Ep 6. Incarceration Generation

In "Incarceration Generation," season 2 episode 6 of "Our America with Lisa Ling," the viewer follows Ling as she explores the effects that incarceration has on both prisoners and their families. She begins by visiting a prison in California where she witnesses the overwhelming number of inmates, the poor living conditions, and the lack of programs to help the prisoners reintegrate into society upon their release. Ling meets with a group of inmates who are participating in a parenting program and learns about the challenges they face in maintaining a relationship with their children while incarcerated.

Ling also meets with family members of inmates, including a mother who is raising her grandchildren because her daughter is serving a long sentence. She speaks with a woman whose brother was incarcerated for drug charges and subsequently deported, leaving his children behind in the United States. These stories highlight the ripple effects of incarceration on families and communities.

The episode also addresses the issue of juvenile detention and the school-to-prison pipeline. Ling visits a school that has implemented restorative justice practices, which aim to address the root causes of misbehavior rather than simply punishing students. She also speaks with a mother whose son was incarcerated at age 15 for stealing a bike and how that experience changed his life trajectory.

Throughout the episode, Ling presents statistics about the United States' high incarceration rate, including how it disproportionately affects communities of color. She also speaks with advocates for prison reform who argue for alternatives to incarceration, such as restorative justice programs or drug treatment centers.

Overall, "Incarceration Generation" provides a thought-provoking look at the United States' criminal justice system and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.