I don't even know where to start...
The docu-series is phenomenal. I love an ex-convicted felon being the host of the series for obvious reasons. He brings a level of authenticity to the experience and is able to disarm and engage with the inmates in ways a person who hasn't gone thru the prison system can do.
Those saying that Ralphel is judgmental. Pause and think about this. This man is merely describing to the viewers what he sees, hears, smells, and feels. And he's brutally honest about it. This is a refreshing take that maybe a professionally trained journalist may shy away from. Also, while he is describing situations to the tee and questioning the inmates on their crimes and motives, do not mistaken this as judgmental as some viewers have done. This man is giving us lay-people a front row seat into the thoughts and actions of some of the worst criminals on earth. Sure, Ralphel has his limits - clearly he despise any crimes against women and children, especially murder and sexual assault. This is evident in the South African prison episode. Anyone who is critical of this man over this issue is likely a rapist, sexual abuser, child molestor or a sympathizer. It's gross to criticize Ralphel for having standards in which it makes him uncomfortable to be around rapist who wouldn't think twice about doing it again.
I love how raw this series is. Holy crap some of the footage is really hard to watch or listen to: prisons in the Philippines, South Africa, South America, and Maldova. Whew I don't ever want to even be near anyone breaking the law in these places.
Which brings me to this hard truth. As an African American, it is really hard to admit and even write this but... Good Lord someone needs to hand out capital punishment to all the South African men going around just rapping women and children - and spreading HIV. That prison literally has more than 25% of its pop related to sexual assault against women and children. Just thro that part of the continent in the damn trash! The caviler attitude about their crimes is just stomach turning. God bless Ralphel for sitting thru that experience and not walking out. The world needs to see what these women and children are dealing with... not to mention the high HIV rates from all these inhuman vessels rapping women and children. Something is psychologically wrong with these black men. And don't tell me it's their socio-economic conditions when there are clearly other very m, very poor countries that do not have this percentage of inmates for sexual assault. I'm tired of the pacifist and sympathizers making excuses and blaming everyone but the criminals. Just castrate these men.
Ok carrying on...
I do think this series shed light on what true punishment and/or rehabilitation should look like and what it takes to get there. I do not think men who are sexual predators can be rehabilitated... so just lock their butts up and throw away the key. Even a murderer, depending on the details, can be rehabilitated. And he/she should be rehabilitated if his/she doesn't have a life sentence because these people will have to go back into society. I'd rather have a changed man interacting with society than some angry, drugged up, psycho back into society.
With that said, Greenland and Norway takes it to the extreme; while the Philipeans, South Africa and South America takes it to the opposite extreme. Those European prisons did not feel like punishment or rehabilitation; but rather a vacation for the criminals. The brown and black countries felt inhuman even for the scum who raped women and children. Good lord, I hope these places figure out a balance with this. Victims shouldn't have to see their perps living the lavish like... looking like a high-end hotel; while on the other hand, prisoners who committed crimes shouldn't have to live lower than animals...
Anyhow, I feel like this is a great series to watch. I wish there was more time spent on women inmates as well. This would be very interesting perspective.
I recommend watching it.
