Welcome back to another stellar issue of The Beat Within! We’re thrilled to have you with us to share the important and necessary mission of uplifting the voices of our incarcerated community around the country. As always, the writing in this issue is honest, critical, and deeply personal. Thank you, we are so impressed by the level of care and attention our writers bring to their work day in and day out.
Now, we turn it over to two of our interns from Urban High School of San Francisco, Kaya and Noah, to share their reflections for our editorial section. Kaya advocates for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to the justice system, while Noah celebrates the personal growth he sees taking place in our young writers. Thank you, Kaya and Noah, for the time and dedication you both put in each week to keep the gears of The Beat turning!
A Deepened Perspective
Before starting my internship, my understanding of the justice system and incarcerated individuals was somewhat basic, shaped by media and common discussions. However, this experience has deepened my perspective.
There were certain writings and authors that left a lasting impact on me. One piece, in particular, was an essay by an incarcerated individual addressing the cycle of recidivism and the lack of support for reintegration. It shed light on the systemic challenges faced upon release, which was truly eye-opening.
I’ve come to realize that incarceration is a complex issue that reaches far beyond the individuals behind bars. It affects families, communities, and society as a whole. This experience has taught me to appreciate the need for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to the criminal justice system.
While transcribing these writings, I found moments of connection with the emotions and struggles expressed. It served as a reminder of the shared humanity that goes beyond the circumstances leading to incarceration. Those who are incarcerated have dreams, fears, and aspirations, just like anyone else.
The most challenging aspect of this work was coming face to face with the injustices and inequalities within the system. Reading stories of individuals unfairly sentenced or denied access to essential rehabilitation programs were disheartening. Nevertheless, this challenge fueled my determination to advocate for change.
What I enjoyed the most was being a part of a platform that amplifies the voices of those often unheard. The power of storytelling and its potential to create awareness and drive change is truly inspiring. It’s been an honor to contribute to this cause.
My work with The Beat has undoubtedly shaped new ideas and opinions about incarcerated individuals and the justice system. It has reinforced my belief in the necessity of a more compassionate and rehabilitative approach to criminal justice. Addressing underlying issues like poverty, addiction, and mental health are crucial in preventing recidivism.
In summary, this internship has been transformative. It has broadened my perspective on the justice system and the lives affected by it. It has reaffirmed the importance of empathy and understanding when discussing incarcerated individuals. I hope that the stories and reflections we share can contribute to a more just and compassionate society.
-Kaya, Urban High School of San Francisco
In Need of Immediate Change
I had some previous ideas and thoughts on the American carceral system before coming to The Beat, as I had taken a class named Voices of Incarceration at Urban, which provided a well-rounded approach to the justice system in America. I also was able to visit the California Medical Facility (CMF) in an elective option at Urban, which was an eye-opening experience to get to connect with incarcerated folks on a personal level.
While taking these classes, I built opinions about the justice system and found it to be very flawed and in need of immediate change. These opinions have stood with me throughout this experience of transcribing and editing. I learned through this experience and my previous ones that its effects on the human experience are quite detrimental and dehumanizing as one becomes institutionalized. It makes me question the ethical aspect of incarcerating such large numbers of our population for typically petty crimes.
I also learned that through incarceration, some people can genuinely find themself, which can be seen as a greatly overlooked positive in a gloomy situation. I found this to be some people’s cases in their excerpts of writing as they would include details about finding true meaning in the rest of their lives to live more vice-free and then, in turn, be more peaceful.
To be truthful, I could sometimes see myself in some of the writing that I was given to transcribe. Some of the writers commented on their struggles with family and emotions and concealing them in everyday life, and I can find myself relating to some of their experiences. It was immensely impactful to hear some people my age describe issues/problems I go through in my life that have happened in theirs. It brings me a sense of joy that even though I, the writer, am in entirely different situations, we can still relate to each other through shared experiences in life.
It has been hard to respond to everyone’s writing as a lot of it is quality work and answers the same questions, so making unique responses has been a bit challenging but more than doable. I most enjoyed the experience of being able to read such honest writing from people who have very different stories and backgrounds than mine. This is because it provides a time to connect with people I don’t know through reading their experiences, thoughts, and opinions.
Finally, The Beat has offered me a new perspective and experience with understanding incarcerated people and the stories that go along with their incarceration. It has been highly impactful being able to respond to people and understand their experiences in life that led them to this situation.
-Noah, Urban High School of San Francisco
We couldn’t agree more with both Kaya and Noah that our shared humanity extends far beyond our physical circumstances. One of the most beautiful aspects of encountering another’s writing is that we get to know a part of each other that doesn’t often come through in casual conversation. We can also learn things about ourselves, that might not be immediately apparent. Writing is a gateway to the soul, and through the process of writing, we uncover how similar we really are – people with hopes and dreams, fears and heartaches, deserving of love, respect, and support.
The holidays are an especially difficult time to be away from our loved ones, and while nothing can replace their presence in our lives, we hope you find some comfort in knowing that The Beat is always here for you. We’re honored to be a home for your words, and we welcome you in all your truths.