If we cannot establish a world government, why not focus on reforming some of the most notorious prison systems in the world, such as those in Latin America and China? These prisons, often described as modern-day concentration camps, bear an unsettling resemblance to the brutal conditions of Nazi-era facilities. The idea of creating a global prison system may seem ambitious. But it addresses a crucial need: not only to prevent the torture and abuse of inmates but also to ensure that prisons serve their rehabilitative purpose. In a world where human rights are frequently violated behind bars, a unified approach to prison reform could set a new standard for justice and humanity across the globe.
The current state of these prisons reveals a grim reality – overcrowding, violence, and rampant corruption are endemic, leading to environments where survival often depends on alliances with criminal gangs or paying off guards. In many cases, these facilities lack basic necessities such as adequate food, water, and medical care, with prisoners subjected to conditions that would shock the conscience of any civilized society. These issues are not isolated incidents. But they are part of a systemic problem that has persisted for decades, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reform.
Corruption, ineffective governance, dehumanization
Moreover, the conditions in these prisons reflect broader societal issues, such as deep-rooted corruption, ineffective governance, and the dehumanization of those who fall afoul of the law. Reforming these systems would not only improve the lives of countless inmates. But also strengthen the rule of law and promote greater social stability in regions plagued by violence and unrest. A global prison system could serve as a model for how nations can collaborate to uphold human rights. And also ensure that we administer justice fairly and humanely.
The imprisonment in respective countries is loosely (in terms of criminals) a highly functioning deterrent. However, it is social inequality that brings crime.
Prison should be tough, shouldn’t it?
John Howard was a philanthropist and prison reformer in the 18th century. His work and observations led him to conclude that the conditions of prisons were inhumane and that such cruelty did not serve as an effective deterrent to criminal behavior. He advocated for more humane treatment of prisoners and significant reforms to the prison system. So well, the mob is wrong.
We can prove all of this now by heavy statistics. One point goes for the global prison system.
British prisons before John Howard
Before the reformative ideas of John Howard took hold, British prisons were notorious for their brutal and inhumane conditions. The most graphic and appalling aspects of these prisons paint a grim picture of life behind bars in 18th-century Britain.
In many prisons, overcrowding was rampant, with men, women, and children often crammed together in filthy, dark, and airless cells. Disease was rife, as prisoners were forced to live in squalor, surrounded by their own waste. The stench of human excrement and rotting bodies was overwhelming, and epidemics like typhus, known as “jail fever,” regularly swept through the prison population, claiming countless lives.
The British horrors
Prisoners were not provided with basic necessities. They had to rely on charity or purchase food and water at exorbitant prices from corrupt jailers. Those who could not afford these basics often starved or were reduced to eating vermin or scavenging from the refuse that littered the prison floors. Chains and shackles were common. And many inmates were kept in irons for prolonged periods, leading to festering wounds and infections.
Violence and abuse were endemic, both from fellow inmates and from the prison guards. Sexual assault was rampant, especially in the mixed-gender facilities, where women and children were vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Torture and corporal punishment were routinely used to maintain order or extract money from prisoners, with beatings, flogging, and the use of devices like the “iron gag” or “scold’s bridle” being commonplace.
The prison environment was one of hopelessness and despair, where the very walls seemed to breed death and decay. It was into this nightmarish world that John Howard stepped, driven by a determination to expose these horrors and advocate for a more humane and just penal system. His efforts would eventually lead to significant reforms. But the images of the pre-reform British prisons remain a stark reminder of the cruelty that once reigned within their walls.
Comphrehensive studies
The relationship between incarceration rates, social inequality, and the effectiveness of prisons as a deterrent has been the subject of extensive research, revealing critical insights into the shortcomings of current penal systems. A comprehensive report by the National Research Council titled The Growth of Incarceration in the United States: Exploring Causes and Consequences (2014) highlights how the dramatic rise in incarceration rates in the U.S. is closely tied to increasing social inequality. The study argues that punitive policies, rather than reducing crime, often exacerbate existing disparities by disproportionately targeting the poor and minorities. This systemic bias has resulted in a cycle where marginalized communities are further disadvantaged by high incarceration rates, entrenching economic and social inequalities.
