Prison Colors
***For those of you who know me, please do not mention names on my page, if you know the people mentioned :-) ***
My father has been working as a Correctional Officer (prison guard), at a maximum security prison, for a very long time. Most people think of this kind of a prison guard, as a babysitter to the Nation’s biggest bad asses. And in truth, that’s exactly how it is.
However, with my dad he isn’t just a ‘guard’. He treats the prisoners with respect and in return he get’s respect.
Lately, social media has been blowing up about ‘racism’, which is where my random blog comes in.
My dad has saved several lives by doing first aid, over the years. Two main lives he saved have earned him the respect of some very hardened criminals, who normally wouldn’t say two words to my dad unless they were racist comments. (my dad is black…African American…dark skinned…however, you want to identify him as) Those men he saved were members of White Supremacist groups. By the sounds of it, these men were both in the higher rankings of the groups.
Because of my dad’s quick actions and lack of judgment, these men lived and made it known that my dad is off limits. I have seen this on prison movies and prison shows. Respect can be earned from within the group to an outsider, who would normally be a target. Once respect is gained, the one who has gained the respect can walk safely amongst this group, is acknowledged by the group, and paid respect to. It has also been know that when riots break out, these groups will protect the one who has earned their respect.
It amazes me how groups with so much ‘hate’ can accept a person of their opposing side.
Remember the Ferguson mess that was all over the news? Gang rivals, the Bloods and Crips, came together to protect their city. For that moment in time, they put aside their differences and respected each other long enough to unite and go up against looters and violent riots.
I could go on and on with examples of how opposites have come together to help each other, but I won’t. I will simply point out that ‘respect’ will be the common factor in all of these examples. Respect is the missing link in this world we live in. Respect can move mountains. Respect is the key.
S.E.Isaac
