Part 5/7:

The environment in Pelican Bay underscores the unfortunate reality of prison systems where safety often comes at a cost—the stripping away of human connection and empathy.

## Societal Reflection

The discussions in these prisons force us to reflect on societal values and the judicial system. The diverse spectrum of experiences—from the crowded cells of juvenile detainees to adults entrenched in gang warfare—challenges our perception of justice and rehabilitation.

Prisons like Fleury-Mérogis and Modelo showcase how inmates navigate their daily lives, creating a network of communication and exchange through coded dialogues and makeshift deliveries between cells. This underground economy, although frowned upon, underscores a fundamental element of human nature: survival.