PRISONER EXPRESS

It is more than air that stagnates within a prison cell. Both mind and heart, thought and emotion, can be atrophied in an environment so devoid of sympathy and compassion, where courtesy is seen as a weakness. A freshness of attitude can do more to improve conditions for the incarcerated than all the real fresh air in the world.

Many prisoners are preconditioned to be angry. No matter how good their reasons for having that hostility, it is never in a prisoner's best interest to let such emotions fester or to express them in ways that promote a continuation of that negative cycle. The first step to change is a personal transformation. Only after changing yourself can you hope to change your surroundings.

Racism is a state of mind that permeates all of prison life. Some black prisoners claim a divined right to their prejudiced thoughts and actions due to the history of slavery and mistreatment in America. In part they are right, but so too are white prisoners that have experienced much more recent attacks at the hands of black prisoners. Where does the cycle of hatred stop? The end begins when we all learn to put the past behind us and put away derogatory language. Thoughts are harder to control, but they don't have to be voiced. If you quit speaking such thoughts aloud, you might think them less often.

Anger at authority figures is normal in prison. We've all felt it and some of us have reacted violently due to it. Yes, I'm guilty. I'm also guilty of using language not conducive to harmonious race relations. The difference between me and most of my fellow prisoners is that I make no excuses for my faults. What I do, whether in justifiable anger or not, is just as wrong as if I did the same without justification. The more important difference is that I do my best to act in a more positive manner. You can too.

How often do you hear derogatory language being used without any antagonistic intent? Such language isn't suitable for use, less so in prison. Even if devoid of all hostility it is sure to breed animosity. As some point there will be anger and the same language used in jest, words we are all familiar with, take on a new meaning. Words you hear are words you use. If you don't want to hear a word used in anger, then don't use it continuously in lighter moments.

Prisoners seem to gravitate toward militant literature and teachings. Such writings make great leavening when added to more formal education. They become poison when they are used as the foundation for teaching the unlearned. This writing is likely to take a bite of history out of context to support negative views. If you don't have the knowledge to understand the context, it can fan the flames of hatred. By being well-rounded in your studies, making an effort to examine all sides of each issue, you will be able to control the negative aspects of this writing and see it for what it is: an attempt to exploit ignorance and find followers.

One of the best examples of this is found in Christianity. How often have we all heard well-educated preachers say "America is a Christian country, founded by Christians for Christians,Â" or something along that line? If you don't know better, it makes perfect sense and plays into the patriotic beliefs of Americans. In truth, America is a country founded by men of diverse beliefs and meant to be free of governmental coercion to believe in any way at all. Before you say I'm, crazy take a look below:

"Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the United States and the Bey and Subjects of Tripoli of Barbary.

Art.11. As the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Mussulmen; and, as the States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

This treaty was read in its entirety to the United States Senate on June 7th, 1797 and approved unanimously. It's the only document from that era where the same basic group that ratified the United States constitution stated their opinions on religion so openly. The president was George Washington and John Adams was the vice president, and President of the Senate. As such, John Adams signed the treaty and proclaimed it proudly to the new nation.

Many preachers depend on ignorance and misinformation to gather their followers, leading them in defense of a non-existent national religion. Since the treaty I have quoted was published in the Smithsonian Magazine, along with an article about the founding father's intent to build a country where freedom and tolerance were the rule, only a few years ago there can be no doubt that they are aware of the document. How much fresher would the air in America, and the world be without this one piece of stagnant misinformation?

Contrary to what many may think, I am not opposed to Christianity or any religion. My gripe is with those that hijack religion and attempt to father converts through perpetuating intolerance and even hatred of those that believe differently. The worst of these prey upon the fears of the ignorant with subtle lies. Each person may find truth on a different path, but those that build their truth on a foundation of deceit are no longer worthy of respect.

It's time we set aside animosities and hatred, and examine all we have been taught, as well as what we've taught ourselves. Let's clear our minds and emotions of stagnation by questioning everything. The questions will be a wind of change that blows away rhetoric, derogatory language, racism and militant beliefs to leave behind the freshened air of truth.