Bruce Western’s Punishment and Inequality in America (2006) further examines the link between mass incarceration and social inequality, revealing how the U.S. penal system has deepened racial and economic disparities. Western’s research underscores that incarceration disproportionately affects disadvantaged groups, particularly African American communities, thus reinforcing cycles of poverty and marginalization. This dynamic not only questions the fairness of the penal system but also its effectiveness in achieving its purported goals of crime reduction and public safety.
Incarceration not a deterrent
The effectiveness of incarceration as a deterrent to crime is also challenged by various studies. In Do Prisons Make Us Safer? The Benefits and Costs of the Prison Boom (2009), editors Steven Raphael and Michael A. Stoll discuss the limited impact of incarceration on crime reduction. The book argues that while there has been some modest effect on lowering crime rates, the social and economic costs of mass incarceration far outweigh these benefits. The study advocates for alternative approaches, such as social interventions and community-based programs, which have shown greater efficacy in improving public safety.
Similarly, Todd R. Clear, in his study Imprisonment and Crime: Can Both Be Reduced? (2007), argues that high incarceration rates do not effectively deter crime and may, in fact, contribute to increasing crime in the long term by destabilizing communities. Clear’s research supports a reduction in incarceration and a shift towards community-based crime prevention strategies, which are more likely to yield sustainable results in reducing crime and enhancing public safety.
Social services, education, and economic opportunities
The Vera Institute of Justice, in their report The Prison Paradox: More Incarceration Will Not Make Us Safer (2017), also critiques the reliance on incarceration as a crime deterrent. It highlights that its effectiveness diminishes over time. The report emphasizes that investing in social services, education, and economic opportunities is more effective at reducing crime than continuing to expand the prison system. This analysis calls into question the wisdom of mass incarceration policies and advocates for a more holistic approach to public safety. Available at:
These studies collectively underscore a critical conclusion: high incarceration rates, often fueled by and perpetuating social inequality, do not serve as an effective deterrent to crime. Instead, they point to the need for more comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of education, to create a safer and more just society.
Prison as a deterrent? Give me a break
A lot of been describe as the Russian prisoners released from jail commit henious crimes one again when released. And guess what? Do you seriously think they won’t be tortured in such jails? But they still do it.
The 2 kilometers long basswood alley leads to a city called Valdice. While they may not torture in the extend in the communist era, their past is more than dark. Also, Václav Havel was imprisoned there despite I have mixed opinion of him.
Jiří Straka, the Sparakian killer, was brutalized by fellow inmates but notably by correction officers. But even some other inmates felt pity for him. Forced to drink his own urine and blood, he was mock-executed, starved, left in a cold cell, brutally beaten almost to death, poured on with boiling water, and then finally one of the COs proclaimed: “You are alive but you’re not gonna have intercourse anymore!” His testicles were kicked with such power that he underwent castration.
If a prisoner fell out of favor with the COs, they would beat him to death and then hang him, while most of the doctors collaborated by labeling the deaths as suicides.
The prisoners, if they were normal, would conform to the rules. However, they weren’t, they were disobidietnt, defiant, so tens of them died.
Since people are evil, one Czech journalists proclaimed that this is exactly what an absolute power is doing with people. I would strognly diasagree. If they have such power, they would tortured to death every single one of them.
Do we want to act like animals? How come people support it?
Latin American and Chinese jails are notorious for their extreme cruelty, often becoming nightmarish environments where basic human rights are routinely violated. In many parts of Latin America, overcrowded prisons are the norm, with facilities often holding several times their intended capacity. This leads to squalid conditions where inmates sleep on floors, lack adequate sanitation, and are at constant risk of disease outbreaks. Violence is rampant, with gang control within prisons being a common occurrence. Inmates are frequently subject to brutal beatings, sexual assaults, and even murder, either by fellow prisoners or by corrupt guards who turn a blind eye or actively participate in the abuse.
In some Latin American countries, like Brazil and Venezuela, the lack of effective governance has allowed gangs to effectively take over entire prison facilities. Inmates live under the constant threat of violence, with riots and massacres breaking out periodically. These jails often lack access to medical care, and food and water are in short supply, forcing prisoners to rely on family members or engage in dangerous trades for survival. The conditions in these prisons are so dire that they have been condemned by international human rights organizations as inhumane and degrading.
