“Descent into Madness” By Mark Colvin

Answers sought What were some of the main contributing factors that led to this outbreak of violence? How did the history and social structure in the New Mexico State Penitentiary (as well as the breakdown of that social structure) enable the riot and destruction to occur? Is the prison a microcosm of modern humanity? What, if anything, do the inmates have in common to members of greater society?

Main Ideas Stigmatizing of prisoners as violent is misguided Factors that led to riot: *Poor Conditions *Breakdown in inmate-administration relationship *Inconsistency with discipline *Snitch System, punitive

Methods Used Survey Method Historical Method (Examined history of State Prisons as well as context of environment in New Mexico Penitentiary).

Major Findings The fear created by violent confrontations led to inmates who *submitted to exploitation inmates (“punks”) *Protection from officials (“snitches”) *Became leaders of violent movements (“good people”). Inmates vied for violent reputations Fragmentation of inmate society Competition for quantity/quality killings during riot Shift of tactics for inmate control, formation of violent cliques main causes

Discussion questions What types of social dynamics do you see that emerged in the prison that contributed most to the riot? Do you think the disorganized nature of the riot amplified the violence? How does this incident relate to greater society? Why does the author include all the graphic descriptions of the riot, even down to the specific times that certain events occurred? Does this enhance his points?