The Hilarious History of Hiding From Your Cellmate: Pennsylvania vs. Auburn Prison Systems
Ah, prisons. Those bastions of reform... or so they once claimed. Buckle up, history buffs (and those who enjoy a good chuckle at the expense of questionable penitentiary practices), because we're diving into the gloriously strange world of the 19th-century prison systems: Pennsylvania and Auburn.
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| THE PENNSYLVANIA vs AUBURN PRISON SYSTEMS What is The Difference Between THE PENNSYLVANIA And AUBURN PRISON SYSTEMS |
Solitary Shenanigans: The Pennsylvania System
Imagine this: you're locked away, but not just behind bars. You're all alone in your cell, with only your thoughts (and maybe some questionable prison food) for company. This, my friends, was the Pennsylvania System, also known as the "separate system." Founded on the principle that isolation would lead to deep reflection and moral awakening (because apparently nobody enjoys their own company), this system kept prisoners in solitary confinement 24/7.
But wait, there's more! The Pennsylvanians believed in keeping things extra spicy. They incorporated a whole smorgasbord of "rehabilitation techniques," including:
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- Silent meals: Munch on that gruel in complete and utter silence. No humming, no whistling, not even a dramatic sigh (fire code violation, apparently).
- Bible bashing: Because nothing says "get your life together" like force-feeding religious texts.
- Spooky silence: Guards would even use sign language to communicate with prisoners, just to hammer home the whole "no talking" thing.
The punchline? This system was a total flop. Turns out, solitary confinement does a number on your mental health. Who knew?
The Chatty Cathouse: The Auburn System
Meanwhile, over in Auburn, New York, they were taking a different approach. The Auburn system, also known as the "silent system," embraced the idea of congregate confinement. Prisoners spent their nights in solitary cells, but during the day, they were forced to work together... in complete silence. Think working on a chain gang, but with the added pressure of maintaining a vow of silence. One wrong grunt, and you're back in solitary!
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
The upside (for the prison, at least)? This system was way cheaper to run than the Pennsylvania model. Plus, all that forced labor meant free stuff for the prison (and probably some corrupt officials).
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The downside? Well, besides the obvious psychological issues, there was a little problem called criminal communication. Turns out, even with a vow of silence, people find ways to chat. Using sign language, tapping codes, or just the power of a good stink eye, prisoners still managed to share their criminal expertise with each other. Oops!
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So, Which System Was Better?
Honestly, they were both terrible. The Pennsylvania system drove people crazy, and the Auburn system was a breeding ground for future criminal masterminds. It was a lose-lose situation!
Thankfully, these bizarre systems have been replaced by more modern approaches to incarceration (although there's still plenty of room for improvement).
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Frequently Asked Questions (Prison Edition, Not Recommended)
How to:
- Avoid solitary confinement? Maybe don't break the law? (Just a suggestion.)
- Become a prison pen pal? These days, there are actual programs for that (without the forced silence).
- Get buff in the slammer? There are probably some push-ups you can do in your cell.
- Escape prison with sign language? In the movies, maybe. In reality, not so much.
- Start a prison gang with your shifty cellmate? Again, not recommended.
There you have it, folks! A crash course in the wacky world of 19th-century prisons. Remember, while these systems may be hilarious in hindsight, they were a dark time in history. Let's hope we keep moving towards more humane and effective ways to deal with crime.
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