MovieChat Forums > Brubaker (1980) Discussion > Slave Labor in prisons still exists toda...

Slave Labor in prisons still exists today.

posted 16 years ago by movie_nazi
6 replies | jump to latest

The south never really let go of slavery. I know for an absolute fact that prisoners are still used by the state to complete various tasks that it would otherwise have to pay outside contractors. No, I am not talking about picking trash on the side of the road which I find to be a perfectly suitable job for inmates. I am talking about construction jobs. Now it is my understanding that in the states up north when prisoners work these types of jobs they are payed a wage. Albeit a very low wage but nevertheless a wage. It's a shame that in the 21st century exploitation like this still occurs.

[–] jsprine-2 16 years ago

So, enlighten us, and tell us what you were in prison for.

You obviously served time in a southern prison, to be so certain of these "absolute facts", correct? <g>

[–] DavidCrow 16 years ago

It's a shame that in the 21st century exploitation like this still occurs.

No, what's a shame is that they are not all out working. I couldn't care less if they earned money/credits/etc, just so long as they worked to "repay" the society they abused.

[–] AnotherSchmoe 15 years ago

@DavidCrow:
If it's for the community at large, then I agree. If it's merely to line the pockets of crooked politicians such as in Brubaker, then I disagree.

[–] brimac38-1 14 years ago

Agreed , Our local prisoners help keep the streets and roads , mowed , weeded and garbage free , just as it should be . If they are going to do the crime then they should do the time AND earn their keep and not set around playing cards , lifting weights , watching TV . It is not "slave labor" , it is paying a debt to society .

[–] laurieann74 (97) 4 years ago

Give me a break! So what are prisoners supposed to do all day, sit around playing video games & watching movies? They aren't forced to work.

[–] degree7 (821) 4 years ago

The for-profit prison industrial complex benefits from having more inmates. Almost half of them for non violent, drug related crimes. Which just breeds more crime and higher recidivism rates.