I am easily able to account for numerous contributing factors to my incarceration. My mind and heart begrudgingly possess a bevy of reasons, explanations and excuses. However, after further consideration, I concede they are just that… excuses; meager attempts to justify my being incarcerated, enchained and entombed.
As do many, I too find myself quickly casting blame upon the most frequently attributed afflictions – a broken and fatherless home; the lack of proper guidance and structure; a dysfunctional judicial system that levies unfair sentencing; misrepresentation by an ineffective counsel; the coercion of corrupt law enforcement; or perhaps, simply, the implication of a very ‘talkative’ acquaintance. This list could go on, and each reason would appear quite significant in the eyes of its beholder, but truth be told, these are merely the fruit of a much more poisonous tree.
While contemplating similar causes in my own incarceration, I discover they undoubtedly share one common root. Although each merits its own truth, these stigma are the culmination of a far greater woe. This generational genocide, reinforced by blind belief in errant statistical data, flawed reiterations and environmental influence while balanced on the crutches of racial prejudice is but the surface of this deeply embedded spur.
By no means am I attempting to discredit the validity of such factors, or reduce their weight in regard to anyone’s bout with this carceral beast, my own included, but there is one simple answer to this question. What do I consider the most significant factor in my incarceration? ‘Absence’… Yes, absence.
In my humble opinion, absence is the root cause of any and everyone’s incarceration. No matter which surface truth we choose to blame, ultimately, there was an underlying lack that led to its burgeoning. Whether it was the absence of a father figure, a strong support system or a void of values, there was a lack. Maybe there was an unfair trial, insufficient legal assistance, or the ploy of discriminatory incrimination, but the fact still remains – we were without something, and the absence of that something created a vulnerability.
In an absence of awareness, we lose focus and forget all instruction and forewarning, then act with clouded judgment, in total disregard to consequence. In an absence of direction, we are left to our own demise, inept at navigating the hostile and often imbalanced terrain of our society. In the absence of maturation, we have become trapped in a race, running from responsibility, hoping to be rewarded with the avoidance of accountability. And, in the absence of knowledge, we are unable to defend our rights or freedom on the battlefield of ‘law and order’, thus we are captured, sold, and enslaved.
So, you see then, regardless of how one may attempt to rationalize the cause of their incarceration, a single truth prevails – there has been an absence in our lives – an absence resulting in ignorance, an absence that has become a perpetual deviant, an absence that led to bad choices and poor decisions, an absence that has left us absent.
ABOUT THE WRITER. It is no surprise that Carter has placed third in our recent writing contest. He has placed here before, and he is also a co-author of Beneath Our Numbers. His writing style is always reflective, sometimes nostalgic, and completely charming. WITS really appreciates the insight that writers like Carter bring to important conversations.
If you would like to contact Carter, please reach out to me directly.
