American reacts to German Prisons

Thank you for watching me, a humble American, react to German prisons compared to American

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[perfectwindy]

Main difference is that German prisons are meant to (re-)educate people so that they won't commit crimes in the future. American prisons are private, for profit organisations, that require a certain amount of prisoners to run profitably.

[fairgreen]

In another video a scandinavian officer said, most prisoners will be out one day, and they may be your neighbor. So you want them to come out well adjusted and equipped to lead a better life, not the other way around.

[SaschaBielicke]

In germany it's all about rehabilitation, integration und fallback prevention. If you doesn't train someone how to act in public, how to get a life outside the prison, how to handle some conflicts - how can you expect someone who get free after 5-10 years to get it right in the free life? Treat people like humans not like animals is a very important imho

[HansJoachimMaier]

My dad spent a couple of years in prison. As a professional chef, he was rather privileged. He told me that the punishment was not about being in the facility, it was about the feeling of having no freedom. That was what made the prison a punishment for him.

[TehCapsE]

Fun fact: Most of the prisoners still say "getting out of prison" is there biggest wish even though it's "nice" just thinking about all the stuff they miss out on (family birthdays, vacations, taking a walk in a different park for a change, ...) is still a hell of a punishment.

[Soguwe]

Prisons aren't supposed to be bad places
The punishment you got was being in prison
You already got your ability to leave stripped away
Everything beyond is just senseless torture

[itskyansaro]

German Prisons aren't just nicer, they actively try to give the inmates new options. Theres Therapy, Courses, classes, sports. The inmates are encouraged, to take the time in prison to reeducate themselves and leave their past behind, so they can have a perspective on Life when they leave prison. Actually a lot of Prisons in Europe follow that philosophy and the goal is to minimize the amount of repeat offenders.

[tosa]

The first article of our Basic Law/Constitution guarantees human dignity. Our entire legal system is based on it.

[blondkatze]

I once saw a report on tv about younger men being in jail in Germany, which was very interesting. What i found very good, that in prison they could train as cooks, carpenters, gardeners, etc. and were encouraged to do so. They also had contacts with whom they could share their problems, which is also very important for young men. 🙂

[tioforu]

„The dignity of man is inviolable“ is the first articel in the German constitution :)

[matthiaslangbart]

It's actually logical how it's done in Germany. The guardians want well-behaving prisoners so the first thing they give the prisoners is something to lose! They give them books they like, they give them a TV, they give them flowers and green plants, once a week a meal of their choice and a few other little things the prisoners will definitely lose if they don't behave! In America there's actually nothing prisoners have left to lose, so why should they behave?

[sentiment]

I think I speak for everyone when I say we would love to see longer videos from you ❤

[marion_R]

The American prison system is on the complete wrong way, in my opinion. How can broken souls find their way back into society. They didn't know how to come along without being criminal before prison.
Thank you and Murat!

It would be interesting to see what prisoners lifes could be after German / versus American jail.

[Kowalski]

I highly suggest you watch the video Murat sent you, it's highly educating and I think most of us won't mind a longer reaction video

[piiinkDeluxe]

The thing is if you treat people like they're worthless, they'll act like that.
And it gives them the feeling they have nothing to lose. So committing crimes is more likely.

[digiay]

I played American football at a club in Northern Germany. We visited a prison and played against the inmates. After that we had a big barbecue together. It was nice to see them as they are and not just as bad people.
I don't think the same system would work in America, especially for repeat offenders. On the other hand prison shouldn't only be punishment but showing them a better way and reintegrate them. Education is a key part. You can learn a trade in prison and complete a apprenticeship.

[danilopapais]

For a country that says it values freedom as much as the US, how do they not understand that taking away someones freedom is already a big punishment (over there it should be considered the ultimate punishment).

[jesja]

"Justiz" is a general german term for the prosecutional apparatus. The translation for justice would be "Gerechtigkeit".

[twinmama]

Restorative justice is often practiced with juvenile offenders. Let's say some teens tag a wall with spray cans and get caught. The judge might order them to clean the wall with brushes (if possible) or (if not possible) to pay for the cleaning - restorative part - and then additionally to do "social hours" e.g. in a care facility - the actual punishment.
It keeps juvenile offenders out of the prison system, reimburses the victims, and lets the offenders make new experiences that may change their life.

[martajosefina]

Finally! But I recommend to watch „the German prison that inspired Connecticut“ from 60minutes (it’s not that long) with more insight and a few interviews with the prisoners and arguments and facts, why those prisons work better!