If you recall there are 6 defined types of modern day slavery:

• Bonded labor

• Child slavery

• Early and forced marriage

• Forced labor

• Descent-based slavery

• Human Trafficking

There is a debate over whether or not Prison Labor in the U.S. should also be considered a form of modern day slavery. In the video below, from 2018, they briefly explore both sides of the issue. The video ends by asking, "So what do you think about prison labor? Is it modern day slavery or a tool for rehabilitation?"

For your assignment, you will answer that question: (a document containing this question along with a few additional directions can be found in our shared folder)

What do you think about prison labor? Is it modern day slavery or a tool for rehabilitation?

Now that we have explored the different types of Modern Day Slavery, and you considered whether or not prison labor should be considered a form of modern day slavery, it is also important to explore the issue that brings about that debate in the first place and that is the issue of Mass Incarceration in the U.S.

In the years prior to the release of the documentary the 13TH, with the help of the Black Lives Matter movement and social media, there was a significant rise in awareness around the amount of prejudice African Americans continue to face in the 21st century. The historical roots of this oppression runs deep, as Ava DuVernay’s documentary the 13TH reveals. The film looks back to the ratification of Amendment XIII, which states, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” DuVernay argues that a prison-industrial complex which statistically imprisons black men disproportionately and allows for their disciplinary servitude, has taken advantage of America’s black population and brings into question if this system ultimately acts as a form of modern day slavery.

The assignment for this documentary can be found in our shared Google folder direct link below.

Shared Folder