Incarceration “Reality” Shows: Stereotypes & Exploitation Virtual Event

March 30, 2025 | Virtual

On March 30, 2025, America On Trial Inc. and the #AIRS Campaign joined the Humanization Project and the Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice Research & Policy from Christopher Newport University for a virtual discussion examining the impact of media portrayals of crime, incarceration, and reentry.

The event included a screening of the #AIRS documentary and explored how incarceration-based reality television, including shows such as Love After Lockup, can reinforce harmful stereotypes, exploit justice-impacted people, and contribute to barriers to successful reentry.

The conversation highlighted the importance of ethical, humanizing storytelling that challenges harmful narratives and uplifts the voices and experiences of justice-impacted communities.