China heading back to the Middle Ages, another reason for global prison system
Chinese jails, particularly those used for political prisoners, are equally, if not more, brutal. The Chinese government is known for its harsh treatment of dissidents, activists, and ethnic minorities like the Uyghurs. Reports from former detainees describe a system where torture is routine, and prisoners are often held incommunicado for extended periods. Methods of torture reported include beatings, electric shocks, forced labor, and psychological abuse aimed at breaking the spirit of the detainee. The conditions in these prisons are often appalling, with overcrowded cells, poor sanitation, and inadequate food. Prisoners are forced to endure grueling workdays, sometimes under hazardous conditions, with little to no compensation.
In China, the notorious “black jails” or unofficial detention centers operate outside the legal system. There those who speak out against the government or seek justice through petitioning are held. These facilities are shrouded in secrecy, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the abuses that occur within them. However, testimonies from survivors paint a grim picture of a system that is designed to crush dissent through fear and brutality.
Both Latin American and Chinese jails are environments where human rights are systematically ignored. And the rule of law is often nonexistent. The cruelty inflicted on prisoners in these regions reflects broader issues of corruption, political repression, and the dehumanization of those who fall afoul of the state or criminal elements within society. The international community continues to call for reforms, but the entrenched nature of these systems means that change is slow and often resisted by those in power.
Do you want to live? Pay! Otherwise, they will get you a lethal injection
In some Latin American prisons, there have been disturbing reports of extrajudicial killings. They gave prisoners lethal drugs as a method of execution. These incidents often involve the use of lethal injections. Toxic substances or overdoses of pharmaceutical drugs, such as sedatives or anesthetics, are administered to induce respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The specific drugs used can vary, but the intention remains the same: to eliminate prisoners under the guise of medical treatment or through other covert means. These actions are not officially sanctioned and occur in a context of severe corruption and lack of oversight within the prison systems.
Such practices highlight the broader human rights abuses prevalent in some Latin American penal institutions, where the lives of prisoners are treated with little regard. The use of poison, overdoses, or unregulated substances as tools of murder reflects deep systemic issues, including corruption among prison officials, the influence of organized crime, and a pervasive culture of impunity. International human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned these actions, but the clandestine nature of these killings makes it difficult to document and address them effectively. The situation underscores the urgent need for reform and greater accountability within the justice systems of these countries.
Scandinavian countries as the finest example
Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, have developed prison systems that are remarkably successful in rehabilitating even the most violent criminals. This success is rooted in a deeply ingrained belief that every individual, regardless of their past actions, possesses the potential for change. This philosophy contrasts sharply with punitive systems focused on retribution, offering instead a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of criminal behavior.
One of the key factors in transforming violent criminals is the emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment. Scandinavian prisons are designed to resemble life outside as closely as possible. They provide humane living conditions that promote dignity and self-worth. Rather than subjecting inmates to harsh, dehumanizing environments, these facilities focus on creating spaces where individuals can reflect, learn, and grow. This approach helps to mitigate the feelings of anger, resentment, and hopelessness that often perpetuate violent behavior.
Individualism in prisons
Individualized treatment plans are central to this rehabilitation process. Upon entering the prison system, each inmate undergoes a thorough assessment to identify the root causes of their behavior. Whether it be trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, or a lack of education. Based on this assessment, a personalized plan is developed, which might include therapy, anger management courses, vocational training, and educational opportunities. By addressing the specific needs of each inmate, these programs work to change the mindset that led to their violent behavior, equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to make better choices in the future.
Another crucial aspect is the role of prison staff, who are not just guards but trained professionals in psychology, social work, and conflict resolution. Their job is to engage with inmates on a personal level. This helps them navigate their rehabilitation journey and preparing them for life after prison. This supportive and empathetic relationship fosters trust and encourages inmates to take an active role in their own transformation, seeing prison not as a place of punishment but as an opportunity for personal development.
The Scandinavian model also incorporates elements of restorative justice, where offenders are given the chance to confront the impact of their actions on victims and the community. This process of acknowledging harm and seeking to make amends can be profoundly transformative, especially for violent offenders who may have never fully understood the consequences of their actions. Restorative justice practices help to break the cycle of violence by promoting empathy and accountability, key components in the rehabilitation process.
