The House I Live In is a film that was written and produced by Eugen Jarecki. The film raises important issues about the U.S. criminal justice system, while making the “War on Drugs” a central line of focus.
The statistics presented in the film are staggering. America’s drug war has been prosecuted for more than 40 years at a cost of trillions of dollars. More than 45 million arrests have been made. Almost 2.3 million people have been incarcerated as a result (about 1% of the U.S. population). And what do we have to show for it? Not much has been achieved in the way of success, other than making the United States the number one ranked jailer in the world.
The social inequalities of the criminal justice system are staggering. African Americans comprise less than 14% of the US population but almost 40% of those in prison. Hispanic Americans comprise just over 16% of the US population but around 20% of those in prison. African American males are jailed at about six times the rate of white males and three times the rate of Hispanic males. Considering that most people are locked up for non-violent drug offenses, one would assume that these groups do more drugs right? The problem is that research has documented time and again that drug use is fairly level across all social groups, including white people. Yet people of color are disproportionately represented among the ranks of the incarcerated.
It is against this background that Jarecki wrote, produced. and directed his documentary. He personalizes the narrative by juxtaposing the national drug war narrative with the story of his childhood caregiver, as woman named “Nanny.” Along the way, he interviews a disparate cast of people, all of whose experiences transect the drug problem. There are interviews with police, drug dealers, a prison guard in Oklahoma, and different family members of people who were incarcerated for drugs. Perhaps best of all is David Simon, the former Baltimore journalist and creator of the television series “The Wire.”
The evolution of the drug war, which some scholars attribute to Reagan and others the Johnson and Nixon administrations, reveals how it went from being a primarily black and brown issue to one that now captures a large number of white working class men. In the case of the latter, the loss of manufacturing jobs led to their becoming involved in the illicit drug trade for the same reasons as others before them: once economically displaced, they become involved in prohibited economies, because there are no other jobs that can be easily obtained.
The use of aggressive enforcement means coupled with mandatory minimum sentences resulted in an explosion of the prison population. has led to a swollen ethnic prison population that, for many whites, has swept the problem off the streets and out of sight. So, at its core, the economic system no longer only targets racial and ethnic minorities; it has become an equal opportunity employer in this regard. Now the driver is poverty and a lack of economic opportunity.
To summarize, the film argues that the policies of the last four decades have failed. Economic restructuring has brutalized Americans across the spectrum, rendering the lives of many people miserable, while continuing to disproportionately impact people of color. Research has shown that when drugs are treated as a public health issue, as opposed to a law enforcement issue, problems can be solved. But the criminal justice system shows no signs of being willing to change.
Discussion Questions
How are relations of social inequality highlighted in the film? Are the people caught up in the drug war simply not working or trying hard enough to be successful?
What are some of the structural obstacles to success (birth /family dynamics) presented in the film?
What do you think your own life chances might be if you grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers?
What do you think might be done to solve the problems discussed in the film?
In “The House I Live In,” social inequality is highlighted by showing how systemic issues like poverty and lack of access to education trap people in the drug war. It argues that those caught up in this situation are not just failing to work hard but they also face barriers that limit their opportunities. The film emphasizes that the drug trade can seem like one of the few options for survival in a system that often neglects and discriminates against certain communities. “The House I live In” points out that these challenges are tied to larger social problems, not just individual choices. There are several structural obstacles to success highlighted that are particularly related to family dynamics and socio-economic conditions. Many individuals come from families with a history of incarceration or drug use, which creates a cycle of disadvantage and limited role models for success. Growing up in low-income neighborhoods often means fewer resources, such as access to quality education, healthcare, and safe spaces to play or study. The film also shows how schools in disadvantaged areas are often underfunded which leads to lower educational attainment and fewer opportunities to obtain a higher degree.
In “The House I Live In,” social inequality is highlighted by showing how systemic issues like poverty and lack of access to education trap people in the drug war. It argues that those caught up in this situation are not just failing to work hard but they also face barriers that limit their opportunities. The film emphasizes that the drug trade can seem like one of the few options for survival in a system that often neglects and discriminates against certain communities. “The House I live In “points out that these challenges are tied to larger social problems and not just individual choices. There are several structural obstacles to success highlighted that are particularly related to family dynamics and socio-economic conditions. Many individuals come from families with a history of incarceration or drug use, which creates a cycle of disadvantage and limited role models for success. Growing up in low-income neighborhoods often means fewer resources, such as access to quality education, healthcare, and safe spaces to play or study. The film also shows how schools in disadvantaged areas are often underfunded which leads to lower educational attainment and fewer opportunities to obtain a higher degree.
The documentary “The House I Live In” highlights social inequality through the use of statistics such as how people of color are more likely to be charged and prosecuted for crimes and through personal stories from interviews; these together show how the drug war affects people of color much more than others. The film makes it clear that those caught up in this issue aren’t from a lack of trying but instead falling into the problem as a last resort due to them being stuck in a cycle of poverty from a lack of economic opportunity, therefore making escaping from this life extremely hard to achieve. For example, the film discusses problems like unstable family situations and poor schools in places like 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers. These challenges can create a cycle where people feel stuck and have limited chances to improve their lives; with that all said, it should be evident that if I, or anyone else for that matter, had grown up in an environment like that, my chances of success would be just the same as theirs, almost non-existent. Without good resources and support, it would be easy to feel hopeless and trapped in the cycle of poverty. To solve these problems, we need to change how we treat drug issues and the people affected by them. To solve these problems, we need to change how we treat drug issues, focusing more on health and less on cruel and extensive punishment that would help solve the problem on a surface level by investing in better education for the youth and job training for adults ( and older kids about to go into the workforce) will help break the cycle of poverty that causes most people to fall into drug use and drug dealing, in other words, community support and community building, in my opinion, is the most important step for creating better opportunities for everyone.
In this film, we see that people who have crack are given worse sentences than people with cocaine. This is because black people were stereotyped to smoke crack. This was shown to be untrue in the film. Black people only take up 13% percent of the crack smoking population. Also, we see a cop admitting to racially profiling people. I think people get caught up in the drug war because they are either alone, sad, or just want to have a good time. I don’t necessarily think it’s because they are not trying hard enough to be successful. I just don’t think they’ve been given the opportunities that most people have gotten. Most of the people in the film have had a family member in jail. For example, Anthony Johnson’s father was in jail, and he never had a role model in his life. I personally think this is the main structural obstacle that can land a person in jail. I think my life would be very similar to theirs. It’s hard to imagine my life without the role models that I’ve had in it. If I were in their position, I feel like I would be in the same boat. To solve the problems in the film, I think that we need to give these people more than ghettos to live in. Give them a equal opportunity to be successful.
