Brandon Smail- Supermax Prison

          As stated at the beginning of the article, “the purpose of Supermax . . . is to turn the prisoner into a nonentity.”  This is done by limiting the ways of knowing.  Without any of the ways of knowing, a person becomes a nonentity.  In Supermax, the first thing that is eliminated is language, since communication is forbidden.  Also, sensory perception is severely restricted, since the prisoners live in one steel and cement block for 23 out of 24 hours a day.  When the ways of knowing are restricted, one’s mind becomes confused.  It goes insane from the lack of input.  According to the article, “(Supermax) is designed to destroy.”  It destroys the mind and the meaning of freedom.    It is a cruel punishment, but the people who are trapped there certainly deserve it.