Melting Pot
I believe it has been said that America is a melting pot. You have to excuse me because I have prison brain and can’t remember if the melting pot reference is in regards to American or New York. LOL! Either way, you get the point. Needless to say, one place that I do know is a melting pot is prison, specifically the one I’m in. Although I am in rural Kentucky, because this is a federal prison, there are women here from all social economic sectors, races, cultural backgrounds, nationalities, and sexualities. What makes this particularly interesting this that you are around these different people 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. You not only work with them, you live, play, eat, and socialize consistently. And just like the outside, this type of environment comes with numerous learning opportunities and well as challenges.
Since being here, I have had the opportunity to have two bunkies, both of which are from Puerto Rico. This has presented me with the divine opportunity to not only brush up on my Spanish but to also learn more about their culture. I have seen pictures, heard stories, and have had the opportunity to witness how love, friendship, and loyalty play out in their culture. One thing that immediately stood out to me was when my second bunkie arrived, my first bunkie immediately clung to her, created a friendship and made sure that she was taken care of. Over the past few weeks I have watched their friendship grow and evolve.
Now...this is where it gets a little dicey. We has a situation/conversation/disagreement, etc. about the use of the N word and who is allowed to use it; not me per se, but the individuals on my hall. More specifically, some of the Black girls on my hall found the use of the word offensive coming from one of the Puerto Rican girls. This sparked a small debate. I, in true PhD form, needed some facts. I do not like to form my opinions or take sides without having more information. The challenge is I do not have any way of doing research on my own. Instead, I have to rely on those on the outside. Fortunately, I have a tribe of nerds in my life (other researchers, PhDs, etc.) who sent me some information to use as a discussion. Therefore, when having a discussion or forming an opinion, I was able to present facts. I feel as though this is only fair to everyone involved.
Overall, I was proud of myself and how I handled the situation. Instead of being emotionally charged, I reverted to educating myself so I could gain more understanding. This also offered me the opportunity learn more about people who are different from me and to extend grace to people who are not as informed regarding matters such as these. It also made me realize that in a melting pot like a federal prison there is a need for some DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) training.