Once viewing the film “The house I live in,” the relations of social inequality in the film is that most grew up in an unstable environment which involved drugs and to make it happen. They were unsupported and felt like they had no other way to have a better lifestyle than to sell drugs. Honestly, I do not think people caught up in the drug war are not trying hard enough I just feel they do not have the motivation and support or resources to become better they feel like it is the only solution they grew up on and viewed that they could live on. On the other hand, there are ways to asks someone else for advice and to get on the right path to have a good lifestyle. Honestly if I grew up in 77 Cromwell towers in Yonkers I would understand because there is lack of job opportunities and just a toxic environment feeling like you are stuck there the rest of your life. I think what could be done to solve the problem honestly more job opportunities and resources and possibly would minimize the crime in the area.
I think people that lived in 77 Cromwell Towers had an influence on them both socially, economically, and turning to drugs. This is not saying that everyone who lived there ended up doing drugs or incarcerated. But I do believe the social pressure had major influence over the people there, and they probably felt limited on how they could get out of the pattern which most people fell into. My values and beliefs now do not follow what they did, and I typically do not give into peer pressure with something this intense. However, it is hard to 100% say if the upbringing of living at 77 Cromwell Towers led many with no other choice.
Relations of social inequity are highlighted in the film because it shows the issues with different races being specifically targeted. People are caught up in the drug war because they need the money to support themselves usually as a way of survival. Some structural obstacles presented in the film are the environment in which people are raised in and ho what affects their choices and whether they get into crime or not. My own life chances while living in Yonkers would be similar to others I would probably get wrapped up in crime and drugs as well though I would try my hardest to stay out of it.
In the film, they showed that the people that do not have a higher status financially were definitely treated worse, especially if they were under the influence of drugs. It is not exactly true, people could be caught up in the drug war for many reasons, including the fact that they could have been forced, it’s a way to make money to provide for their families or mental/physical health issues come into play as well. They showed how if the kids were in an environment where drugs were easy access or criminal activity was more prevalent in the family or place, they were most likely going to follow their parents footsteps. They even showed how some criminals did not want their own kids to follow in their footsteps, so they would not even let their own kids come visit them in jail just because of how ashamed they were. I do not think I would have been safe growing up there because I would not want to be under the influence of drugs, but they are kind of everywhere in there, and there could be a chance of peer pressure to either use it or sell them. I think that there should be less harsh sentences that have to do with drug usage (depending on the situation) and actually give inmates or people that have been under the influence more services or resources to rehabilitate and better themselves.
Relations of social inequality highlighted in the films show how high prisoning due to drug trafficking or use rates among people of color aren’t about individual effort or intentions toward drugs. Instead, they reveal deeper issues like poverty, lack of access to quality education, and limited job opportunities. The stories of those affected by the drug war show that many are caught in cycles of disadvantage that keep on repeating for generations, facing challenges that they can’t control. This highlights that the problem isnt about personal failure but rather reflects larger social injustices at play, that poor and minority people face.
The film highlights several structural obstacles that people face. First, many individuals come from families impacted by drug wars, leading to cycles of instability and trauma. This kind of environment often lacks the necessary support systems for success. Second, access to quality education, and marginalized communities often have underfunded schools, which limits their future opportunities. Finally, the lack of access to healthcare, mental health services, and addiction treatment adds to the challenges that these communities deal with. Growing up in an environment like 77 Cromwell Towers could present numerous challenges that might significantly impact my life chances, or even have chances to began with to make it out of those type of places it’s not just being good minded but its all about luck and who will pick you up and set you for success.
To address the issues discussed in the film, we need to shift drug policy from a criminal justice focus to a public health approach, including decriminalization and investment in treatment programs. Creating jobs in disadvantaged communities through sustainable initiatives and vocational training is essential. We should also improve access to quality education in underfunded schools to empower future generations. raising awareness among the USA and understanding that’s not a criminal behavior but rather a way to survive in this difficult economy.
“The House I Live In” presents multiple examples of social inequality in America, including the government’s targeting of specific races and classes. One statistic from the film tells audiences that although only 13% of crack cocaine users are black, black people also make up 90% of those convicted for crack use in America. It was also highlighted in the film that many of the people who use and sell crack cocaine are those in poverty, a cycle which is heavily influenced by the United State’s justice system. According to the documentary, the system bars those in poverty from environments where they can find success, ultimately leaving them no choice but to partake in illegal activity and ending up in jail/prison. People in poverty are banished to low-income ghettos and trailer parks (a structural obstacle) and isolated from the rest of the population, forcing them to remain in financial ruin. I personally feel like my own chances would’ve been a bit higher than average if I grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers. My father and my grandfather (on my mother’s side) both grew up in low-income families and found their way out of their poor living situations by the time they were young adults. They both raised nothing but college graduates/attendees and live in higher class neighborhoods now. I feel that because I had such strong, resilient people on both sides of my family, despite their situations being very similar to those in the documentary, if not worse, I’d have a higher chance of surviving the ghetto. I think that in order to solve the problems discussed in the film (or at least attempt to solve them), judges might do more to balance out the race of those convicted. I feel it’s unrealistic to assume the government would build a bunch of new homes for the homeless and give the unemployed jobs. But I do feel this is a less radical change that the government may be more willing to make. I believe it’d at least solve the problem of racial discrimination in the justice system when it comes to punishment.
The movie highlights the deep rooted social disparities present in the American criminal justice system, in relation to the war on drugs. It shows how specific groups, especially individuals of color, are negatively affected by strict drug laws, despite similar levels of drug usage among other populations. This is more than just lack of effort from individuals, it’s about structural obstacles that interfere with their success. The movie highlights that with the disappearance of economic prospects, numerous individuals resort to the drug business not by preference, but by need. It questions the idea that success is only achieved through effort and encourages us to acknowledge the broader societal influences at work.
The movie does a good job at showing the different challenges that can make achieving success seem difficult, especially in relation to family relationships and economic status. Numerous individuals have similar experiences of maturing in unstable settings, where problems such as poverty and limited educational opportunities are common. These obstacles result in an ongoing loop that is difficult to escape, frequently resulting in children lacking the necessary support to succeed.
In order to address the concerns brought up in “The House I Live In,” we must adopt a new outlook in our perception of drugs. Changing the focus from the criminal justice system to public health is important. This involves putting resources into treatment and prevention rather than simply incarcerating individuals. It is important to prioritize economic growth in marginalized communities, providing meaningful employment and ensuring access to high-quality education. It’s all about encouraging empathy and comprehension towards addiction instead of casting shame, which can significantly impact how we tackle these problems.
