Prisoners are Almost Always Users, Survivors, or Thrivers

 While I normally resist putting people into broad categories, I've noticed over my 13-plus years in prison that prisoners generally fall into three different categories (with exceptions and crossovers, of course): Users, Survivors, and Thrivers. 

Users are not just those who have addiction issues, though it often includes these. Users are those who use other people, usually with no shame, to fulfill their own desires. Prison predators are the most glaring example, but they are also the minority within this group. Prison predators might use other prisoners for sexual favors, store goods, or access to something else another prisoner has. Sometimes these predators use direct forms of pressure, but more often they use subtle manipulation. 

The larger subgroup of Users are those who manipulate and use people without a clear predatorial element. They simply see other people as a resource that they can manipulate to achieve their desires. This could include borrowing food, never intending to return it, "stealing" someone's time or expertise without recompense or apology, or simply pretending to be a friend but having no loyalty. 

The second category of people, Survivors, are those whose primary aim in prison is survival. They can focus on very little other than making it through another day. These people might be what the Michigan Department of Corrections call "Potential Victims," those most at risk of becoming a victim of some sort in prison. It's fairly easy to spot these prisoners, because they are often young (usually small) white guys, or old white guys. Not all young or old white guys are Survivors, but many Survivors come from one of these two subcategories. Since they are easy to spot, they are often targeted by Users, because Survivors usually have no way to defend themselves. Survivors often lack social capital or social intelligence needed to avoid the many clever traps Users employ against them. 

Another subcategory of Survivors are those who join prison gangs or religious organizations, mainly for the protection they provide. While these prisoners often appear to be Users, and sometimes are Users as well, many of them are, in fact, Survivors. They simply hide behind the cloak of "protection" afforded them within their chosen group. The group not only affords them social credibility, but it also teaches them how to become a User instead of a Survivor. 

The final category of prisoner is the Thriver. Most prisoners do not start out as Thrivers, but after a turning point in their incarceration, some grow into Thrivers. These prisoners rise above the petty politics of prison, as much as possible, rejecting the institutional behavior common among prisoners. Instead, they focus on bettering themselves. They might pursue education, develop skills to earn money (painting, crocheting, cooking, etc.), and/or become a mentor to other prisoners who are seeking to change. 

Thrivers are also fairly easy to spot among prisoners. They carry themselves differently, looking a bit out of place in the prison environment. Other prisoners are quick to seek out Thrivers when they need help, like help interpreting a new legal case, filing a commutation, signing up for college classes, tutoring for vocational trades, or even counsel and guidance about family/relationship or prison issues. Thrivers are not always experts in these areas, but they often know who is, and they act as a kind of broker, pointing prisoners in the right direction, and doing so without expectation of anything in return. 

You see, for Thrivers, thriving is not a singular pursuit. It's important to Thrivers that all prisoners find purpose in their lives, that they make their lives count for something. And Thrivers will do nearly anything in their power to assist someone else who is serious about rejecting the status quo in prison and embracing a whole new way of life. Thrivers know that prison is a trap and prison culture is a parasite that slowly drains life and purpose from anyone who isn't laser focused on avoiding its vicious infection. 

Sadly, the majority of corrections staff don't appreciate or promote Thriver mentalities. Instead, they see Thrivers as a threat to institutional normality, because they reject pat answers and the classic "spin," and demand more than the status quo from staff. 

But doesn't society want prisoners who Thrive, who leave prison better people? You'd think so.