There are some differences between mass incaceration and slavery. For example, enslaved persons were ALWAYS engaged in hard labor. Today, some incarcerated person ARE required to work but others are NOT required to work. However, Michelle Alexander would say that slavery and mass incarceration are STILL similiar because: Slavery confined entire generation of persons BUT people who visit prisons are free to leave after visiting hours. Slavery relied on international trade BUT mass incarceration does not. Slavery was at it worst BEFORE "hard" drugs (heroin, cocaine) became available. Slavery denied human rights to a large group of people AND mass incarceration denies human rights to a large group of people.

There are some differences between mass incaceration and slavery. For example, enslaved persons were ALWAYS engaged in hard labor. Today, some incarcerated person ARE required to work but others are NOT required to work. However, Michelle Alexander would say that slavery and mass incarceration are STILL similiar because: Slavery confined entire generation of persons BUT people who visit prisons are free to leave after visiting hours. Slavery relied on international trade BUT mass incarceration does not. Slavery was at it worst BEFORE "hard" drugs (heroin, cocaine) became available. Slavery denied human rights to a large group of people AND mass incarceration denies human rights to a large group of people.

		Slavery confined entire generation of persons BUT people who visit prisons are free to leave after visiting hours.
		Slavery relied on international trade BUT mass incarceration does not.
		Slavery was at it worst BEFORE "hard" drugs (heroin, cocaine) became available.
		Slavery denied human rights to a large group of people AND mass incarceration denies human rights to a large group of people.