Social inequality is highlighted in “The House I Live In” in a number of ways. Racial differences in the criminal justice system are clarified by it. The movie demonstrates that African Americans and Hispanic Americans are specifically targeted, arrested, and imprisoned for drug charges, despite the fact that drug use rates all racial groups are similar. They provided an example of how past policies of the government had unfairly benefited white people, resulting in a huge economic gap between whites and non-whites. I don’t think the people in the movie were doing drugs because they weren’t trying hard enough to succeed. I believe that these people’s appearance was a factor in the police picking them out when they were younger. Having identified out at such a young age severely damaged their professional development, making it more difficult for them to find steady employment as they grew older. The film showed how many of these people were forced to sell drugs in order to provide financial assistance for their families. If I had grown up in a setting similar to that shown in the film, I think I would likely be in a similar situation to those in it. Breaking apart from cycles that you almost became used to as a child is quite challenging. Drugs are a serious problem, and people shouldn’t have to deal in them to get by.
After watching “The house i live in” I’ve realized that most people really have no other choice. Either their parents lived the same way and had to sell drugs to make ends meet, or they didn’t have support at home so they had to find a way to put food on the table for themselves. Although drug use is similar between all races, African Americans and hispanics are most commonly locked up. Everyone assumes that people who sell drugs are bad people and don’t want to work or don’t work hard enough, when in reality it’s typically their only way of surviving. The people in the movie admitted dealing drugs was their way of living at a young age. I feel like i would live the same way as most of the people do that live in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers. With little to no opportunities it is very hard to get out of the environment you live in.
The movie covers many different topics and shows various points of view. After I watched it, I realized that the government benefits a lot from the war on drugs, mostly by making money. When I thought about the people’s backgrounds, it was clear they didn’t have many chances to improve their lives. They didn’t have good role models, and there weren’t many ways for them to earn money except by selling drugs. Sadly, the police often ruined their lives by arresting them and putting them in jail. As a result, young people looked up to drug dealers because they were the only ones with money. The war on drugs, I figured, really helps the government’s finances. This led me to make a promise not to judge others unless I know their full story.
The people who make these laws and send the police probably haven’t experienced what these folks are going through. It’s a sad but true fact. Instead of taking money from poor communities, we should help them by creating jobs and fixing the area. This movie opened my eyes to the fact that people in these situations don’t have many choices.
Social inequality is really shown in the film, especially in people who come from very impoverished areas where everyone is selling drugs to make ends meet and have food for their families. It definitely comes down to not working hard enough. Sometimes no matter how hard you work, it is very difficult to get out of areas like that. When you mention to people you come from a certain area, they already have a judgment towards you. It is a cycle and if everyone else around you is doing it, that just becomes your reality. Many obstacles can come your way, you have no one helping you and showing you the ropes. People who grow up in this area, from a young age start to do what everyone else is doing which can end up with them in jail. If they get out, most employers dont want to hire them and they end up right back where they started. I think about this often as being an immigrant. If I was not able to come to the United States my life would be extremely different. My parents made a huge sacrifice to come here, but we had people helping us. People in these neighborhoods, there is no one to help them. Everyone gives them a dirty look when they find out they are from a certain place. I think a solution as mentioned above, is making this a public health issue rather than a law enforcement issue. People who are in prison for non-violent drug crimes should be in rehabilitation and a place where they can get help to stand on their own two feet. Being put in prison and “getting them off the streets” overall just becomes a bigger issue.
“The House I Live In” highlights social inequality in several ways. It sheds light on racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Despite similar rates of drug use among racial groups, the film shows that African Americans and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately targeted, arrested, and incarcerated for drug offenses.
The film challenges the notion that individuals caught up in the drug war are simply not working hard enough or are lazy. Instead, it emphasizes economic factors as key drivers of involvement in the drug trade. The loss of manufacturing jobs and a lack of opportunities in marginalized communities force individuals into the drug trade as a means of survival. By highlighting these economic factors, the film challenges common misconceptions about the motivations behind drug-related offenses. The documentary also delves into the structural obstacles to success, such as birth and family dynamics. It explores how growing up in impoverished and drug-affected neighborhoods limits opportunities and perpetuates a cycle of involvement in the criminal justice system.
Personal narratives and interviews with a diverse range of individuals play a crucial role in conveying the human impact of the drug war. These personal stories humanize the issue, showing the real faces and experiences behind the statistics. They allow viewers to empathize with those affected and better understand the consequences of the War on Drugs.
Social inequality is characterized by the existence of unequal opportunities and rewards for different social positions or statuses within a group or society. Social inequality is emphasized frequently in the movie “The House I dwell in” throughout the entire movie. They demonstrated how government policies have created unfair advantages for whites in the past, resulting in a substantial wealth gap between whites and nonwhites. I don’t think people in the movie were wrapped up in drugs for not working hard enough to be successful. I believe that at a young age these people were targeted by police because of their outside appearance. The, being targeted at such a young age messed up their successes as they got older with a constant record not able to get a real steady job. In the film it showed how for a lot of these people their only option was to sell drugs in order to have money for them and their family. I think if I grew up in 77 Cromwell in Yonkers I would be the same person I am today. I’ve always been the type to go out my way to find opportunities to do better and I would’ve buried myself in my school work and sports before a lot of other things.
The people in the film all expressed that they fell into crime, specifically drug crime because it was the only way to get by and everyone around them was doing it. They were all presented with fewer opportunities because of the area that they were born in or because their family situations were bad, leading them to be unsupported. People often blame those committing drug crimes by saying they are too lazy to get a real job or do not want to make a better life for themselves, however, for many of them, their situations make it almost impossible to make a better life for themselves. In many cases, the film showed that drug crime was a generational issue. The cycle began with fathers turning to drug crime to support themselves, then getting arrested for it, leaving their children without a father figure. These children would then have to turn to drug crime to support themselves as well.
I do not believe that my life chances would have been much better than those in the film if I were to have grown up in 77 Cromwell Towers. Because of the lack of opportunities, the community developed a reliance on drug crimes to get by, and this can be incredibly difficult to get out of.
People of color are disproportionately arrested and jailed for drug related offenses than that of white people, despite there being a fairly consistent drug use across all races. This is, in part, due to how police patrol. In a lot of areas, the only profitable economy is drug dealing. In these neighborhoods, crime and dealing is everywhere; it’s in your apartment complex, on the street outside, by the bus stop, in the diner, etc. When you’re surrounded by something it begins to feel more normal. Then when people lose their jobs, they’re without income to pay rent, feed, or sustain themselves, so they turn to their “local economies” to keep them alive.
