Once a Convict, Always a Convict

394 Words2 Pages
Kayla Newton “Once a convict, Always a convict” A stereotype can be defined as a fixed, over generalized belief about a particular group. A few common stereotypes are: White people can’t dance, women can’t drive, and Asians have high IQ’s. The stereotype that best describes me is ‘once a convict, always a convict.’ Being labeled as a convicted felon can be extremely harmful in society. It hinders jobs, housing, travelling and many other things. But not all stereotypes are negative. I am twenty five years old, and “I am a convicted felon.” It’s a horrible thing to have to admit, but it is true. As I fill out job applications I have to make a decision. Should I explain myself on the application? Or should I simply write “will explain during interview.”? Either way, my applications either get ignored or put in file thirteen. People assume that because the state gave me that label that I’m a bad person. Not all convicts are bad people. In fact, some convicts are innocent. Have you ever heard that saying “wrong place wrong time”? I was sentenced to eighteen months in the Florida Department of Corrections. I only served fifteen months. It was absolutely the worst fifteen months ever. Whether I liked it or not, I was stuck. I decided to use this time to my advantage. I received my GED, attended multiple seminars, and completed a vet tech course. Not only did I gain knowledge, I gained strength as well. I may have been given a label by law enforcement and society, but I am not a horrible person, as a convict is portrayed. Since being released from the razor wire enclosed prison compound, I have made a conscious effort to be a better person. I don’t want to be another stereotype. I am not a convict, nor will I ever be. Some stereotypes are negative; some are positive. Some affect people’s lives more than others. No one stereotype applies to all of the people of that
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