A review by nytephoenyx
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

emotional informative slow-paced

4.75

I can see why this book was getting so much love around June 2020 – it’s a strong argument against the “war on drugs” and incarceration because of the disproportionate it affect it has on Black men. As of now, it’s a bit of an older book, enough so that it warranted a lengthy introduction by Alexander in the 10th anniversary edition explaining the choice to focus of Black men and the way Obama’s presidency did not improve the overall situation as she explains it.

A lot of The New Jim Crow made me think, which is the best thing in non-fiction books, especially those centered around social justice. Despite my efforts at educating myself and being bettering humbles me in remembering that I have barely scratched the surface in discovering how deeply systematic racism defines the United States. Take Obama’s presidency for example – I agree with Alexander when she states that many people look at that and assume things are getting better. I come from a place of privilege to be able to even consider such things when a firm picture from a different perspective so clearly illustrates how prejudiced the system is.

Alexander presents her case with a strong voice and a surplus of evidence. In many ways, I felt she was simply lifting the veil to things that should be obvious. I found the conversation on “color blindness” particularly interesting as in the last few years we’ve learned how damaging that perspective can be.

The New Jim Crow is essential reading for anyone who is serious about their antiracism work. Full stop. This is an excellent book, extremely educational, well-written, and eye-opening. If you care about equity in the United States, this is a good place to learn about oppression as executed through the criminal justice system.

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