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American Prison: A Reporter’s Undercover Journey into the Business of Punishment by Shane Bauer | Conversation Starters 

American Prison: A Reporter’s Undercover Journey into the Business of Punishment by Shane Bauer | Conversation Starters



During his short prison stint as an undercover journalist posing as a prison guard, Shane Bauer reveals that within four months, about 12 incidents of stabbing have occurred; “use of force” against inmates were used often; cell doors could be opened by inmates; medical care was substandard, and a suicide happened which appeared to be preventable. He quotes a prisoner complaining: “Ain’t no order here…inmates run this bitch, son.” To make the prison budget work, educational and recreational services were removed. A prisoner had his legs cut because of an infection that was not given medical attention. Bauer reveals he himself slowly succumbed to the prison mindset of paranoia and authoritarianism.

American Prison is one of New York Times Review’s 10 Best Books of 2018. It is a New York Times Notable Book. Bauer is the winner of the National Magazine Award for Best Reporting for his Mother Jones story on private prisons.




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