Book Review: Yesterday’s monsters: The Manson Family cases and the illusion of parole

• Published date: 01 September 2024
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/0734016821996799
• Author: James M. O’Berry
• Date: 01 September 2024

likely to see CRP as widespread, and Blacks are the least likely to see the practice of CRP as justified.

Data from the 2009 and 2012 Penn State Poll show several reasons why individuals support and

oppose CRP. The use of qualitative data provides insight into the reasons why individuals support

and oppose CRP. Supporters argue that CRP is effective and supported by statistics, while detractors

argue that race is unrelated to shoplifting and that CRP is unconstitutional, relies on stereotypes, and

is ineffective in reducing shoplifting.

Chapter 3 shifts the lens for viewing CRP to the experiences of victims. Using a Philadelphia

survey of CRP victimization, Gabbidon and Higgins highlight the perceptions of shoppers. Black

males and Black females were more than three times as likely as Whites to feel that they had

been profiled because of their race in a retail establishment. Sales associates, management, and secur-

ity personnel were all commonly believed to have been involved in CRP. In addition to documenting

the prevalence of the perception of racial profiling, the authors begin exploring the aftermath of inci-

dents in which shoppers were targeted because of their race. The heightened social control associated

with shopping while Black can lead to emotional distress and coping strategies that place a psycho-

logical burden on Black shoppers. Although few individuals reported the profiling behavior to the

retailers, many shared their experiences with friends and family members who often commiserated

by sharing their own experiences with CRP. This further demonstrates the pervasive nature of pro-

filing in American retail establishments.

In terms of legal redress, the authors investigate applicable state and federal laws and regulations

related to CRP litigation—outlining the three legal remedies that have been pursued in past CRP

cases. Using a review of several select cases, Chapter 4 highlights the legal barriers to pursuing

CRP litigation and discusses the types of evidence needed for successful cases. The conclusion of

the book takes key lessons from each of the four chapters and offers specific policy recommendations

for addressing CRP. These practical suggestions, which are grounded in the research of the authors

and other scholars, presented throughout the book—as well as in the 2005 Memorandum of

Agreement between New York State and Macy’s East—provide promise for reducing the number

of civil rights abuses related to CRP. Throughout the book, it is established that Blacks are no

more likely to shoplift and that they are more frequent victims of CRP than other races. As

Gabbidon and Higgins posit, “racial profiling does not work…and it has the potential to literally

ruin lives!”The book will leave readers with many unanswered questions and hopefully inspire

researchers to continue inquiry in this important area. Shopping While Black is accessible to students,

practitioners, and the general public interested in understanding and preventing CRP.

ORCID iD

Sarah Brittohttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2633-815X

Aviram, H. (2020).

Yesterday’s monsters: The Manson Family cases and the illusion of parole. University of California Press. 296

pp. $29.95. ISBN 9780520291553.

Reviewed by: James M. O’Berry II,Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA

DOI: 10.1177/0734016821996799

The Manson Family murders are widely considered some of the most notorious crimes in

American history. Along with their perpetrators, these crimes have been the subject of many

books, films, documentaries, and television specials. With the widespread interest in infamous and

396 Criminal Justice Review 49(3)