Why I Chose to Read This Book

This book came out around a decade ago. I don’t remember exactly why I came across this work by Miss Alexander, but it was some years ago. I think I stumbled upon a YouTube video where Miss Alexander was discussing the subject of The New Jim Crow. She explained how slavery transformed from its old form into the prison system. I don’t remember all the details, but that was the main message I gathered.

For me, it was a mind-blowing revelation. At the time, I generally knew about the disproportionate rates of incarceration, especially among Black males in America. However, I had never thought of it as a new form of slavery. The parallels between slavery and the prison system were startling. Hearing people describe imprisonment as a form of slavery was one thing, but seeing it broken down as an intentional system targeting Black people was especially mind-boggling.

After learning about this, I tried to get a copy of the book. Around that time, I came across a documentary in the library, possibly titled Slavery by Another Name, which might have been a PBS special. It explored similar topics. Later, Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th also addressed these themes. Since then, I’ve kept The New Jim Crow on my to-read list.

Over the years, this book’s influence has permeated the cultural zeitgeist. I’ve seen YouTube videos, podcasts, and articles discussing its themes. I believe Michelle Alexander should be recognized as spearheading a movement. Although criminal justice reform was already a topic of discussion, she brought attention to its connection to systemic racism and slavery, igniting a new wave of activism and thought.

Recently, with the global pandemic (COVID-19) and the protests against police brutality sparked by George Floyd’s murder, there has been a surge in interest in literature on systemic racism. When I checked OverDrive, I found an audio version of The New Jim Crow and immediately borrowed it, knowing it would be in high demand.

Beyond Incarceration: The Second-Class System

This updated version of the book includes a new foreword. Alexander reflects on how things have changed since the book was originally published, which was before Barack Obama’s presidency and definitely before Donald Trump’s election. She notes that so much has evolved that it might warrant an entirely new book rather than just updates to this one.

In the foreword, Alexander addresses the complicated legacy of President Obama. While he took steps to address systemic racism—such as ending federal contracts with private prisons and pardoning over 2,000 incarcerated individuals—he also ramped up deportations of undocumented immigrants. This duality complicates his relationship with race in America.

Alexander also warns about the inevitable backlash to progress, as seen with Donald Trump’s presidency. His embrace of white supremacist rhetoric reignited blatant racism. She emphasizes that the prison system’s impact extends beyond incarceration. Once released, individuals face a second-class status, struggling with access to jobs, housing, and government assistance.

Language Matters: Humanizing Terminology

One notable update in this edition of the book is a shift in language. Alexander replaced terms like “inmates” and “felons” with more humanizing phrases like “incarcerated people” and “returning citizens.” This change reflects a deeper understanding of how language shapes perceptions and influences systemic issues.

The updated foreword spans two parts of the 16-part audiobook, providing significant insights. Alexander’s reflections make this version especially worthwhile for new readers. However, the book remains as relevant as ever in its original form.

Original draft written in June 2020.