films at face value and do not research which portion of the film and to what degree the events are accurate. What kind of problems do you think arise from this? In contrast, if we consider last weeks article that people get a more well rounded understanding from “infotainment” could it also be argued that movies based on true events spark an interest and inform audiences? Though my thought process has somewhat sidetracked I think it is important to consider bias when discussing this debate as Carolyn noted. Wed, 03 Feb 2016 17:22:26 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=455836 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=455836 I really enjoy the conversation about the decency of the characters we have seen. From reading these comments I would argue that the majority of characters are decent, but could not be labeled completely “good” or “bad”. This adds to the realism of the show, that every person is complex and a victim to their circumstances. I think it is important that on the first day of class we discussed how we “chose our parents correctly”. Furthermore, I think that it is important to acknowledge the development of the characters. For example, D’Angelo is introduced as naive as he freely accepts his win in court and is unaware of the consequences of his actions. By the end of season 1, D’Angelo has a better understanding of “the game” as seen when he pleas for Avon to forgive Wallace. Wed, 03 Feb 2016 17:21:58 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=455835 https://nowcomment.com/documents/46407?scroll_to=455835 I am very excited to see how this plot line unfolds. It reminds me of the area "Christiania" in Copenhagen where the distribution and use of marijuana is legal as the small community declared itself as independent from the EU and creates its own rules (causing much controversy). It is interesting that Colvin's peers respond negatively to the decline in crimes. This is very telling of the selfish motives of the characters in The Wire and the extent of corruption. I am also curious to meet Bunny as it sounds that she may be more "good" than most of the characters we have seen so far. Wed, 03 Feb 2016 17:20:53 -0500