JAILHOUSE BLUES

Modern TV shows have proved to be partial toward yardbirds of the American justice system. A good majority of series blatantly portray the grave injustices suffered by federal or community offenders who get railroaded, either by their own making or by emerging winners in the wrong place, wrong time lotto. Some even being set-up and infringed upon by the so-called "Justice System."

Wrongdoers will get Justice, and we hope they do, but what happens when Justice is subject to mere face value and the motivations for pronouncing a punishment involve dirty tricks and more victimization in comparison to the severity of the actual crime itself.

From the days of Michael Scoffield to Bea Smith, we have seen time and again victims in the form of antagonists.

In my opinion, no show captures the reality and diversity of America through its prison system, better than 'Orange is the new Black.'

The show is so well represented and intimately woven that it would work all the same with the gender roles reversed.

Everyone from the Amish, Nation of Islam Member, Lesbians, Mormon, Russian Mob figure/Restauranteur, mom and daughter pair, Hill-billies to Military brats, White Supremacists, Transgenders, the Mentally disabled and Immigrants are all accounted for, alongside Asians, Hispanics, Caucasians and Blacks to state the obvious.

The Eight seasons long TV drama is set around a caucasian girl, Piper, who struggles with her sexuality, a confusion that would inevitably land her in prison. For someone obsessed with taking long baths and caring for her teeth, the contrast from Wallpapers and picket fences to Dingy walls and spirogyra infested bathroom stalls is what we observe through her eyes as viewers.

We see how the most basic primal human instincts can suddenly awaken within us like a latent super-power when our proverbial backs are against the wall. Here, women barter with all they have; their ingenuity, their bodies, their connections.

Piper's intellectual distinction from the other girls comes to bear when she executes the genius idea of starting a 'Worn Panties' business that caters to a strange male sexual fantasy. Business is booming and all necessary palms, greased to ensure continuous locomotion. However, in true American capitalist fashion, her workers form a union to demand better compensation. Piper handles this wrench in the gears by becoming even more cut-throat. Her victory is short-lived as competition rears its ugly head, by so doing destroying her monopoly.

Again it might amuse you to learn that this is done in true American style; by a disgruntled Job seeker in Piper's empire who takes rejection in her stride by forming a rival business and attracting workers with better benefits.

The women of Litchfield all represent family values of Hardwork, Generosity, Loyalty, Compassion, and love. Through their actions, we realize that indeed one cannot get the good without the evil.

Characters came and went throughout the six years of its airing. But only a handful touched our inner beings. I know, I definitely would have loved to taste Red's cooking. I also would have started a go-fund-me campaign for Pennsatucky to help cater to her dental woes, not because I was particularly fond of her(save the last season), but because I couldn't bear looking at her cavity. I sometimes find myself reflecting over The Muslim sister who encouraged her husband to take on a younger wife and was none the wiser for it. Bless Her Soul.

What brings the show to a bizarre climax is the women's unified stand against systemic and patriarchal oppression within the prison walls. Corrupt Wardens and guards demanded their sheep-like obedience in light of sexual harassment, beatings, torture, and forced prostitution.

In Season four, Episode Twelve (first aired in 2016), a young educated, german-speaking black girl is killed by a white correctional officer in precisely the same manner as George Floyd. Her death will prove to be the reason for the anarchy that would eventually define season five.

OITNB and shows like it have achieved one thing. They have pleaded for the side of the prisoner. They have revealed his humane characteristics. They have captured guilt, remorse, but most importantly, innocence.