Police are aware of this too, but they use it to their own advantages in the way they patrol. Police will choose to stay in these areas or drive around in them when they need to hit their quotas, harassing both criminals and civilians. When you’re strictly looking in these areas, of course you’ll find crime, but you’re targeting only the people who live in that area, which contributes to the disproportionate prison populations.
More than just adults, kids are far more susceptible to these factors. Spending their whole life growing up around violence and dangerous behaviors, basically funnels kids’ into following the same path. Police may arrest one “criminal”, but that’s someone’s father. The impact of losing a parent is detrimental, and that child may be left in a position where they also turn to crime as a way to help pay the bills. Children may also turn to crime (I.e. gangs) as a way to fill the need for family and support.
For most people in these situations, they don’t see a way out, and institutionally they aren’t set up to. Instead of our country prioritizing incarceration over education. We need to go bring life, opportunity, and resources back to these communities. Offer jobs and rehabilitation programs to bring back a sense of community, instead of ripping it apart through jailing.
It’s really concerning that African Americans are almost targeted when they commit a crime. The fact that the white population does the same crimes at the same rate, yet are never punished for it is horrifying. The only way in my eye to stop this injustice from happening is to allow proper representation of anyone in court, and that someone’s status shouldn’t affect their sentencing. Everyone is equal under the law and punishment is given for the crime done and the surcomstances
The film “The House I Live In” was extremely eye opening to me. Growing up I feel like I had that perspective of people who are involved in drugs had the choice to stop dealing and they were making that decision for themselves. After watching the film I’m more aware of how most people who deal are just trying to survive. A key part of the film was the comment about how the people being interviewed spoke about how kind and caring the drug dealers were to them. Even small things such as buying the kids ice cream really helped the community. Seeing the perspective from both a drug dealer and someone who’s job it was to catch those dealers was also surprising to see, both of these people are trying to survive in society but they have such different perspectives and experiences. Another part of the film I thought was surprising was how harsh drug sentencing can be. People face extremely harsh mandatory sentencing because of how strict the laws are, and then beyond that, the style that the drug is in also can affect the sentencing. I think if I grew up in an area similar to that depicted in the film, I feel as if I would most likely be in a similar situation to those in the film. It’s very hard to get out of cycles you have grown up in and almost get a routine of. Drugs are a serious problem, people should not have to deal them to have enough money to live. Harsh sentences just ruin people’s life.
The film overall highlights how people, often minorities, live in areas that have been overlooked or intentionally ignored, leading to a poor economy. These areas have poor schools and low job opportunities which makes education a dead end for many. As discussed, people often see people in these neighborhoods sell drugs and come to the conclusion that these people aren’t rational, and that they can’t make smart decisions, when in reality they are making a move that will keep them sheltered and fed. I think my life chances would be pretty low if I grew up in those neighborhoods, because I would likely fall into the harsh reality because I would lack the schooling and guidance, I was able to receive in my life. To solve some of these problems in the film, there has to be a re-evaluation of drug crime sentencing and rehabilitation. Programs that train prisoners in order to reintegrate them into society are important in lowering the recidivisms rate of prisoners. If this issue is solved, it would not only help our local communities and economies but bring back structure and money to struggling families. This isn’t the only solution required, but I think it’s a very important step.
Drugs are an ongoing issue in many societies in the United States. African Americans often get arrested more than white people for crimes involving drugs. People often get involved in drugs because of where they live or the people they hangout with. Family issues are also another reason why people will go down the path of drugs.
In the film The House I Live in they give different perspectives on how the war on drugs impacts society and the way people live. If I grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers I think that I would struggle a bit. I think that I will struggle because I would probably start hanging out with the wrong crowd and doing things that I shouldn’t be doing. Living here would make it hard for me to try and escape and get a good job.
To solve the drug problem that they have in the film I think that they should start by taking more initiative with the drug problem in society. I also think that they should keep the rehabilitation programs in prisons.
I knew that the amount of drug sellers and the amount of people who were able to obtain those drugs was a problem. However, after watching the film, I did not realize that it was as bad as I thought it was. I used to think that it was a problem because I thought dealers were targeting younger children because younger children are more prone to influence. If someone tells them that it is cool and that they should do it, they are going to try to do it. And if a dealer had no problem selling to younger kids because they were making their money, the kids would get it. Creating a new cycle in someone else because they are getting hooked on those drugs. However, I have come to realize that it is so much more than that. Selling drugs is a way of surviving for those who cannot do anything but that. If they are living in an impoverished community with little to no jobs, they are going to do what they need to in order to put food on their families table and to keep a roof over their heads. And one would think that they would do it until they have the money that they need to move, and then they would move to a better area. But the film brought to light that it is much harder to do than it seems. Getting out of an area like that is difficult because of the lack of opportunities within the area. If they cannot have an actual job as well, that person might be scared to move because if they move there is no guarantee that they are going to get a job. However, they know they are going to make money selling drugs because they have a clientele of people who they know are going to buy the product. There is a major risk with the situation. They could either quit selling, move, and let employers decide their fate on if they get the job or not, or they could stay within their drug selling environment and know they are going to make their money selling.
The film masterfully highlights how social inequality is pervasive in the drug war’s narrative. It underscores that people entangled in the drug trade are often victims of a cycle of poverty, systemic discrimination, and lack of opportunities. Instead of portraying them as simply not working or trying hard enough, the film unveils the structural obstacles that hinder success. Birth and family dynamics play a significant role, with generations affected by a lack of education, job opportunities, and even the family members who are incarcerated due to drug-related offenses.
If I had grown up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers, my life chances might be significantly limited by the challenging environment depicted in the film. The lack of economic prospects, quality education, and the prevalence of substance abuse in such neighborhoods would pose significant obstacles.
To address the problems highlighted in the film, we must focus on comprehensive reform. This includes reevaluating drug policies, investing in education and job training, and providing support for addiction treatment and rehabilitation. Initiatives to break the cycle of poverty and inequality are vital. The film makes a powerful case for the need to shift from punitive measures to a more compassionate and holistic approach to tackling drug-related issues. Ultimately, “The House I Live In” is a compelling call for change and a reminder of the critical importance of addressing social inequality, drug policy reform, and the need for a more just and equitable society.
In the film, “The House I Live In” they went into the prisons and actually talked to them. I thought it was really interesting how people with the same felony had different numbers of years to serve. You could really see that the community these people lived and worked in; how it was affecting their lives. Most of them started selling to get money for their own addiction. Others were born into it, and their parents may have sold drugs and then when they got locked up, the kid started to as well.
