A Violent Breed

• Author: Ethan Macks
• DOI: 10.1177/10439862221096725
• Published date: 01 May 2022
• Date: 01 May 2022

https://doi.org/10.1177/10439862221096725

Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice

2022, Vol. 38(2) 193 –196

© The Author(s) 2022

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DOI: 10.1177/10439862221096725

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Essay

A Violent Breed

Ethan Macks

Arizona

Violence. Incarceration. Voice. The root of violence is anger. Anger is a physiological

response to fear. Deep down we are all wired to respond with violence in situations of

survival. This is in our nature, but some choose to nurture this trait. Still violence is not

solely found in prison. But do prisoners just have a lack of responsibility? Or is it a

form of communication for those that are not heard? I am using a medium so that the

voice of violence can be heard for those of us incarcerated. This is our story.

In prison violence is undeniably a factor. We’ve all seen the movies where people

fight, stab, and even kill in a prison setting. One could say it comes with the territory.

Until you experience firsthand how quickly a situation can ignite into a blaze of fury

behind prison gates, there is no way to truly understand how violent acts can occur in

a manner of seconds. There are many issues. Our criminal justice system, for one, is

actually breeding violent criminals. Many pretty offenders are being put into a place

where the law of survival of the fittest takes on a whole new level. Try to imagine liv-

ing with the killers and outcasts of society. Violence can also be used to rise up in the

ranks of gang affiliation. Violence may also be a necessity for survival. Worst of all,

no one is safe from violence. Even those who are put in place to “protect” inmates,

instigate or partake in acts of violence themselves.

I believe the criminal justice system is guilty of using a one size fits all method

when convicting criminals. Someone can go to prison for a number of reasons and not

be a violent person. Prison is not rehabilitating these people. It’s a fact that once a

person goes to prison they become more likely higher to commit a violent offense

when they get released. This is because you don’t get to choose who you live around.

The men or women housed with you could be prone to violence. Being in this type of

hostile environment can actually desensitize you to the reality of violence you may

have to deal with. This is not fair to people who may simply be a nonviolent addict or

a thief. People in these categories have to find a method to cope with living around

dangerous inmates.

It is known that people have issues adjusting back into society upon completion of

a prison term. As hard as it is to adjust and learn to live where violence is widely

accepted is not as hard as letting down your defense mechanisms when you get out.

You will always remember how you had to survive in the prison. The tension you live

with inside of prison is a stigma that follows you out to the streets.

1096725CCJXXX10.1177/10439862221096725Journal of Contemporary Criminal JusticeMacks

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