Reflection Paper #3 CRIM 174
Students will write a 2-4 page paper regarding their reactions to the documentary “13th.” Specifically, students will respond to the documentary’s claims that slavery still exists based on a loophole in the 13th Amendment:
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
“1. Explain some ways in which the documentary provided evidence of the continuation of slavery through the criminal justice system. Provide your personal opinion on whether the documentary is accurate in concluding that incarceration is the continuation of slavery or whether it is propaganda perpetuated by the media. Be sure to back up your argument with scholarly evidence
2. Provide thoughts on the current direction of the criminal justice system. For example, both Republicans and Democrats are expressing discontent with the consequences of past policies. Is this a general interest in reducing racial injustice, or is it merely “smoke and mirrors” intended to improve public perceptions of crime and justice in America?
3. Respond to Bryan Stephenson’s statement, that many people claim that they would never have been able to tolerate racial injustice in the past, but continue to tolerate these injustices today. Is he correct (provide examples)? If so, how can it be changed? If not, why?
4. Conclude with your overall reaction to the documentary and some ideas about how our society should respond.
The assignment should be in essay form (do not simply write 1. and then answer the questions—It should be a comprehensive document). Documents should be in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced. Citations are not required.
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