I found it particularly interesting how “illegal drugs” became a thing for racial bias. Cocaine was used in the early 1900s, but then when the Japanese came over to California, they didn’t like it. So they made it illegal just to get them locked up. That happened with a lot of races as well. When Hispanics started mass using marijuana they used it against them. They began to lock them up as well as high profile them particularly because of their race.
Solving the problems highlighted in the film requires a shift in approach. The film suggests that treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a law enforcement one could be better and more effective strategy. This approach would involve investing in addiction treatment, and support for those affected by addiction. Additionally, Creating opportunities for stable employment, especially in communities hit hard by job losses, could reduce the economic incentives for participation in the drug trade. The film implies that reforming the criminal justice system is necessary, including reconsidering mandatory minimum sentences and moving away from punitive measures. Implementing criminal justice reform policies that focus on rehabilitation, reintegration, and addressing the root causes of addiction and drug-related issues would be more effective in reducing recidivism. In summary, the text suggests that a holistic approach involving public health measures, economic opportunities, and criminal justice reform is needed to address the problems discussed in the film and create a more equitable and just society.
In the film ” The House I Live In” there is a social inequalities highlighted in the film. The areas that are shown in the film are the big cities where the population is mainly minorities. Law enforcement pays attention to these areas because they are a lower class. The people caught up in the drug war want to work and be successful it is difficult for them to have that opportunity because one of their options is selling drugs and simply doing the illegal way. I also feel like people caught up in the drug war can’t work because in the area they live in the crime rate is so high that the stores shut down and they have the money to provide for their families and themselves. For these problems to be solved I think the government should start opening store businesses creating new jobs in the area and improving school systems to give the opportunity to the kids to have a better future and to be successful in life.
Although I knew that the drug epidemic in the United States was more serious, I had not realized that it had resulted in such a staggering amount of crime. What is even more surprising is the very different rates of incarceration for black people versus white people. This has something to do with racial equity and the state of communities of color. Once they get into the world of drugs it’s tough to get out, as much as they may want to. Their lives and finances are tied to drugs. Living in such a community seems to make it difficult to follow a new path because resistance is everywhere. Perhaps it’s more important for people to realize that drugs don’t bring benefits. But that’s a long-term issue because social attitudes aren’t that easy to change.
The judicial system has not made any changes or implemented any measures to this situation. This is a very important question because the government should make some changes. In the above text, it is argued that the lack of economic opportunity has led to poverty and led to more drug problems. This is a very macro event, and the economic situation is not something that government intervention can completely solve. But it is something that can be done. The government can give financial aid or educational assistance. This may seem trivial, but it can make a difference.
There is evidence of social inequality all throughout the film. The people who most often get caught up in the midst of the war on drugs are the ones who have had economic disadvantages their whole lives. Some families are shown to have lived, per se, in the trenches for generations while the government does nothing to find a solution. It is not breaking news that the war on drugs has been one of the biggest failures of the US government. While research has shown that the war on drugs could be solved if it was treated as a health issue instead of a criminal justice issue, it has also become a political issue. The film stated that president Nixon knew this very well but chose to prosecute drug users as criminals because that would help his campaign.
Some may say that if they wanted to better themselves they would stop dealing with drugs and find themselves real jobs, but it isn’t that simple. Both biological and environmental factors can affect the upbringing of an individual and their chances of succeeding in life. If an individual is born in an environment like 77 Cromwell Towers, where most of the economy is based on underground drug related activities, that is all they are gonna learn and know. Which subsequently makes it hard and borderline impossible for them to get out of the cycle and become successful in life.
Black people are shown to get arrested at a much higher rate for drug violations, despite white people using drugs at a similar level. African Americans and Hispanic people are incarcerated at much higher rates than whites. A lot of people caught up in the drug war have hardly any opportunity to be successful and they do not have any other option to provide for their family other than selling drugs.
A lot of people have a lack of parental guidance when growing up, and a lot of them see gang members as their family. The woman named “Nanny” went to a different state to work to make money for her family, but it was not worth it because her son got involved with gangs and ran into a lot of problems because of it.
I think my own life chances would be slim if I grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers. I feel like it would be extremely difficult to get out of that area because of the way people have to live there. There seems like little opportunity to move forward in an environment like that.
The government could pass laws to make sentencing more fair and to remove mandatory minimums. The circumstances of the defendant could be considered more. The government could also try to improve the education in low-income areas to give the kids there more opportunity to be successful. More jobs could be created to help people in the low-income areas make income in a legal way. The prisons could implement better programs to improve people, so the recidivism rates decrease.
In the film, social inequality is prominently highlighted through the lens of the drug war. It underscores the systemic disparities that persist in society. The people caught up in the drug war are not solely lacking in effort or ambition. Rather, the film portrays how individuals from marginalized communities face structural obstacles to success, rooted in their birth circumstances and family dynamics. These obstacles include limited access to quality education, economic opportunities, and exposure to violence, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.
If I grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers, my life chances would likely be significantly constrained by the environment and limited opportunities available. It would be a constant struggle to break free from the cycle of poverty and violence.
To address the issues depicted in the film, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This could involve investment in education, job opportunities, mental health and addiction support, and community revitalization. Additionally, addressing systemic racism and providing a safety net for struggling families would be crucial steps in reducing social inequality and offering better life chances for all.
Community-Based Initiatives: Supporting community-based initiatives that provide rehabilitation and support services for individuals struggling with addiction can be effective. These programs can help individuals reintegrate into society and avoid recidivism. Being able to support and assist those who battle with addiction can help them in more ways than people think. Some recovering addicts admit to burning bridges with many people and feeling guilt over it, and others who became addicted with no support say it could’ve helped them.
Mental Health Services:Addressing the underlying mental health issues often associated with drug addiction is vital. Expanding access to mental health services can help individuals receive the treatment they need. Many people battle with things that many don’t realize and can always receive the help they need if it’s given.
Reentry Programs: Developing effective reentry programs for individuals leaving prison after drug-related convictions can help them reintegrate into society successfully, reducing the likelihood of reoffending. Not many resources are given to those in the system. They are sometimes even encouraged to commit another crime, because that’s all they’re good for.
Racial Equity: Focusing on racial equity in drug policy reform is essential, given the disproportionate impact of drug policies on African American communities. Ensuring fair and just treatment for all individuals, regardless of their racial background, is crucial. Making sure that those of any background and color of their skin is important.
