1. Graterfriends ― A Publication of The Pennsylvania Prison Society ― September 2011
A Publication of The Pennsylvania Prison Society
Promoting a humane, just and constructive correctional system and a rational approach to criminal justice since 1787
September 2011
Volume 41 Issue 9 www.prisonsociety.org www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaPrisonSociety
Recreating Ourselves
by Richard “Tut” Carter Sr.
Since reading The 48 Laws of Power (1998), I that society foists on you. Recreate yourself by forg-
have often wondered how many other prisoners ing a new identity, one that commands attention
and ex-prisoners actually have incorporated chap- and never bores the audience. Be the master of
ter 25 into their daily performance. I would like to your own image rather than letting others define it
know just how many prisoners and ex-prisoners for you.”
are in a state of recreating themselves (from being
characterized as “agents of destruction” to being
I remember seeing a lot of copies of The 48 Laws
“good and decent” citizens). of Power while passing through different camps
inside the belly of the beast. How many of you who
Certainly, this isn’t an essay for the criminal-at- read this book realize that, if you fail to recreate
heart individual who really believes he was born to
be a career prisoner.
Do not accept the role that
I have always believed that, with the right will society foists on you.
power, most human beings can undo their anti-
social behavior and even recover from addictions — Recreate yourself by forging
if they work hard at changing their psycho-social a new identity, one that com-
deviant inclinations. They can create “new selves”
that are much better than the “old selves” so that
mands attention and never
society can forgive past indiscretions and embrace bores the audience.
the idea of giving them another chance.
yourself and continue to believe that you are a
There are some prisoners who have been unjustly criminal (gangsta, thug or bad!), you allow others
convicted of crimes that they did not commit, and to define you as a “criminal-convict” or worse, a
there are fewer prisoners who are actually political “violent and vicious recidivist”? Worse yet, others
prisoners. In a sense, these words of advice are not will define you as “career criminal” and “career
for the truly innocent or political prisoners. prisoner.”
Notwithstanding, there are many prisoners who As a wise tactic, let’s decriminalize ourselves by
are simply waiting for the day when they will get working hard to recreate ourselves. This invitation
out and get back to being agents of destruction in challenges you to embark on the search inside your
their communities. Within 90 days of their release, mind and heart to discover a newer and better you.
they will begin recidivating and will eventually be
added to the 70 percent national recidivism rate.
This rate makes it very difficult for deserving ex- Richard “Tut” Carter Sr. is a senior at Widener
criminals to get out of prison on their minimum University. He has been on the dean’s list for three
sentence release dates. years while pursuing a criminal justice degree, spe-
cializing in aiding in the development of better juve-
Chapter 25 of The 48 Laws of Power begins nile and reentry services. You may reach him at
with this bold statement: “Do not accept the role hrcchester@yahoo.com
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