60 Minutes Season 39 Episode 30 Innocent, Imus, Maximum Security Education
- April 15, 2007
In episode 30 of the 39th season, 60 Minutes delves into a wide range of topics, starting with the story of three men who were wrongly convicted for a murder they didn't commit and the effect it had on their lives. The trio, Ricky Jackson, Wiley Bridgeman, and Kwame Ajamu, served a combined total of 106 years behind bars before being exonerated. The episode focuses on how the three men have been coping with their new life since their release and how they have adjusted to the world outside the prison.
The second segment of the show examines the controversy surrounding Don Imus and his racially charged remarks that got him fired from his radio show. Imus was a popular radio personality whose show aired for over three decades. However, his comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team caused a public uproar and resulted in his dismissal. The episode examines the debate over whether Imus was unfairly terminated or if the decision was warranted given the nature of his comments.
The third and final segment of the show examines the use of maximum security education as a way to help troubled teenagers. The episode focuses on the lives of teenage boys who are incarcerated in a facility where they receive a rigorous education and military-style training. The show highlights how this type of education can be a powerful tool in helping young people turn their lives around and steer them away from a life of crime.
Overall, this episode of 60 Minutes delves into several complex topics that have significant societal implications. The show provides a nuanced perspective on each issue, exploring both sides of the debate while shedding light on the impact of these issues on real people. Through these segments, the episode provides viewers with a glimpse into the complexities of the criminal justice system, the power of mass media and its influence on public perception, and the potential of education to change lives.