Government Funding: Allocating more government resources to these initiatives can help drive meaningful change. This includes funding for research, treatment facilities, and community outreach programs.
It’s important to remember that solving the problems associated with the War on Drugs is a complex and multifaceted issue. The solutions should be comprehensive, addressing not only legal aspects but also social, economic, and racial disparities. Public awareness, advocacy, and collaboration among various stakeholders are key to making progress in this area.
I never realized how much of an impact selling or using drugs could have on all citizens of America. “The house we live in” opened my eyes to the war on drugs that has been going on for about half a century and how we have been going out of our way to avoid it and the impact it has on our country. It made me realize how poverty stricken communities of color tackled daily struggles to keep themselves from getting arrested. Our drug policies victimized struggling members of the society whose choices were limited to just selling drugs in order to make a living. The War on Drugs has accounted for more than 45 million arrests, made America the world’s largest jailer, and damaged poor communities. Yet for all that, drugs are cheaper, purer, and more available today than ever before. Filmed in more than 20 states, it captures stories from individuals at all levels, the dealer to grieving mother, the narcotics officer to the senator, and the inmate to the federal judge, revealing profound human rights implications. They would be able to fix the problems in these movie by lightening up the punishments these individuals are getting. They are getting very harsh punishments and times for small drugs busts. If our justice system would look at it more as they are using these drugs to survive and make a living things might be sentenced differently.
I never realized how much of an impact selling or using drugs could have on all citizens of America. “The house we live in” opened my eyes to the war on drugs that has been going on for about half a century and how we have been going out of our way to avoid it. It made me realize how poverty stricken communities of color tackled daily struggles to keep themselves from getting arrested. Our drug policies victimized struggling members of the society whose choices were limited to just selling drugs in order to make a living. The War on Drugs has accounted for more than 45 million arrests, made America the world’s largest jailer, and damaged poor communities. Yet for all that, drugs are cheaper, purer, and more available today than ever before. Filmed in more than 20 states, it captures stories from individuals at all levels, the dealer to grieving mother, the narcotics officer to the senator, and the inmate to the federal judge, revealing profound human rights implications. They would be able to fix the problems in these movie by lightening up the punishments these individuals are getting. They are getting very harsh punishments and times for small drugs busts. If our justice system would look at it more as they are using these drugs to survive and make a living things might be sentenced differently.
The house I live in is a documentary about the war on drugs. It demonstrates how the drug war was detrimental to poor neighborhoods and cities. Social inequality is a big part of this because the film demonstrates that people who grew up in areas of economic unrest, are more likely to become part of the drug trade. The police mainly focus on these poor neighborhoods because it’s easier for them to make more arrests in a poorer area. If I grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers, I would have many social and economic boundaries to success in my life. People put in that situation have no other choice but to continue the societal norms that have been put in place for them, or to find success through illegal means such as the drug trade. The other people growing up in 77 Cromwell Towers would be my social circle, meaning I would be heavily influenced by them, which might lead to getting involved in the drug trade myself and risk incarceration, or continuing to live in a lower social class without many means to escape it. Overall the drug war created many problems for the United States and the House I Live In demonstrates how people are truly affected by it.
Social inequality is emphasized frequently in the movie “The House I dwell in” throughout the entire movie. Between socioeconomic classes, especially between the elite and lower classes, there is a significant divide. This film was primarily shot in impoverished places, which highlighted the lower classes and their lifestyles. This film presents the war on drugs and demonstrates how dysfunctional our society is. Many people who are currently living in poverty were raised in poverty, and selling drugs is their main source of income. It is just not conceivable that people who grow up in unfavorable circumstances will have a high probability of escaping from them because they will continue to act in the same manner as the generation before them because that is all they have ever known. Throughout their lives, these people encounter numerous challenges that make it more difficult for them to accomplish. For instance, a child may start selling drugs after witnessing their mother’s financial difficulties to assist their mother with her bills and other financial obligations. I believe I would still be the same person I am today if I had grown up in Yonkers’ 77 Cromwell Towers, but I’ve always set objectives for myself early in life and never allowed myself to become sidetracked or deviate from them. I believe that improving the neighborhoods and homes, as well as giving the residents work and leisure opportunities, will help to address these issues. Many more of these people wouldn’t be dealing drugs and taking poor turns in life if they had a reliable source of income and engaging in activities to keep the younger kids occupied.
The film we watched, “The House I Live In,” put many things into perspective for me like how big the war on drugs is and how long we have actually been fighting it. We have been fighting this war for 40 years and still have yet to find a way to help or minimize the huge problem we face today. Too many people have been jailed or imprisoned for the same amount of time as a person who sexually assaulted someone for just a small amount of weed. Every type of race does drugs but yet our society assumed it was because of a certain one then gave them no choice for rebuttal and now to this day we deal with the repercussions of that act of racism. I believe our government or justice system should put in place certain programs or promise real benefits to those who want to better their ways. A choice to actually turn their lives around rather than stamping them with the felony question and assuming, in turn repeating our own history.
Throughout the film “The House I live In”, social inequality is highlighted. It is clear that there is huge gap between social classes especially between the upper and lower classes. This movie was filmed mainly in areas of poverty. The war on drugs is presented in this movie and shows just how broken our society is. Many people who live in poverty grew up in poverty and their only means of making a living is to sell drugs. When people grow up in this environment and way of living, it is just not realistic that they have high chances of getting out of it. These people face many obstacles throughout their lives that make it harder to succeed. For example, their family is too poor to provide so they seek different, even irrational ways of making money. Family members may also be selling drugs and teach younger generations to do the same because that is all they know. Personally, I think if I grew up in that community I wouldn’t live a very long and peaceable life, as many of them do not. To solve these problems I believe fixing up the communities, houses, and providing jobs to these people is sufficient. If these people had a stable form of income a lot more of them wouldn’t be selling drugs and there would be better chances for them at life.
In film gave me a much better perspective on life post war on drugs and 1994 crime bill, which have contributed significantly to inner city Americans. America has an issue with racial inequality in the way that life has been. The world of drugs and the issues that arise from the distribution and criminalization of drugs has certainly had an effect on Americans who grow up in areas that have lesser access to higher education or a culture that ignores are goes against the system that marginalizes them in the first place. The issues really rise when police are involved with youth or young adults who have dropped out of high-school to pursue a life which isn’t very sustainable for them in the long run, but it is a lifestyle that is seen as being necessary.
