“If you’re not ready to die for it, put the word ‘freedom’ out of your vocabulary(Malcolm X )”

Introduction

Hi, my name is Tiara Christopher, and today I’m sharing a personal reflection on my brief but eye-opening experience with incarceration. I’ll connect my own experience to the 1971 Attica riot, focusing on the disparities in prison conditions and systemic injustices that resonate with both historical and personal contexts.

Attention Getter

Did you know that the Attica riot of 1971 remains one of the bloodiest prison uprisings in U.S. history? While the prisoners at Attica endured unimaginable conditions for years, my short stint in jail provided a glimpse into systemic issues that reflect broader, long-term problems faced by inmates.

Background

In her book Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and its Legacy, Heather Ann Thompson describes the harsh conditions at Attica Correctional Facility, where prisoners faced brutal and inhumane treatment. Their demands for basic human rights went unmet, leading to the riot. Reflecting on this, I realize how even a few days in jail revealed deep-seated issues in the prison system that echo those faced by Attica prisoners.

Transition

So, while my three days in jail don’t compare to the years many prisoners endured, the conditions I faced offer insight into the systemic flaws that persist. Here’s a personal account of what I experienced.

Main Points1. Inadequate Basic Needs

During my time in jail, I faced severe issues with basic necessities. I was starving myself because the food was so inedible, and I refused to drink from a communal water fountain that was shared by many. A high-power individual, who I believe saved my life, provided me with bottled water. Without this help, I would have continued to deteriorate rapidly. By the end of my three days, I had lost 25 pounds, dropping from 115 to 90 pounds, looking like a corpse or someone on drugs. This was a stark contrast to the proper care and resources one might expect.2. Inhumane Conditions

My experience with inhumane conditions included restricted phone access. Although some guards allowed me to use the phone, others denied it, claiming it was unnecessary. Out of the seven women in my cell, I was the only one with someone to call, highlighting a disparity in support and access among inmates. Adding to the inhumane environment, the guards would discuss their dinner plans, bringing in food that smelled so good it lingered through the cell—tacos, chicken, and other tempting items. This contrast between their privileges and our deprivation mirrored the larger issues of neglect and disrespect that fueled the Attica uprising.3. Respect and Dignity

The lack of respect extended beyond food and phone access. Guards had their own privileges while we were treated with disdain and subjected to harsh conditions. This disparity emphasized how systemic injustice dehumanizes inmates, reinforcing a cycle of disrespect and neglect. The comparison to the Attica conditions underscores that while my experience was brief, it still revealed a troubling pattern of disregard for prisoners’ basic human needs and dignity.

Conclusion

My brief encounter with incarceration, though not comparable to the years faced by Attica prisoners, highlighted the persistent issues within the prison system. The Attica riot was a cry for justice that went largely unanswered, reflecting systemic failures that continue to affect prisoners today. As Malcolm X once said, “If you’re not ready to die for it, put the word ‘freedom’ out of your vocabulary.” This quote captures the essence of why addressing these systemic issues is crucial for ensuring that justice and humanity prevail in all aspects of our legal system.

Thank you for joining me as we explore these important issues and their relevance to ongoing struggles for justice and dignity.