By John Q. Hosedrinker As I reflect on the situation where New York inmates are suing to watch the solar eclipse after the state ordered prisons to be locked down, I find myself grappling with mixed feelings. On one hand, I believe that prisons should serve as places for reform and rehabilitation rather than just punishment. The idea of using privileges such as viewing a rare astronomical event as a way to incentivize good behavior and progress towards reformation resonates with me. Allowing prisoners a brief moment to witness the wonders of nature could be a powerful tool for fostering a sense of humanity and connection to the world beyond the prison walls.
However, the legal argument being made by the inmates, based on religious significance, does raise some questions for me. While I do appreciate that the solar eclipse holds religious importance for many faiths, I can’t help but feel that this should not be the sole basis for granting this request. The focus should be on the shared human experience of witnessing a celestial event that transcends religious boundaries. Allowing inmates the opportunity to witness the eclipse should be about acknowledging their humanity rather than catering to specific religious beliefs.
Furthermore, the lockdown imposed by the state raises concerns about the restrictions placed on inmates and the unnecessary cruelty often seen in prisons. While I understand the need for safety and security measures within a correctional facility, I wonder if the fear of potential incidents or liabilities is overshadowing the basic rights and privileges that could be granted to inmates. Denying them the chance to witness the solar eclipse seems like a missed opportunity to offer a small moment of respite and connection to the outside world.
In the end, I believe that the decision on whether or not to allow inmates to watch the solar eclipse should be guided by a balance of fairness, safety, and humanity. Instead of viewing it as a punishment or a luxury, it should be seen as an opportunity for growth, reflection, and a reminder of our shared humanity. Prisons should not be devoid of all privileges and experiences that make us feel human. It’s truly a shared human event, and denying inmates the chance to witness it feels like a missed opportunity for fostering empathy, connection, and a sense of commonality among all people, regardless of their circumstances. As I reflect on the situation where New York inmates are suing to watch the solar eclipse after the state ordered prisons to be locked down, I find myself grappling with mixed feelings. On one hand, I believe that prisons should serve as places for reform and rehabilitation rather than just punishment. The idea of using privileges such as viewing a rare astronomical event as a way to incentivize good behavior and progress towards reformation resonates with me. Allowing prisoners a brief moment to witness the wonders of nature could be a powerful tool for fostering a sense of humanity and connection to the world beyond the prison walls.
However, the legal argument being made by the inmates, based on religious significance, does raise some questions for me. While I do appreciate that the solar eclipse holds religious importance for many faiths, I can’t help but feel that this should not be the sole basis for granting this request. The focus should be on the shared human experience of witnessing a celestial event that transcends religious boundaries. Allowing inmates the opportunity to witness the eclipse should be about acknowledging their humanity rather than catering to specific religious beliefs.
Furthermore, the lockdown imposed by the state raises concerns about the restrictions placed on inmates and the unnecessary cruelty often seen in prisons. While I understand the need for safety and security measures within a correctional facility, I wonder if the fear of potential incidents or liabilities is overshadowing the basic rights and privileges that could be granted to inmates. Denying them the chance to witness the solar eclipse seems like a missed opportunity to offer a small moment of respite and connection to the outside world.
In the end, I believe that the decision on whether or not to allow inmates to watch the solar eclipse should be guided by a balance of fairness, safety, and humanity. Instead of viewing it as a punishment or a luxury, it should be seen as an opportunity for growth, reflection, and a reminder of our shared humanity. Prisons should not be devoid of all privileges and experiences that make us feel human. It’s truly a shared human event, and denying inmates the chance to witness it feels like a missed opportunity for fostering empathy, connection, and a sense of commonality among all people, regardless of their circumstances.