The power of media literacy in prisons | Stacy Burnett | TEDxBard College

TL;DR

• Lack of access to quality information perpetuates the cycle of recidivism and misinformation in society.

Transcript

600,000 people return home from prison in this country every year and within 5 years 75% will be back behind bars I know this because I came home from prison in 2013 2016 and because I'm an overachiever 2019 a lot of the reasons people return to prison aren't because they're out committing new crimes it's because of violations of technical administ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Recidivism is often driven by technical violations of parole rather than new criminal activities.
• 🤫 Felony disenfranchisement silences and excludes individuals from participating in civic processes.
• 💁 Access to quality information through platforms like JSTOR empowers incarcerated individuals to combat misinformation.
• 📰 Misinformation, or fake news, distorts reality and impedes progress.
• 💱 Climate change impacts incarcerated individuals, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making.
• 💁 Society must prioritize access to truthful information to foster inclusivity and justice.
• 🤩 Empowering individuals with knowledge and critical thinking skills is key to societal transformation.

Questions & Answers

Q: What contributes to high recidivism rates in the US?

High recidivism rates are often due to technical parole violations rather than new criminal offenses. A minor infraction, like curfew violations, can lead to individuals being sent back to prison, perpetuating the cycle.

Q: How does felony disenfranchisement impact individuals' ability to participate in society?

Felony disenfranchisement strips individuals of their right to vote, silencing their voices in civic matters. This exclusion compounds their challenges in reintegrating into society post-release.

Q: Why is access to quality information crucial for incarcerated individuals?

Access to resources like JSTOR empowers incarcerated individuals to engage critically with information, combat misinformation, and contribute meaningfully to society upon reentry.

Q: How does misinformation, or fake news, impact society and individuals?

Misinformation perpetuates false narratives, distorts perceptions, and hinders societal progress. It prevents individuals from making informed decisions and addressing pressing issues effectively.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Recidivism rates are high due to technical parole violations, not necessarily new crimes.

• Felony disenfranchisement silences and excludes individuals from civic participation.

• Access to quality information, like through JSTOR, empowers incarcerated individuals to combat misinformation.