Additionally, the video illustrates the existence of political prisoners here in the United States, something our government has hypocritically denied. We are introduced to these women as our own sisters, mothers, and grandmothers. Most importantly, we are introduced to their eloquent children, and we see the tragedy that occurs daily in this country when the punishment of mothers is also the brutal punishment of their children. This documentary presents staggering figures. Eighty percent of women in prison are mothers, with an average of two dependent children.
Most women serve more time than men for committing the same crime.
With 1.5 million people in prison, women inmates are increasing at a rate far higher than men. This particular prison is so overcrowded that a cell built for one now holds three women. That this video was made at all is a miracle. In the current climate not only would Epperlein have a hard time showing up with a video camera, she would probably be banned from teaching inside prison. This in itself makes this film a rare treasure.