Prison Processes Keep Prisoners Unproductive

  I remember studying about the Ray Krock philosophy years ago in my marketing class in college. It's the idea that when something works well, you normalize it through a documented process so it can be easily replicated. That's how Krock built an empire called McDonalds and revolutionized how Americans (and now others) eat. This philosophy works well in business, but it still requires adapting while regularly evaluating the effectiveness of established processes. 

The Michigan Department of Corrections also has processes that it documents, processes that are supposed to ensure the outcomes it desires. But people aren't burgers and fries. People have wishes, desires, goals, and emotions. People cannot be broken down into processes. And processes can also be used to excuse laziness. 

One of the most frustrating aspects of being in prison is the state of suspended existence that the system forces on people. It's like a deep trough we are tossed into and told "stay put!" We are urged to "follow the rules" but also discourged from upsetting the status quo with goals and purpose. We are directed, by policy and practice, to avoid trying too hard, feeding our creativity and desire to learn too much, or standing out in any way.  

Time and time again during my time in prison, I have seen prison administrators actively oppose programs or personal projects that prisoners initiate to better themselves and others. It upsets the status quo. Prison staff don't know what to do with prisoners who aren't content watching tv and playing chess or cards all day. It's not part of the documented program when prisoners want more from their lives than simply existing as near robots. 

Some staff members support prisoner efforts to better themselves, but this is often short-lived support. Staff members change and programs are shuttered, or higher ups squash what's happening. I've seen successful college prep programs shut down because administrators were concerned that prisoners were becoming too educated (their words, not mine). I've seen successful reentry and career readiness programs shut down because it was too much work for the staff and because some staff had grudges against a couple of the prisoners involved. I've also seen obstacle after obstacle erected against successful college programs because some staff members resent that prisoners are receiving a free college education. It's an affront to the demand that we know our place and stay in it. 

The reality is that some prisoners do use good programs to manipulate their way into positions of influence. But these are isolated cases that are easy to identify. Certain groups are almost always involved in such "takeovers." It's apparently easier, though, to use a blanket approach and to keep all prisoners from bettering themselves. It's a way prisons reinforce a message to prisoners that we are not redeemable, not worth the effort, and not worthy of making something of our broken lives. 

It gets discouraging when after every obstacle we face and overcome, another obstacle stands in the way. It's no wonder some prisoners give up trying after years. Prison sucks the motivation to do better right out of you. But it doesn't have to.

I regularly remind myself that good things rarely come easy. Some of the best things come out of struggles. I can only imagine the kind of successes I'll have after release from prison if I bring the tenacity that prison requires to the outside. I don't envision being a Ray Krock, but whatever I do I'll remember to put people over processes.