In “The House I Live In”, the movie demonstrates how social inequality that relates to how the world is lived today for some people. People that were being caught up in the drug war have really no way of getting out of it. If someone is raised around it, they’re going to get caught up in it. Even some people that were apart of it were working blue collared jobs but lost their jobs. Getting involved with the drug war caused them to find ways to make cash on the side. They could then decide to actually try the substance and get addicted to it. Some obstacles to be successful could be where you are grown up, how you were raised, or if your social status doesn’t match to what everyone else is. Even being a different race or gender growing up in not so good areas had an impact on “making it out”. Growing up in the Cromwell Towers would not be easy for anyone living there. You would be constantly surrounded by bad examples. I personally do not think I would have a great life if I grew up there. I feel like I would end up as most people in the film and not have a way out. I think there are ways to resolve the issues in the film by punishing people in ways that force them to do good rather than lock them up and punish them in jail.
A lot of people in America are not given a fair shot at being successful as this film shows us. Kids grow up with drugs all around them and they see it as normal. They also said in the film that when growing up as kids they looked up to the drug dealers because they always had the money to give the kids or buy them nice stuff. Often these drug dealers were neighbors, fathers, or even older brothers. When a kid grows up idolizing drug dealers they most likely will want to do that when they get older. These people are not given the same chances because there are no good paying jobs or they lost their jobs when the companies left the area and so they turn to the only way to make money and feed their family which is selling drugs. There was a guy they talked to in jail that lost his job and turned to selling drugs to support himself and he was sent away for life and you would’ve never suspected him of being a drug dealer. People are pushed to do these things because they see no better alternative. If I were in the same situation as these people growing up in those conditions it would be extremely hard for me to get out and I would most likely do what others did to make a living. But it is tough to say what exactly I would do because I fortunately never had to go through the same things as these people. There are many things that need to be done to fix the problems highlighted in the film. For one more funding for education in those areas would help the kids to get better jobs and follow career paths. Another would be bringing high-paying jobs to the area such as manufacturing. Once people don’t have to worry if they can eat tomorrow and they have a job to go to they won’t turn to selling drugs because they have better ways of making money.
In the film, social inequality is one of the main focuses that is discussed. In particular, the film spends a lot of time focusing on the impact of the War on Drugs on black families. An example given is that the penalty for being caught with crack cocaine is more severe than powdered cocaine, even though crack cocaine is less pure than powdered cocaine. This policy affects primarily black communities since crack is mostly used in lower-class, black communities. One of the structural obstacles that put people at a disadvantage is the number of fathers in prison, mostly related to drug charges. It is very difficult for a family to survive when one parent cannot provide income, along with performing their jobs as a parent. It is even more profound when many children grow up without fathers, as the amount of father figures in the community is low, with drug dealers most likely becoming role models. If I were born in Yonkers, I would not be where I would today. I feel like the quality of education I received during my youth would not be the same if I were born there. As such, I believe that my opportunities to succeed would be dramatically reduced. I feel like the biggest problem to solve is decriminalizing drugs and offering treatment and services instead of locking people up.
The war on drugs in American is taken way to serious. For all the people in jail and prison due to drug possessions and charges the rates among race are so staggered. More then half of the arrests and people spending time in jail are importunately African American. The amount of patrol cars and police working in the force just show how brutal and racially motivated they are to raise the number of arrests. Yes this may happen just by the stereotypical mindset of a white police officer when it comes to a black man. In the film is showed what it is like to live in those neighborhoods wealthy people move and want far away. Not many options of work are available to those. Lower financial gain the more they would use drugs to cope which could be common sense. Especially distribution to make ends meet. If I lived in a place like that 77 tower in Yonkers, my likely hood would be similar to most. Not in college right now. Working paycheck to paycheck. Probably wouldn’t own a car or bike. My life would most likely be completely different. This movie displayed so many problems it’s hard to remember all. But it makes me want to do more to help. Even if it’s something little those who are truly struggling in lower financial economic places create a burden for life to exist and thrive without police in their lives and their lives being at risk for greater danger.
The film that we watched in class, “The House I Live In”, had relations of social inequality are highlighted by targeting certain races will making drug arrests. It’s crazy that African Americans only take up 14% of Americas population, but 40% are in prison. I never realized how much of an impact selling or using drugs has on American citizens, especially the amount of people involved. This film opened my eyes on the war on drugs that has been happening for centuries apparently. It shows a great example of how victims of the drug war had to live. But then this brings up the idea with criminals growing up from negative environments. If I grew up in the 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers, I would most likely be stuck in the chain of the drug war. This has nothing to do with our personality or who you are as a person. It’s determined by your surroundings, even if its not your choice.
In the film we watched in class, “The House I Live In,” social inequity is highlighted throughout the entire film. The people in this film grew up in an area where they did may not have had things available to them unlike others who have these things readily available. For example, the people presented in this film did not have a family support system at home to lead them in the right direction. Because of this, they would end up getting themselves involved in crime and would find a way to make money this way (ex. selling drugs). Although, they would end up getting locked up for the things they did, sometimes for their entire life without the ability of parole. This film included perspectives on both sides of the spectrum, the law enforcement and people who were personally affected by the war on drugs. Personally, if I were to grow up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers, I would most likely end up in a similar position as the people in the film. It is easy to think that I would be able to get myself together and be able to become successful. In reality, it wouldn’t be that easy. I would most likely face similar problems that were mentioned in the film and would have to end up doing the things they did. I feel like the best way to help these people is not to lock them up, but help create better communities for them to live in. In turn, this could possibly change their ways and start going in the right direction. This was a very interesting film to watch and really opened my eyes about things I have never thought about before.
This film talked about a lot of different things as well as showed a lot of different perspectives. After watching it I think the war on drugs helps nobody except the government getting money. After watching where these people grew up from, they had no opportunity to ever get out of where they grew up. They had no role models, and they had no ways to make money unless they were selling drugs. And then the police would come up in there and destroy their lives by arresting them and taking them to jail. The kids would look up to the drug dealers because those were the guys who always had all the money. The war on drugs helps nobody except the government by collecting money. And I will never judge anyone again until I know their entire situation of what is going on. People who make these laws and send the police to arrest them have never experienced what these people are going through, and it is very sad but it’s true. Instead of collecting money from the poor, they should go out and help the communities with finding jobs and cleaning up the area. This film really opened my eyes up to the truth, the people who live in those circumstances have no other option.
