March 9, 2013
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Snitch (movie), the Drug War, and a few strongly held opinions
I’ll be honest, I went to see Snitch only because a friend asked, “Hey, you wanna go see this?” and Coart was going to be gone all night doing his UGA thing, so I went.
Snitch is the fictionalization of a real story highlighted on Frontline in a program about the mandatory sentencing drug laws. The movie stars The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) and some other famous people yadda yadda. The film itself isn’t really that great; it’s not terrible, but the acting is awkward at times, the story pacing is a little off, and the ending seems to ignore some obvious questions.
I do think critics might be on to something when they point out that Johnson’s character is clearly supposed to be sympathetic, but his actions endanger so many people throughout the story that I found myself a bit horrified at his cavalier attitude toward others.
I guess if the film manages to raise awareness of the incredible injustices within the drug laws, that would be good. Maybe folks will think differently next time a politician starts ranting about the Drug War, the Inner City, the need to Get Tough On Crime, and other trademarked phrases that whip voters into a frenzy.
In fact, the film is linked to a take action website that’s full of great info-graphic bits about drug laws and their negative effects. The overwhelming majority of drug arrests fail to nab the big kingpins with the plans, the money, and the power. Our cells are full of many people who simply possessed an illegal drug — even tiny amounts can land you 5-10 years in prison.
These mandatory laws overwhelmingly harm minorities.
When you combine mandatory sentencing for simple possession with the state laws that strip felons of many rights once they’re out of jail, you end up with a permanent class of people who will never escape the poverty and distress of an ex-felon’s life.
Do you really think 1 gram of cocaine or LSD is worth that?
I don’t.
The Great War on Drugs is costing us far more than it helps. THAT’s a conversation I’d like to see enter the political sphere.
If you’re interested, I highly recommend reading The New Jim Crow, by Michelle Alexander. You’ll hate it because it’ll make you angry — but it’s a good book.
Currently
The New Jim Crow
By Michelle Alexander
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