Experiences in the Correctional Facility
Being in the correctional facility for a few months gave me some first person insight into the industrial-prison complex. I am no expert on the subject --- only knowing what I have read and experienced. Being a black young male around a majority of other minority males (most who identified as black) was a very rich experience. There was an initial shock for me that I had almost immediately. I remember thinking to myself, "I have not seen this many young black guys together since High school". Thinking back now I can see how this first reaction is a reflection of our society as it stands now--and now profoundly disheartening that is. On a more personal level, there is nothing more humbling than taking part in their world. Seeing their hopes, desires, and inspirations was awe inspiring. If the measure of a society is how it treats its worst off then yes, we have a way to go. If the measure of an individual is the strength of character given the least desirable circumstances-