Surviving Prison: The Art of Respect and Respectability
Prison can be a harsh environment where showing respect can mean the difference between a peaceful existence and a challenging one. A critical moment can define a prisoner, setting the tone for their entire stay. This story highlights such an encounter between two inmates, and the strategic decisions that can lead to better outcomes.
The Unpredictable Encounter
Walking into a new prison block, I had no idea what would happen. A few days in, during a mandatory cell count, I witnessed a big Native American inmate throwing punches at newcomers. To my shock, many took it without standing up for themselves. When I saw a huge man throw a punch my way, I knew I had to act.
Turned out, I was a former Army paratrooper, which gave me the confidence to block the punch, body slam him, and end a brief tussle. No one bothered me again after that. The lesson is clear: showing that you won't take shit translates to respect from others. Respect is earned through not disrespecting others and standing up for yourself.
The Power of Mental Health Caseload
Learning to use my mental health caseload to my advantage was another key to avoiding confrontations. One person in particular sought to test my resolve. One day, he asked if I slept well. I simply replied, 'Good enough, and I don’t bullshit.' This answered his question without escalating the situation, indicating my firm resolve.
When faced with a challenge like this, it's important to demonstrate that engaging with you will provoke a response. This doesn't mean you have to win every fight, but you do need to make it clear that messing with you comes with consequences. Resistance becomes real, and that's ultimately the goal.
Preparing for Tests of Character
Tests of character are inevitable. Whether it's a bump in the hallway, someone stealing something from your meal tray, or unwanted physical contact, the point is, it will happen. There's no way to predict when, but you can prepare for it ahead of time. For me, this realization came at a young age when I was 18, sitting in county jail and waiting to be transferred to prison.
The moment of truth can come at any time. It's better to have a plan in place for how you'll react, rather than reacting in the moment. Decision-making during a confrontation can be difficult, especially when emotions run high. Preparing in advance will give you a clear strategy and confidence in your actions.
Conclusion
Surviving prison is not just about physical strength, but about mental toughness and strategic decision-making. Respect comes from both showing it and demanding it. Standing up for yourself without escalating unnecessary conflicts is a delicate balance. As one inmate put it, 'you better have your decision made long before then on how you are going to react in that moment.'
Ultimately, preparation and a clear mindset can turn a potentially dangerous situation into a manageable one. The right approach can make your life inside much more manageable, and even peaceful, which is a goal everyone should work towards in such a challenging environment.