so good. more accessible and concise than expected (2 hrs); brilliantly argued. Davis elucidates the historical origins of the American prison system, showing how centuries of philosophical thought (slavery, the enlightenment, industrial capitalism, etc.) have justified and expanded its existence. she then makes the case for dismantling not just the prison walls, but the entire network of institutions that uphold its existence. my favorite takeaways: - "crime and punishment" are separate concepts, and need to be disentangled. - the entire chapter on gender and prisons, particularly the research on abuse. - the prison (and its alternatives) are not an isolated institution, but a network of power. I do wish there was more about abolition as a moral stance and political framework, which seems to be how a lot of abolitionists frame their work. (i.e. how can we decarcerate our thought patterns? connect it to other organizing?) but I understand these are more practical concerns, and beyond the scope of what's already a very good and complete treatise. jan 2, 2020
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