Scandinavian socialism does work
Moreover, the societal framework in these countries plays a vital role in the success of their prison systems. Strong social safety nets, including comprehensive healthcare, education, and welfare systems, support former inmates as they reintegrate into society. This post-release support is crucial in preventing recidivism, as it helps former offenders find stable housing, employment, and a supportive community, reducing the likelihood that they will return to a life of crime.
In addition to these factors, the Scandinavian approach recognizes the importance of mental health in preventing violence. Many violent criminals suffer from untreated mental health conditions, which can exacerbate aggressive behavior. Scandinavian prisons provide extensive mental health care, ensuring that inmates receive the necessary treatment to address these issues. By stabilizing mental health, prisons can significantly reduce the risk of future violence, both within the prison and after release.
The success of this model lies in its holistic approach to rehabilitation, combining humane treatment, individualized care, restorative justice, and societal support. It demonstrates that even the most violent criminals can change when given the right environment, tools, and opportunities. This belief in the potential for change challenges the traditional view of punishment, showing that rehabilitation is not just a hopeful ideal but a practical reality that benefits both the individual and society as a whole.
The biggest problem in politics is the stupidity of people
This is a quote by German chancellor Helmut Schmidt and he cannot be more correct. In Scandinavian countries, however, significant public opposition has emerged against proposed prison reforms that aim to further improve conditions for inmates. Critics argue that these reforms are excessively lenient, prioritizing the well-being of criminals over the safety and justice for victims. They contend that investing in better conditions for inmates undermines the deterrent effect of prison and could lead to a lack of accountability for serious crimes.
This opposition is often driven by media portrayals that sensationalize the idea of “luxury” prisons, where violent offenders are perceived as receiving better care and opportunities than law-abiding citizens. Some people raised concerns that taxpayers’ money is being used to coddle criminals rather than deliver justice or support for victims, with fears that such reforms could soften the justice system and potentially increase crime rates if the public believes there are no serious consequences for breaking the law. This debate highlights a deep divide in public opinion over whether prisons should primarily serve as places of punishment or as opportunities for rehabilitation, with reform advocates arguing that these changes will lead to safer communities by reducing recidivism, while opponents worry about eroding the justice system’s moral authority and effectiveness.
Who will pay for it? Cruel, stupid, uninformed public against it
The common population is against it. Let them be. If they want more murders, gross bodily harm, robberies, and so on. Let them have it.
The gruesome conditions that some people advocate for in prisons are often characterized by overcrowded, dark, and filthy cells where inmates live in squalor, surrounded by disease and decay. In such environments, prisoners may suffer from inadequate access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. The lack of sanitation can lead to rampant infections and diseases. While violence and abuse, both from guards and fellow inmates, are commonplace. These prisons are places of fear and hopelessness, where the primary experience is one of dehumanization. Chains, shackles, and other forms of physical restraint are often used excessively, inflicting further suffering on those already condemned to harsh sentences.
Despite the evident brutality and inhumanity of such conditions, there is a segment of the public that supports maintaining or even worsening these environments. This support stems from a belief that harsh prison conditions serve as a necessary deterrent against crime, instilling fear in would-be offenders and ensuring that those who commit crimes are appropriately punished. These advocates often view the suffering of prisoners as just retribution for their crimes, reflecting a desire for vengeance rather than justice. They argue that lenient treatment of inmates undermines the moral fabric of society, believing that comfort or rehabilitation is undeserved by those who have broken the law.
Evolutionary roots of being vindictive
The roots of these sadistic instincts can be traced back to evolutionary psychology. Homo Sapiens developed a propensity for harsh punishment as a means of maintaining social order within early communities. In small, tight-knit groups, where survival often depended on cooperation and mutual trust, severe punishment for transgressions served as a powerful deterrent against behavior that could threaten the cohesion and safety of the group.
