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Questions and Answers
What did Frederick Douglass mean by the Cruel Hand?
The Cruel Hand refers to the harsh and punitive social and legal treatment of marginalized individuals.
How do the civil penalties that follow being labeled a felon lay a heavy hand?
Only 40% of employers consider employing ex-cons.
How are those arrested for felonies discriminated against in housing?
People refuse to give them places to live; 1 strike you're out policy.
How are those arrested for felonies discriminated against in employment?
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What type of debts do those charged with felonies face?
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What happened to Ora Lee Hurley?
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How are TANF and SNAP affected if you are a felon?
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Why do so few felons vote?
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Study Notes
Employment Discrimination
- Frederick Douglass referred to the "Cruel Hand" as a metaphor for systemic oppression faced by marginalized groups.
- Only 40% of employers are willing to consider hiring individuals with felony records, creating significant barriers to reintegration.
Housing Discrimination
- Individuals with felony convictions often experience discrimination in housing, facing rejection based on their criminal history.
- The "one strike you're out" policy leads to widespread denial of housing opportunities for those labeled as felons.
Employment Barriers and Spatial Mismatch
- Ex-felons struggle with employment due to their skills not matching available job opportunities in their area, a phenomenon known as spatial mismatch.
- Many are unable to afford reliable transportation to reach job opportunities that align with their skill set.
Financial Burdens from Felony Charges
- Those charged with felonies often face accumulated debts, including parole fees and late fees, creating a cycle of financial instability.
- Specific cases like that of Ora Lee Hurley illustrate the heavy financial toll felons endure due to multiple fees imposed on them.
Impact on Welfare Programs
- Individuals with felony convictions are generally ineligible for welfare programs such as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) if their charges are drug-related.
Voting Rights Disenfranchisement
- A significant reason for the low voter turnout among felons is the longstanding bans that prevent them from voting, leading to a disenfranchised population that has been excluded from the democratic process.
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Description
Explore the key concepts from Chapter Four of 'The New Jim Crow' by Michelle Alexander with these flashcards. Understand the impact of civil penalties on felons, including employment and housing discrimination. Perfect for anyone studying the complex social issues related to incarceration and race.
