PRISON LIFE

Prison Life

Prison Life

Introduction

Understanding prison life since reading Contemporary Corrections has confirmed the hopelessness, despair, and fear which prisoner's undergo as a punishment for their crimes. These individuals must serve the consequences for their criminal actions, however, many communities and families must suffer as well. This author has had the privilege to serve in law enforcement for the past 22-years. She is aware of the two types of prisoner classifications, such as internal and external. The only difference she has found since reading Contemporary Corrections is the specific labelling regards to inmates. The probation and parole officers' introduction has allowed knowledge of growth in this particular field.

Many individuals who are incarcerated are threatened on a daily basis. Carceral, (2004) states, “There is racism, the perfect hate factory; racism is mental escapism, violence is the physical and compulsive sex to relieve the daily anxiety” (p. 17, para. 2). He also states, “When one gets stuck in the time warp, the clock stops during incarceration” (p. 17, para. 3).

Adaptation Strategies: Anonymous N.

The adaptation strategies Anonymous N. uses in adjusting to prison life is several loss of liberties, such as control. Carceral, (2004), states, “Besides missing the important things like family and friends, your work and your home, you miss being able to sleep, when you want to cook, when you want, and shop for the groceries you want; not to mention, going outside and taking a walk” (p. 48, para. 3).

Time is another loss of liberty. Carceral (2004), states, “I felt like I have entered a time warp because the clock stops when a man is in prison” (p. 57, para. 5). He mentions several aspects of time, such as the calendar; just a piece of paper, and he reflects that holidays and special occasions leave all meaning Carceral, 2004).

Politics is used through intimidation and force. Anonymous N. has seen tempers flare, fights started, and people getting hurt throughout his incarceration. It is a fact; politics is the way of life in prison. Carceral (2004), states, “The gossip, intimidation, manipulation, and persuasion among prisoners, and between the prisoners and the employees, run the prison society (p. 65, para. 2).

Economics in prison is based on the barter system. Carceral (2004) states, “New T-shirts, sweat suits, or whatever else the state allows inmates to have - can be traded for debt” (p. 73, para. 1). In fact; services, such as doing other inmate's laundry is used as a bargain chip (Carceral, 2004).

Medical care in prison is minimal at best. If a prisoner needs long-time or medical dental care, he will not get it. Occasionally, if one breaks his bone, it will be set, but if he fractures the bone, the prison will let the bone heal on its own. Carceral (2004) states, “A prisoner may suffer for years if they do not die first” (p. 101. para. 2).

Sex in prison is not what one hears, suggesting all prisoners become gay or rapists (Carceral, 2004). Consequently, all pornographic material is banned to curb prisoners' sex ...