The History of Kingston Penitentiary and Its Impact on Canadian Society
Write a six to nine-page (1500-2250 words) essay that relates and applies the course material found in Module Six to two of the online videos.
Videos:
â— Behind the Wall; 2010 (video; 49:00 CC) https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2675576109
â— Life Inside Out; 2005 (video, 1:13:29 CC) https://www.nfb.ca/film/life_inside_out/
Module 6, Section 6.1:
The Kingston area was chosen to be Ontario's first prison because it was centrally located near many southern towns, so prisoners could be cheaply transported there for confinement. Today, the area still hosts six different correctional centers. First called the "Provincial Penitentiary of the Province of Upper Canada," Kingston Penitentiary was built in 1835 as a single, large limestone cellblock with 150 cells in five tiers. It would grow to become the largest public building in Ontario and most of the expansion construction was done by inmate labour not local workers, which explains why "among Kingston workingmen, the emergence of the penitentiary was regarded as an ill wind that blew no good" (Palmer, 1980). (Module 6, Section 6.1, Canada’s Foundational Penitentiaries: Kingston and Stony Mountain)
Introduction
The videos "Behind the Wall" and "Life Inside Out" provide a glimpse into the lives of prisoners at Kingston Penitentiary, one of Canada's oldest and most infamous prisons. The videos document the challenges and struggles that prisoners face, as well as the hope and resilience that they often find within the prison walls.
The History of Kingston Penitentiary
Kingston Penitentiary was built in 1835 as a single, large limestone cellblock with 150 cells in five tiers. It was designed to be a "penitentiary," a place where prisoners would be punished and reformed through solitary confinement and hard labor. The prison was initially used to house prisoners from Upper Canada, but it soon became a national institution.
In the early years, Kingston Penitentiary was a harsh and brutal place. Prisoners were subjected to long periods of solitary confinement, and they were often beaten and abused by guards. However, over time, the prison's conditions improved. Solitary confinement was gradually reduced, and educational and vocational programs were introduced.
The Challenges of Prison Life
Despite the improvements, prison life remains a challenge for many prisoners. The videos "Behind the Wall" and "Life Inside Out" document some of the challenges that prisoners face, including:
- Loneliness and isolation:Â Prisoners are often isolated from their families and friends, and they can feel lonely and isolated.
- Violence and abuse:Â Prisoners are sometimes subjected to violence and abuse from other prisoners or from guards.
- Drugs and alcohol:Â Drugs and alcohol are often available in prison, and they can lead to addiction and violence.
- Mental illness:Â Many prisoners suffer from mental illness, and they may not have access to adequate treatment.
- Education and vocational training:Â Education and vocational training can help prisoners develop skills that will help them find jobs after they are released.
- Religious faith:Â Religious faith can provide prisoners with a sense of hope and purpose.
- Support from family and friends:Â Family and friends can provide prisoners with emotional support and encouragement.
- The desire to change:Â Many prisoners want to change their lives and become productive members of society.