I was immediately gripped by this story, wanting to know about this new type of CO. Rushing back to me came conversations with my friend at visits about how we should/shouldn't speak, even in the family room -- and how my presence could help him from seeming gay (which, rightly so, I had worried would make life hell for him even though he wasn't - as you say, perceptions trump reality). In your story, I wanted to see what happens with this new, mysterious and personable CO. I am seeing so many articles flood the NY media about the mess in NY prisons -- and its escalation since December 2024 (miraculously exploding mere days after I went to pick up my friend from MidState after life inside for 2.5 years). As you so eloquently point out -- tell us something we don't know about the violence in prison! But, then, what outside folks also don't know about prison is how so many small things are powerful. And, in prison, a small detail (more than a big law change) can ripple into huge waves. This line sums up a lot: "The shift was not announced. There was no policy, no memo, no formal acknowledgment that something was changing. But you can feel it if you’ve been inside long enough to know..." Great piece.
This is so interesting, Devin. I’ve seen a similar change where I teach from when I started in 2011 to now. I’m sure it’s still bad on the blocks, but the COs we meet going through security and being escorted to our classrooms are like kindergarten teachers in comparison with the old days.
And another beautifully constructed essay! Wish you could come and teach writing with us - it’s the students’ greatest need.
I was immediately gripped by this story, wanting to know about this new type of CO. Rushing back to me came conversations with my friend at visits about how we should/shouldn't speak, even in the family room -- and how my presence could help him from seeming gay (which, rightly so, I had worried would make life hell for him even though he wasn't - as you say, perceptions trump reality). In your story, I wanted to see what happens with this new, mysterious and personable CO. I am seeing so many articles flood the NY media about the mess in NY prisons -- and its escalation since December 2024 (miraculously exploding mere days after I went to pick up my friend from MidState after life inside for 2.5 years). As you so eloquently point out -- tell us something we don't know about the violence in prison! But, then, what outside folks also don't know about prison is how so many small things are powerful. And, in prison, a small detail (more than a big law change) can ripple into huge waves. This line sums up a lot: "The shift was not announced. There was no policy, no memo, no formal acknowledgment that something was changing. But you can feel it if you’ve been inside long enough to know..." Great piece.
I continue to pray for your safety. Your writing is important.
This is so interesting, Devin. I’ve seen a similar change where I teach from when I started in 2011 to now. I’m sure it’s still bad on the blocks, but the COs we meet going through security and being escorted to our classrooms are like kindergarten teachers in comparison with the old days.
And another beautifully constructed essay! Wish you could come and teach writing with us - it’s the students’ greatest need.
May the new breeds continue to break down old ways. May the old training and old guards and old ways of relating die a swift death.