The videos “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out” provide a glimpse into the lives of prisoners at Kingston Penitentiary, one of Canada’s oldest and most infamous prisons.
Introduction
The videos “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out” provide a glimpse into the lives of prisoners at Kingston Penitentiary, one of Canada’s oldest and most infamous prisons. The videos document the challenges and struggles that prisoners face, as well as the hope and resilience that they often find within the prison walls.
The History of Kingston Penitentiary
Kingston Penitentiary was built in 1835 as a single, large limestone cellblock with 150 cells in five tiers. It was designed to be a “penitentiary,” a place where prisoners would be punished and reformed through solitary confinement and hard labor. The prison was initially used to house prisoners from Upper Canada, but it soon became a national institution.
In the early years, Kingston Penitentiary was a harsh and brutal place. Prisoners were subjected to long periods of solitary confinement, and they were often beaten and abused by guards. However, over time, the prison’s conditions improved. Solitary confinement was gradually reduced, and educational and vocational programs were introduced.
The Challenges of Prison Life
Despite the improvements, prison life remains a challenge for many prisoners. The videos “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out” document some of the challenges that prisoners face, including:
- Loneliness and isolation: Prisoners are often isolated from their families and friends, and they can feel lonely and isolated.
- Violence and abuse: Prisoners are sometimes subjected to violence and abuse from other prisoners or from guards.
- Drugs and alcohol: Drugs and alcohol are often available in prison, and they can lead to addiction and violence.
- Mental illness: Many prisoners suffer from mental illness, and they may not have access to adequate treatment.
The Hope and Resilience of Prisoners
Despite the challenges, many prisoners find hope and resilience within the prison walls. The videos “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out” document some of the ways in which prisoners find hope, including:
- Education and vocational training: Education and vocational training can help prisoners develop skills that will help them find jobs after they are released.
- Religious faith: Religious faith can provide prisoners with a sense of hope and purpose.
- Support from family and friends: Family and friends can provide prisoners with emotional support and encouragement.
- The desire to change: Many prisoners want to change their lives and become productive members of society.
Conclusion
The videos “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out” provide a glimpse into the lives of prisoners at Kingston Penitentiary. The videos document the challenges and struggles that prisoners face, as well as the hope and resilience that they often find within the prison walls. These videos are a valuable resource for understanding the experiences of prisoners and for raising awareness of the challenges of prison life.
Application of Course Material
The course material in Module Six provides a theoretical framework for understanding the videos “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out.” The module discusses the history of prisons in Canada, the challenges of prison life, and the factors that contribute to recidivism. The module also discusses the role of prisons in society and the debate over the purpose of punishment.
The videos provide a valuable opportunity to apply the course material to real-world examples. The videos show how the challenges of prison life can lead to violence, drug use, and mental illness. The videos also show how some prisoners find hope and resilience through education, religious faith, and the support of family and friends.
The videos “Behind the Wall” and “Life Inside Out” are a valuable resource for understanding the experiences of prisoners and for raising awareness of the challenges of prison life. The videos also provide a platform for discussing the role of prisons in society and the debate over the purpose of punishment.
