Poussey Washington was a beloved fictional character on the hit Netflix series “Orange is the New Black.” Her character was played by actress Samira Wiley, who brought her to life with remarkable grace and authenticity. Unfortunately, Poussey’s tragic fate on the show reflects the experiences of many real-life women who are incarcerated in the United States.
In the world of OITNB, Poussey was a fiercely loyal friend, a talented writer, and a passionate advocate for justice. She also happened to be a black lesbian, which made her a target for discrimination and abuse from both fellow inmates and the prison staff. Despite the challenges she faced, Poussey remained resilient and determined to make the most of her time in prison.
However, in the fourth season finale, Poussey’s life is cut tragically short when she is accidentally suffocated by CO Baxter Bayley during a peaceful protest. The scene is a devastating reminder of the many ways that the criminal justice system fails to protect the lives and dignity of incarcerated people, particularly those who are marginalized by their race, gender, sexuality, or othr factors.
While Poussey’s death may be fictional, the reality of prison deaths in the United States is all too real. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there were over 4,500 deaths in state and federal prisons between 2015 and 2019. Many of these deaths were the result of medical neglect, suicide, or violence from other inmates or prison staff.
Moreover, the racial disparities in the criminal justice system mean that black and brown people are disproportionately impacted by these deaths. Black men are nearly three times more likely to die in prison than white men, while black women are twice as likely to die as white women. LGBTQ+ people are also at higher risk of violence and abuse while incarcerated, with transgender women of color facing some of the highest rates of violence and harassment.
So what can be done to prevent more deaths like Poussey’s? One key solution is to reduce the overall number of people who are incarcerated in the first place. Mass incarceration has been shown to be ineffective at reducing crime, and it comes at a tremendous cost to individuals, families, and communities. Alternatives like community-based supervision, restorative justice, and drug treatment programs have been proven to be more effective and more humane.
Additionally, we need to hold the prison system accountable for the deaths that occur behind bars. This means increasing transparency around deaths in custody, improving medical care and mental health services for incarcerated people, and holding prison staff and administrators accountable for instances of violence or neglect. Advocacy groups like the ACLU, the Sentencing Project, and JustLeadershipUSA are working to push for these reforms at the national level.
Ultimately, Poussey’s story is a powerful reminder of the humanity and dignity of incarcerated people, and of the urgent need for reform in the criminal justice system. By listening to the voices of those who have been impacted by the system, and by working to create a more just and equitable society for all, we can honor Poussey’s memory and ensure that her death was not in vain.
Was There A Real Poussey Washington?
Poussey Washington was a fictional character created for the popular Netflix series “Orange is the New Black.” The character was portrayed by Samira Wiley and appeared in all four seasons of the show. While the character and her story arc were not based on a real person, the issues surrounding her character, including racism, police brutality, and the mistreatment of prisoners, are all too real and continue to affect many individuals and communities in the United States. It is important to recognize the impact of these issues and to take action to support those who are affected by them.
Who Was Poussey Washington Based On?
Poussey Washington, a beloved character from the hit Netflix series “Orange is the New Black,” was loosely based on a real-life person. The show’s creator, Jenji Kohan, revealed that the character was inspired by a woman named Poussey Brown, who was a close friend of the show’s consulting producer, Hartley Voss. Brown was a writer and activist who died at the age of 31 in 2013, just a few months befre the show’s debut. While the character Poussey Washington is not a direct representation of Brown, she was created as a tribute to her friend, and the show’s writers aimed to capture Brown’s spirit and energy in the character’s portrayal.
What Actually Happened To Poussey Washington?
Poussey Washington, a character in the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black,” was accidentally suffocated by CO Baxter “Gerber” Bayley during a peaceful demonstration in the cafeteria. The demonstration was organized by the inmates to protest Captain Desi Piscatella’s unfair treatment of the inmates. During the demonstration, inmates stood on tables and held hands as a sign of solidarity. However, Bayley, who was inexperienced and overwhelmed by the situation, pinned Poussey to the ground, causing her to suffocate. This tragic event led to a series of events that affected the inmates and the prison administration.
What Was Poussey’s Crime?
Poussey Washington was convicted of criminal trespassing and possession of cannabis with the intent to distribute. As a result of her actions, she was sentenced to six years in prison.
Conclusion
Poussey Washington’s fictional story in Orange is the New Black is a reflection of the harsh realities faced by many women in the American prison system. Her accidental death at the hands of a correctional officer during a peaceful protest highlights the need for prison reform and the importance of addressing systemic injustices withn the criminal justice system. As allies and accomplices, it is important to support organizations and initiatives that work towards prison reform and advocate for the fair treatment of incarcerated individuals. Poussey’s story serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
