Reading Response to “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
Response paper of new book “The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. Do not do any outside research outside of the book. The only text that you should consider and cite is “The New Jim Crow.” Engage the test. Use in-text references and cite the page number. Discussion of the actual historic facts, thoughts, idea and reflections presented by the author are crucial. Focus of the paper should include: 1) When did the Jim Crow era in the United States begin and why? Where does the name “Jim Crow” come from? When did the Jim Crow ear end, and why? What according to the author replaced Jim Crow? What did you learn from reading this about our nations history regarding the treatment of African-Americans from the end of the Civil war until the 1960’s? 2) Once arrested for drug related offenses, how are people afforded legal representation in the United States? How do plea bargains deny many defendants their due process rights? How does mandatory sentencing for drug related offenses create an injustice for many defendants? Be sure to discuss the case of Harmelin vs. Michigan. How does having a felony conviction and a “prison label” affect one’s chances of ever living a productive life? What basic rights are denied to most convicted felons in the United States?