Hello Everyone! Summer is now upon us. Although unlike in the free world, Summer is not highly anticipated behind these walls. I can’t speak for everyone however, but where I’m located, summer is hot, humid, and uncomfortable to live in.
Illinois (especially southern, where I am located) gets quite hot July-September, and there is no AC available to us. Last year in August, I spent my days and nights in the cell, wearing only boxers, with a fan that pushed around warm air. I, among others, would pray for a rainstorm to cool us down.
So ya, not really looking forward to summer like I would be if I was free. My favorite time of the year nowadays is football season, September-February. Whereas growing up, it was the summer months, with my Bday smack dab in the middle. July 23rd. For those of you who follow astrology, I am the first day of Leo! (Just lost 5% of my readers). Yes, we are one of the most disliked signs. LOL.
Anyways, so I got transferred since my last installment. Went from a medium to a Max security. A disciplinary transfer, they call it. But honestly, I’m better off here. The officers treat us with more respect in a max compared to a medium. The food tastes better, and more of a serving. TV channels are better. Why, you may ask, would a max be “better” than a medium?
Well it’s simple. They make sure to give the max inmates what they got coming, in fear of these guys turning up and inciting riots, outbreaks of violence and the like. Most of these guys got lots of time, so they feel as though they have nothing to lose. So they’ve learned to treat us with more respect and give us what we’re supposed to get.
Now, the topic I wanted to discuss this month is this: Why is it that officers reward those who act out, versus those who show respect, soft-spoken, or behaving? Let me explain. I have been to a lot of facilities in both Illinois and Wisconsin, and it holds true everywhere. To get what we want, we <u>must act up</u>. Why? For example, say I need medical attention and I stop the C.O. and tell him. I will most likely be ignored or forgotten. But if I start kicking the door and yelling, they will rush to my aid, ask me what’s wrong, how can we help you to get you to calm down?
This goes for anything. If you come correct, you get ignored. If you act out, they will get you what you want. It makes those who are quiet and respectful go against our character and act up, or go without the help or assistance we need. This needs to change.
Enjoy your summer, stay safe. Don’t Drink & Drive. -DP