Harsh, punitive measures ensured that those who violated social norms were dealt with swiftly, reinforcing group solidarity and deterring others from committing similar acts. This instinct for retribution, deeply embedded in our psyche, was crucial for survival in environments where resources were scarce and threats to the group’s stability were ever-present. Over time, these evolutionary impulses have persisted, manifesting in the modern era as support for harsh prison conditions, even when such approaches are no longer necessary or effective in promoting societal well-being. The challenge today lies in overcoming these primitive instincts in favor of more enlightened, evidence-based approaches to justice that prioritize rehabilitation and the long-term health of society.
However, this mindset is not only misguided but counterproductive. The assumption that harsh conditions effectively deter crime ignores extensive research showing that such environments do little to prevent reoffending and can actually exacerbate criminal behavior. The dehumanization and brutality that prisoners endure can strip them of any chance at rehabilitation, leading to increased anger, resentment, and a higher likelihood of reoffending once released. Moreover, this perspective fails to recognize the basic human rights of all individuals, including those who are incarcerated. The insistence on maintaining or worsening prison conditions reflects a shortsighted and punitive approach to justice, one that prioritizes vengeance over the possibility of positive change and ultimately does more harm than good to society as a whole.
Who will bear the cost, and what are the major obstacles?
The super-rich who control the banks are sociopaths who won’t give a dime. So it is up to the educated, liberal, and humane Western public to bring about change. A Chinese system, where a doctor might insert a needle under your nail, would be infiltrated by new Western COs who would manipulate the native population. There are almost no records of human rights abuses in Hong Kong’s jails, despite its predominantly Chinese population.
And what about China? Well, I am speechless. So it all depends on culture.
Global prison system: Sending COs to Asia
Ensuring humane treatment is an ambitious but necessary goal, especially in a world where the disparity in prison conditions is stark. The central challenge lies in overcoming deeply ingrained practices and beliefs among local prison officers (COs) in regions where human rights are not a priority. In countries like China, where harsh methods are often used to maintain order, introducing Western standards of humane treatment would require significant efforts in re-education and cultural shift. It’s not just about changing policies; it’s about transforming the mindset of those who have long operated within a system that normalizes brutality.
Cultural differences in regions such as South Asia and the Korean Peninsula could also pose challenges. In these areas, where human rights may not be as deeply embedded in societal values, the introduction of a global standard could be met with resistance. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It would require a concerted effort to educate and train local COs, demonstrating the benefits of humane treatment and the long-term stability it brings to societies.
While the task is undeniably difficult, it is not beyond reach. Establishing a global oversight body to monitor and enforce humane practices would be essential, and international cooperation would be key to its success. Despite the challenges, the potential for creating a more just and humane global prison system is within our grasp, provided there is a collective commitment to change and a willingness to address the complexities involved.
How much the Western world cares about human rights? And the super-rich
“We must speak up for human rights. It’s who we are. We can’t—my comment to him [Xi Jinping] was—and I know him well, and he knows me well—no American president can be sustained as a president if he doesn’t reflect the values of the United States,” Joe Biden said.
Nothing, of course, has happened. The super-rich Western banks (and the super-rich families behind them) are interconnected through ownership stakes, shared board members, and secret agreements. This network is used to control global finance, ensuring that a small elite group benefits while the rest of the world remains economically dependent.
Executives from major banks often sit on advisory boards of other financial institutions or related industries, providing strategic advice and sharing insights. These roles, while formal, often lead to informal information exchanges that can benefit their primary institutions.
So use it as a leverage! No, it would cost a lot of money. Even though they claim they are the most enlightened.
But we should also claim these basic rights from the common voter. Nothing happens, right? Torturing people is fun! And now the last thing in the form of statistics: Half of the people (distributed by the Gaussian curve) are rather immoral, a third of people are immoral, around 15 % of people are deeply immoral, and the 1 %, are sociopaths.
Global prison system: not building is criminal itself
Building new buildings, making new environments, and making sure only countries with good human rights records would be in charge.
We need to convince the public that torture shouldn’t be an instrument in this century. We must enlight them with the idea that our prehistorical vindictiveness is not only vital, but we are accomplices to crimes.
If we have to adhere to some moral system, contrary to moral nihilism, we cannot be people being denailed, put in a boiling boiler, put into stress positions, and waterboarded them.
If the super-rich families, their bankers, politicians, journalists, scholars, and other “elites” claim we are superior in adhering and coercing, then please do it accordingly.
Not building a global prison system is criminal in itself.
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