Drug usage in America is depicted in the movie “The House I live in.” In addition to comments from police officers and those who work in the legal system, this movie also includes viewpoints from those who had personal experiences. I get the impression from seeing this movie that those involved in the drug war are doing everything they can to be successful. Yes, it’s a widespread idea that drug users and dealers are horrible people, but we need to focus on a smaller group of individuals in order to explain why this occurs frequently in areas with broken economies. People who often live in these places either use or sell drugs since it is the only way they can earn a living and continue to exist in the misery and suffering brought on by their upbringing in poverty. People who sell drugs believe that this is the only way they can make money and leave these poor areas. In the movie, it was depicted that kids and teenagers in these areas get joyful when a drug dealer passes by because they receive cash and gifts to give to individuals who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to acquire what they need it or desire it. By having this happen, it is demonstrated that kids idolize drug dealers and are led to believe they can get anything they desire by selling drugs. Do I think that they want to succeed and getting out is what they want to do? Yes, of course I do, but when something is so cherished in childhood, individuals tend to believe that it is the only and simplest way to escape certain situations.
In the film “The House I Live In,” the relationship between social inequality and drug abuse is highlighted throughout the film. Based on the situation someone is brought up in, there are obstacles that they can face. A kid being in a neighborhood where drug use is high, can then later in life be in that same situation. What different people see at different ages will affect the type of person they will become. Being so young and witnessing people sell drugs will relate back on those younger generations. If you are so used to seeing drugs being used and nothing else that has a positive impact, you will end up doing that negative thing. Drugs are not only seen just from younger people, but also from older. Transitioning from a job where you made good money, but then making less to a point where you can not own a home is why some people turn to the use of drugs. They can not deal with that struggle and also may see drugs as a money maker. I feel it is not appropriate to say that anyone can get out of a situation they do not want to be in. That is clearly not the case. Most people do not desire the use of drugs, but turn that way based off their challenges in life.
“The House I Live In” captures the harsh reality of drug abuse today. This film contains personal stories of many different people from various places and crimes. This allows viewers to get a sense of how victims of the drug war have to live. It shows that these people are working hard and trying their best to be successful but are being consumed by the drug abuse in their environment. This brings attention to the theory that criminals rise from their negative environments. For example, if I grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers, I would most likely be involved in the drug war. It has nothing to do with your personality or who you are as a person. It is determined by your surroundings. It isn’t necessarily a choice, but more of a bad situation. A key problem presented in this film is the harsh punishments. These victims are getting harsher sentences than necessary for such small drug busts. It is unnecessary and isn’t helping fix the overall drug problem.
In the film The House I Live In there are social inequalities highlighted throughout the entire film because in the areas they film it is poverty areas in big cities that the population is majorly minorities. The police focus on these areas the most as well and continue to bust the lower class. These people involved in the drug war are trying to be successful, but it is hard because nothing has been handed to them and they are living in areas it is almost impossible to get out of, so they resort to drugs to either make themselves feel better or they sell the drugs to be able to survive their everyday life. The structural obstacles in this film were people growing up with low income families, losing family members, and being born into areas with high crime numbers. If I grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers my life would be completely different because of the job opportunities and the cost of living in this area do not meet well with each other and seeing the crime around me would most likely make me do the same things. What could be done to address the problem in this film could be to understand what these people are going through and provide them with help and to make the areas being targeted by law for being issues in the drug war not the only areas being observed as these are not the only areas that need help and are doing this.
I never realized how much of an impact selling or using drugs could have on all citizens of America. “The house we live in” opened my eyes to the war on drugs that has been going on for about half a century. It made me realize how poverty stricken communities of color tackled daily struggles to keep themselves from getting arrested. Our drug policies victimized struggling members of the society whose choices were limited to just selling drugs in order to make a living. The War on Drugs has accounted for more than 45 million arrests, made America the world’s largest jailer, and damaged poor communities. Yet for all that, drugs are cheaper, purer, and more available today than ever before. Filmed in more than 20 states, it captures stories from individuals at all levels, the dealer to grieving mother, the narcotics officer to the senator, and the inmate to the federal judge, revealing profound human rights implications. They would be able to fix the problems in these movie by lightening up the punishments these individuals are getting. They are getting very harsh punishments and times for small drugs busts. If our justice system would look at it more as they are using these drugs to survive and make a living things might be sentenced differently.
The house I live in was a really good documentary movie. I thought it highlighted good points of community and drugs or in other words the war on drugs. Only about 14 percent of African American make up the US population, while 40 percent of them are incarcerated. It’s unfortunate to say that mainly Hispanics and blacks are the main targets to blame for the war on drugs. However, majority white people have been found to blame for it. The film shows how a lot of people involved with drugs got very harsh punishments or sentences in prison when really it’s uncalled for. Depending on the kind of drugs or the situation, maybe the years should vary. But for drugs like weed or someone selling it here and there and then getting caught, shouldn’t result in 20 years in prison for example. There are much more serious crimes being committed out there that those 20 years could be placed onto rather than someone selling weed.
Throughout the film “The House I Live in” there are many relations of social inequality highlighted. The film is set in areas that are mainly lower class and living in poverty. The relations of social inequality in this film tie into the structural obstacles to success. The film discusses a lot about how many people were born into families that affiliated with drugs. Some mentioned that they never realized the danger and bad that drugs had because they grew up with it and thought that it was okay to partake in, because their family did. If I grew up in 77 Cromwell Towers in Yonkers, I probably would have had similar outcomes as those in the film. If my family was involved with drugs and other crimes and did not teach me the wrongfulness of it, I would most likely follow their footsteps. To solve the problems that are discussed in this film, I think that we need to start with the youth. Providing resources and activities for children to do to keep them away from drugs and other crimes can help them have a more successful future.
Relations of social inequality are highlighted in the film by targeting certain races when making drug arrests. It’s insane that African Americans make up only 14 percent of the U.S. population but a staggering 40% of them are in prison. Along with Hispanics who make up a little over 16% of the population and approximately 20% of them are in prison. This startling information only further shows that the drug problem is misrepresented because only minority groups are being prosecuted in the media and prison systems for it. Throughout the film the recurring theme is that low level drug offenders are being prosecuted with the harshest punishments and which is why our prisons our overpopulated. The film presented an interesting view that people using drugs like housewives/other citizens in the past seemed more like a public health issue vs a criminal justice one. When today drug offenses are only seen as a criminal justice problem when maybe it should change to a rehabilitative one. Drug laws were intended to penalize people who were addicted to drugs rather than to assist them in overcoming their addiction. The film thrived this idea because people are living this reality everyday. I think if the criminal justice system tried to view drug addicts with more of a rehabilitative view rather than a restorative view it could really change the drug epidemic in the United States. Rather than giving low level drug offenders the highest punishments which in turn overpopulates our prisons, maybe still charging them with an appropriate sentence while getting them into a program could potentially help every party involved.