Discovering The Value in Helping Others

What have I done so far that could be considered an act of being humane, while incarcerated?

The last part of that question suggest that it doesn't occur in place like prison. Well, I guess this is the point and mission of the Humanization Project, to showcase the dignity of inmates. But to answer the question, I do not sit around and think of doing the right thing in different scenarios, no, well sort of. OK, I do, but more like a way to make better decisions without having to think about them. Aristotle called this being virtuous.

I want my character to be in accord with virtues, so this way I do not have to think, but do.

My character became tested when I gave a disabled person a shower.

I wanted to take my friend, Black, outside to watch me referee a basketball game. He had been shot a couple of times that left him paraplegic. But on this hot hot, summer day I wanted him to get some fresh air. Bottled up in a dorm all day with 65 guys is depressing. Once outside I provided a music playlist for him, and told him that if he needed to use the bathroom then don't hesitate to call me. Game or no game, I would stop it to attend his needs. I made him my responsibility.

As the game proceeded, I would routinely check with him, to make sure he was good. He sat bobbing his head to the music. The playlist comprised of 90's Hip-Hop artists, like Mobb Deep and Jay-Z.

Before the shots that crippled him, he roped. Still got it too. If asked he would spit a few bars for you.

My fear came true when I discovered that he urinated on himself. I was so angry with myself, disappointed for allowing this to happen on my watch. The first thing I did was calm him down. He kept apologizing for having an accident. I assured him not to feel ashamed for something he could not control.

I had to think fast. Besides getting him inside the dormitory to get cleaned up, everyone else would be rushing into the showers too. The shower rush usually creates a bottleneck There are five showerheads to 65 inmates, one of these is designated as handicap. In addition, guys have issues who get in the shower with them. Think about that, men coming to prison to take showers together.

Usually Black takes an hour to shower. But not on this day. I did not want the dorm to become frustrated over Black taking forever with a shower. For solution, I decided to assist him in the shower and washed him up.

At that time I felt a sense of duty wash over me. Before this situation I never cleaned up after anyone besides myself. On that day I learned that I have the capacity to help others without being asked.