Comments on: Speaking at Everglades Prison

By: William Berry

William Berry — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:31:26 +0000

Thank you. And I am on twitter. I guess if you search wilberry you should have no problem finding me.
Thanks again for the comment.

By: Shawn Hembrough

Shawn Hembrough — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:47:57 +0000

Somebody dropped a link to your website on Twitter and that is where I first found your site. I totally loved your website posts and want to read more! Are you on Twitter? We ought to connect.

By: Dina L.

Dina L. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:14:09 +0000

It sounds like it was an enriching experience.

By: William Berry

William Berry — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:25:13 +0000

It really was my pleasure, and a worthwhile experience.
I agree that men who are able to be paroled will have more to cope with. Times have changes a great deal since their incarceration (they were to be in for life) and additionally I have seen many people who function extremely well in a structured environment yet have difficulty when they have more personal freedom. Hopefully this will not be the case.

By: Mary Swanson

Mary Swanson — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:05:33 +0000

Thanks again for clearing your schedule to speak at the Prison. The men later voiced how content they were to have you as a guest speaker. They made numerous comments about your insight and professionalism. On a side note, I’d like to say that for the men who will have the chance to be paroled the least of their worries are their tattoos. If it does become an issue I think something can be arranged. Maybe a long sleeve shirt?

-Ms. Swanson

By: William Berry

William Berry — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:20:21 +0000

I agree there is always a high likelihood of repeat offenders. However, I was informed the program I spoke at has a lower rate than the general prison population (although they are part of the general prison population, involvement in this program appears to reduce recidivism). Hopefully they are able to adjust to the culture shock.
As for taking responsibility, I am glad to see it is easy for you. You might be surprised at the number of people who blame others for things they have responsibility for regularly (or pathologically). It is excellent you don’t seem to be one of those.
Thanks for the comment.

By: AUSTON

AUSTON — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:01:39 +0000

I can’t help but feel that they have a high likelihood of being back in there if they are put on parole – after being locked up for such a long period of time & then being released into the world today, I suspect an extreme culture shock would/will happen.

Especially, for a white male with a full sleeve of tattoo’s – My guess is that when they were out, it was not “cool” to be or act “hip-hop”. It’s easy to engage and get along with someone who looks like you, but much harder to assimilate into a culture where “race” doesn’t matter.

Also, It’s easy to take responsibility for your actions, in theory; I do it all the time with my girlfriend: “Babe, I’m sorry. I forgot to take the trash out.” – there I took responsibility for my “domestic crime”.

But taking true responsibility is something much different in my eyes – It’s truly reflecting on your actions, recognizing the fault that caused them, admitting publicly your mistake & taking the proper actions to change yourself.

Any who, rambling on company time. Thanks for writing.

By: William Berry

William Berry — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:51:24 +0000

No one approached me claiming innocence. I don’t think it was the appropriate forum for that. Or perhaps they have been incarcerated so long it doesn’t matter to them any longer. But most seemed genuinely interested in accepting responsibility, as existential theory purports.
Thank you for your comment.

By: Onidia

Onidia — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:46:18 +0000

I am happy to know you took your time to visit a prison to speak to the inmates. I have a question: Did someone say “I am an innocent and I was incarcerated for false evidences.” I am asking you about it because I know many innocent people are in prisons. I took the class of Legal Psychology last Summer and I was really surprised with all the things I learned about the legal system. I have worked too with middle schoolers who are diagnosed with conduct disorder and it breaks my heart because I compare them with my daughter( a very good student) and I feel bad for them.

By: William Berry

William Berry — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:37:37 +0000

I definately was surprised, due to previous work with younger “law breakers” from the childlike stuff on the walls, and from general knowledge that many who are incarcerated did not obtain higher education. So it was pleasantly surprising that so many were well read and wanted to engage in intellectual discussion.
Thank you for your comment.