In September of 1971, a group of inmates at the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York staged a rebellion that would go down in history as one of the most notorious prison uprisings in American history. The events of those four days would leave 43 people dead, including 10 correctional officers and civilian employees, and would spark a national conversation about the state of the American prison system.
In 1991, High Times magazine published a special issue titled “ATTICA! ATTICA!” that took a deep dive into the events of the uprising and its aftermath. The issue featured interviews with former inmates, correctional officers, and family members of those who were killed, as well as essays by prominent activists and scholars.
One of the most striking things about the High Times issue is the way it humanizes the inmates who participated in the rebellion. Rather than portraying them as mindless thugs or criminals, the magazine presents them as individuals who were pushed to their breaking point by the dehumanizing conditions of the prison system.
Many of the inmates who participated in the uprising were serving long sentences for nonviolent crimes, and had been subjected to brutal treatment by correctional officers. They were fed substandard food, denied medical care, and forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. When they attempted to voice their grievances through peaceful means, they were met with violence and intimidation.
The Attica uprising was sparked by a series of incidents that took place on September 9th, 1971. A group of inmates overpowered a guard and took him hostage, then used his radio to broadcast their demands for better living conditions and more humane treatment. The inmates also demanded that outside observers be allowed into the prison to witness the conditions firsthand.
The state of New York initially attempted to negotiate with the inmates, but after several days of tense negotiations, Governor Nelson Rockefeller ordered state troopers to storm the prison. The troopers used tear gas and live ammunition to retake the prison, resulting in the deaths of 29 inmates and 10 correctional officers and civilian employees.
The aftermath of the Attica uprising was marked by controversy and legal battles. The state of New York was sued by the families of the inmates who were killed, and eventually settled for $12 million. The state also faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with many arguing that the use of force was unnecessary and that the inmates’ demands could have been met through peaceful means.
The legacy of the Attica uprising is still felt today, as the American prison system continues to be plagued by issues of overcrowding, violence, and inhumane treatment. The High Times issue on Attica serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of these issues, and the need for reform in our criminal justice system.
In conclusion, High Times Presents “ATTICA! ATTICA!” (1991) is a powerful and informative look back at one of the most infamous prison uprisings in American history. The issue humanizes the inmates who participated in the rebellion, and sheds light on the dehumanizing conditions that led to their actions. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of the American prison system, and the ongoing struggle for justice and reform.
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