Blog 4 - Orange Is the New Black

Since I've never seen any of the episodes of Orange is the New Black, I decided to watch the first one called, "I Wasn't Ready." This particular episode highlighted Marxists principles; class conflict, alienation.

In the beginning we learn that Piper is submitting herself to prison for a crime she committed 10 years ago. Piper comes from an affluent family. Her family does not want any of their circles knowing she is in prison, so instead they're telling people she's doing work in Africa. By knowing that we assume that her family's reputation is important enough to protect. Piper and her fiance live a lush life in New York, which is assumed by their nice house and the clothes they wear. In the beginning of the episode, we understand that Piper is a stereotypical, privileged, white woman. 

Class conflict comes into effect immediately when Piper is admitted into the prison. During a scene where the corrections officer can't figure out why the camera set up isn't working, Piper makes a suggestion and it was fixed. The officer immediately becomes authoritative (ruling class) again by telling her to "Get your ass over there", after she's just fixed his problem. He even takes a crappy photo of her to boost his ego. Piper is shown around prison by another inmate Morello, who takes her to her room of all white women. This introduces segregation. Morello gives Piper a toothbrush and tells her, "we take care of our own." Morello's statement furthers embellishes that segregation is prevalent in the prison. After Piper received her lunch and was looking for a seat, the camera pans to different tables. We notice a table of only black women and scattered tables of white women. One of the inmates notice her looking for a place to sit and tells her, "Go sit there. She's a nice white lady."

The theory of alienation is highlighted because while Piper was talking with one of the correction officers he tells her to "Keep to herself. Do not make friends. Stay away from the lesbians, you don't need to have lesbian sex." Piper is conflicted because it seems like the only way to survive in prison would be to get to know other inmates, and the fact that she's experienced a lesbian relationship might make her a little squeamish. It seems that alienating herself would be the last thing she'd want to do. If she chose to alienate herself, she would only prove to the other inmates their stereotype of her being a 'fancy' white girl.