This book brings awareness to the rise of a new system, mass incarceration, put in place after Jim Crow was ruled unconstitutional, to keep African Americans "in their place." Alexander cites cases that rule racial discrimination constitutional by the Supreme Court that most people are not even aware of. Probable cause has become as simple as, "he was black and wore braids." Any evidence that has been brought forth to prove discrimination, no matter how good, has been shot down and the Supreme Court has sent the message again and again that discrimination is perfectly constitutional.
I enjoyed this book although at many times it angered me. Some of the cases are unbelievable and the things police get away with are atrocious. The amount of time they give criminals is something you only see in the United States. Some first time offenders are sentenced to 25-life for drug convictions. In states that have a 3 strikes law, someone can be given life for 3 petty misdemeanors. The punishments in America surely do not fit the crimes. One important question she raises (among many) is when this system is dismantled (because history shows us it will be) what will they come up with next to keep African Americans down?
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