Reality of a Prison Writer 26—E.C. Theus-Roberts
It makes me happy that the U.S. appears to be less truculent towards Cuba. It’s been many decades since the U.S. has treated us Cubans and hyphenated Cubans as more that political pawns. Though camaraderie between Mexico and Cuba has always been strong it has never been more appreciated than in our present crisis. Our ties with Venezuela will only grow more affectionate due to their selflessness in aiding us Cubans in a time of dire need. The only question concerns the U.S. For two centuries the U.S. has approached Cuba with ulterior motives. Reminds me of how prisoncrats generally view prisoners: always up to something nefarious or delinquent. Prisoners every question, even the most innocuous, is interpreted as if something underhanded, maleficent or, simply, criminal is intended. Every breath raises alarms.
As a person, this reality is tiresome. It makes you antisocial and a fervent believer that people suck. Though, as a writer, it’s one of the most interesting subjects for analysis.
Hugo Black wrote, “the normal conscience rises to the demands made on it and easily falls to the limit of the standard expected from it.” For prisoners this means little to no credence is given to prisoners’ rehabilitation of normal acclimation efforts because every action is seen as a play or gambit. You’re expected to do bad even if you’re doing good. The prejudice is: it’s only a matter of time. The pressure’s incredible because the slightest wrong validates the prejudice. Why try when your not permitted to pursue good and expected to do bad?
I wonder when prisoncrats will stop conditioning prisoners to pursue wrong. Likewise, I wonder if and when the US will stretch a helping hand in earnest without subterfuge.
Prison Writers Support Organization 