I've always found it
fascinating to watch people. Not in a voyeuristic way, but in an observatory
sort of intrigue. I remember sitting in the Oakbrook Mall years ago just
watching rich people shop at Tiffany's, Lord and Taylor, and Neimen Marcus. I
think my fascination with psychology drove me to try to understand what made
these people tick. Interestingly enough, I observed a lot of highly stressed,
unhappy people toting bags of "therapy" adorned with logos of
prestige. As if the very act of shopping could lessen their sense of
hopelessness. I suppose for some it did, at least temporarily. But I digress...
People watching is no longer
just an interesting diversion for me. In prison people watching may mean the
difference between life and death. It is absolutely necessary to not only be
observant of your surroundings, but to watch people and the changes in their
behaviors in order to avoid being caught in the middle of violence or drama.
In prison someone you might
laugh and joke with one day can turn on you the next. Your only chance for
avoiding these situations is to watch people and stay vigilant at all times.
This environment will make you super-sensitive to people's ever-changing moods.
