Prison journalism: A merry' Christmas behind bars?

Prison journalism: A merry' Christmas behind bars?Wesley Leong was incarcerated in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

by Wesley Leong

22-11-2023 11:57

in Prison Journalism

Christmas in prison. Image: Gerd Altmann via Pixabay

The festive season has always been a magical time for most of us who celebrate this special time of the year with our loved ones. Personally, I associate Christmas with cheer, family togetherness, the exchange of presents, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

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Christmas cheer with sadness However, when it comes to prison and being incarcerated, the experience is markedly different. The entire prison facility goes into complete lockdown, and movement is restricted. Visits are brief, and time is even shorter. Inmates are confined to their respective sections, resulting in cramped and uneasy conditions, with no opportunity for exercise.

Realisation that life Still Goes On Without You I spent 6-7 Christmases inside jail, and each year became progressively more challenging. The first year brought some relief as it provided a temporary escape from the rigors of prison life for a brief period. It offered the energy I needed to endure my time in prison. However, as the years passed, Christmas transformed into just another ordinary day for me, devoid of any festive cheer. I began to fear that I might never experience another Christmas, and my cherished memories of the holiday slowly faded, erasing Christmas from my life.

ALSO READ: Prison Journalism: Realities and challenges in Pollsmoor Prison

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Nothing Can Replace Your Freedom Whether you are a kingpin in jail or an ordinary inmate, the oppressive nature of incarceration is a common experience. It presents a significant mental challenge that individuals must bear in their own way. Money, food, better cellphones-none of these can replace the profound sense of emptiness that incarceration entails, and Christmas only adds to the prevailing sadness.

Anything Different Inside? Inside the prison, nothing changes during Christmas. Those fortunate enough to receive visits can enjoy them and feel blessed. Unfortunately, others may suffer from theft or harm due to their possessions, while some may engage in unsavory activities. The food remains subpar, but one must eat to avoid going hungry. As I mentioned earlier, it is just another day.

ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Visiting conditions in Pollsmoor prison

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How Christmas Can Affect Someone In prison, I have witnessed disturbing incidents, such as a person being stabbed over items brought during visits. I have seen Christmas lead to fellow inmates committing acts of violence against one another. Christmas has also been a day when I observed a man take his own life. It can either fortify one's resolve or break them entirely. Prison is a serious matter, and the struggle is undeniably real.

Family, Support and a Sense of Belonging One cannot underestimate the importance of love and the connection to others. Even in prison, the knowledge that you are loved provides a glimmer of hope. Some of the toughest and most dangerous inmates I've known have been broken by the realization that nobody loves them, leading to a profound loss of self. This is not what Christmas is supposed to be about-where is the love? If you are reading my article, I implore you to find it in your heart to love again. We all need it. Merry Christmas to all and here's to a prosperous new year!

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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