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The Prison System

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In the United States prisons are third world structures in the first world construct. The third world represents “undeveloped” nations. In this paper, I propose reasons why the prison system here in America should be seen as an undeveloped structure within the construct of the first world. First, the concept of constant surveillance of prisoners, and the intimidation of the panopticon, causing self-correction in inmates, will be examined. The prison cell will be discussed, and how it plays a role in power and control over the inmate. Second, the conditions in the prison will be discussed, and the responsibilities of prisons regarding their cleanliness will be thoroughly examined. Also, taken into consideration with the conditions of the prison …show more content…

The first structure is the Panopticon. This structure is placed in the middle of a prison as a watch tower. “The Panopticon is a machine for dissociating the see/ being seen dyad: in the peripheric ring, one is totally seen, without ever seeing; in the central tower, one sees everything without ever being seen.” This structure is used to intimidate prisoners by implying that they are always being watched; even if there is no one in the watch tower. Instilling fear within inmates becomes a form of discipline in the prison system. “The historical moment of the disciplines was the moment when an art of the human body was born, which was directed not only at the growth of its skills, nor at the intensification of its subjectification, but at the formation of a relation that in the mechanism itself makes it more obedient as it becomes more useful, and conversely.” This statement solidifies the idea that the body is structured to its surroundings, and in the process of conforming it maintains the obedience needed to live within …show more content…

It is unclear if the prison continues to provide these necessities to the prisoners, or if the prisoner takes over the responsibility for all personal hygiene products. Georgia’s correctional facilities are run on a para military system. The inmates in this facility are responsible for making sure that their cells abide by the standards of the warden. This cleanliness standard is enforced with daily inspections of the prison dormitories by the warden. If the inmates have failed to comply with the standards of the warden, they are given a warning and threated to be sent to lock down (the hole) upon their next offence. It is not clear if the inmates are given any type of cleaning supplies, but they are held to certain standards of cleanliness. Standards may vary based on different

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