During the 19th century, prisoners had no rights nor any opportunity to live semi-comfortably. The Auburn system established several characteristics that were unique to the world of disciplinary conditions. Silence was the biggest factor among rules for the prisoners. John D. Cray, a deputy warden at the Auburn Prison, and Elam Lynds, agent and keeper, demanded that prisoners be completely silent to take away the prisoners’ “sense of self” and prevent solidarity from forming between the prisoners as they were forced to labor. Prisoners were not allowed to speak to one another while at work, in line, or while in their cells.
**The prison had many sightseers in the 19th century.** The goal of this system was to instill good work habits and ideas of industry that were supposed to be rehabilitative. **Tourists could visit the prison for a fee, adding to the prison’s profits. Adults in the 1840s could visit for twenty-five cents, whereas children could enter for half the adult price.** Prisoners were not allowed to speak or look at tourists during these visits.
Auburn System – Wikipedia
The_Eleser on
I’d prefer Freud’s therapy over earlier types of psychological rehabilitation for $200 Alex!
KissTamer on
It’s wild how uncomfortable truths about the prison system are often met with curiosity instead of outrage.
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Context: Auburn Prison System
During the 19th century, prisoners had no rights nor any opportunity to live semi-comfortably. The Auburn system established several characteristics that were unique to the world of disciplinary conditions. Silence was the biggest factor among rules for the prisoners. John D. Cray, a deputy warden at the Auburn Prison, and Elam Lynds, agent and keeper, demanded that prisoners be completely silent to take away the prisoners’ “sense of self” and prevent solidarity from forming between the prisoners as they were forced to labor. Prisoners were not allowed to speak to one another while at work, in line, or while in their cells.
**The prison had many sightseers in the 19th century.** The goal of this system was to instill good work habits and ideas of industry that were supposed to be rehabilitative. **Tourists could visit the prison for a fee, adding to the prison’s profits. Adults in the 1840s could visit for twenty-five cents, whereas children could enter for half the adult price.** Prisoners were not allowed to speak or look at tourists during these visits.
Auburn System – Wikipedia
I’d prefer Freud’s therapy over earlier types of psychological rehabilitation for $200 Alex!
It’s wild how uncomfortable truths about the prison system are often met with curiosity instead of outrage.