Prison is a microcosm of society with people from all walks of life, many of whom I’ve tried to describe in this blog. There are colorful, creative people who have done some terrible things and are paying the price. However, rather than letting darkness consume them they are taking the proverbial lemon and making lemonade. They do this pouring out their creative energy in painting or writing.
Tag: Crime and Punishment
Care Less
I have encountered very few employees of the MDOC that I could honestly say cared about anything more than their jobs. Not doing their jobs well, just keeping them. Actions speak louder than words and the way some of the COs yell that’s saying something.
A Bird In The Hand
They say that dogs are man’s best friend and that they don’t judge us but give unconditional affection. For many in prison that type of attention is exactly what prisoners need.
Education Connection
Education is supposed to be a priority for the MDOC, yet year after year budget cuts to education have reduced the number of teachers in the class room and the resources available.
Disconnected
The reality is that the typical inmate was already disconnected from the greater society and only focused on their subculture.Programming in prison currently tries to educate inmates why committing crime is wrong. What is clearly lacking is teaching inmates about doing the right thing.
Deaf, Blind and Dumb
Inmates must be individually assessed and then treated fairly according to a plan, not just lumped into a faceless mass where it is easy to overlook their humanity.
Prison, Paranoia and PTSD
The experience of prison life leaves a lasting impression that seriously impacts the individual’s ability to function in society, the workplace, or the home.
Aversion Therapy
Many people in prison decide to go straight, not because of any compelling argument to do right or any education received, but simply because they can’t stand the thought of having to live in the abysmal conditions of life in prison or with the others they were forced to live with while in prison. It’s aversion therapy not cognitive behavioral therapy.
Teaching Morals Not Respect
The programs taught by the MDOC do not teach morals in an attempt to re-educate offenders, rather they provide tools to manage antisocial behavior. This is consistent with the philosophy that government does not teach morality, it only legislates it. This is the reason why punishment is not a deterrent to crime.
Walk A Mile in My Shoes – I Dare You
Only in prison is the gift of used athletic shoes considered a blessing, but the alternative was to curse the state shoes with every step you took.