26 votes

Prison can be a hostile place. Then the birds came.

2 comments

  1. [2]
    LetterCounter
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    It's interesting to me how this story presents a more clear picture of prisoners' humanity. We all know criminals (falsely accused or otherwise) are still people, but it's so easy to see them as...

    It's interesting to me how this story presents a more clear picture of prisoners' humanity. We all know criminals (falsely accused or otherwise) are still people, but it's so easy to see them as the scary "other".

    At least in the US, prison is not seen as a way to reform, but as a way to punish. But we have research showing that many innocent people are wrongly convicted.

    Yes, this is a story about birds, but it should also be a lesson that even bad people who did bad things still have the capacity for love, hope, and regard for others.

    Its an uncomfortable truth, to be sure, but criminals are not demonic, even if they do evil things.

    15 votes
    1. devilized
      Link Parent
      If you're interested in this subject, there is a podcast called Ear Hustle that's hosted by a prisoner and a prison volunteer. They obviously talk a lot about life inside prison, but I think the...

      If you're interested in this subject, there is a podcast called Ear Hustle that's hosted by a prisoner and a prison volunteer. They obviously talk a lot about life inside prison, but I think the show does a really good job of humanizing prisoners. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it is really interesting.

      The podcast ended up being a factor in the CA governor commuting his sentence, and he has actually continued to host the podcast after his release.

      6 votes