Paralleling Systems of Control: Jim Crow and Mass Incarceration

Abstract

This paper discusses the systematic biases that follow ex-felons after their release from imprisonment and then parallels this disenfranchisement with the mistreatment of free blacks during the Jim Crow era. It begins by outlining the political, economic and social fabrics ex-felons face through biased housing policies, employment discrimination, lack of public services and educational support, and exemption from politics. Similarly, during Jim Crow free blacks were disregarded in the political and economic realm and socially targeted through fear inducing tactics, such as lynching, due to their perceived threat to the hegemonic powers. I argue, ex-felons and free blacks had their rights revoked and were removed from being active participants in society, ultimately leading to a negative sense of self and the acceptance of their “lower caste” position.