Everyone Should Go to Jail (1 of 2)

My time at Rikers Island

Rikers Island. Photo: AP Images

Want to get to know a city? Go to its jail, preferably as a visitor. That’s my conclusion after spending a day at Rikers Island in March of this year.

After 10 years, I thought I knew New York City. I’ve visited the Museum of Modern Art. I’ve seen someone defecate in the middle of the street. I’ve paid rent. However, none of these…