Breaking the Narrative
The conversation about incarceration in America is often shaped by fear, stereotypes, and outdated assumptions. These narratives affect public policy, hiring decisions, and how returning citizens are treated when they reenter society.
At the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, we work with men who are proving those narratives wrong every day. To move forward as a society, we need to examine what we believe and why.
Myth 1: Prisoners Are Just Criminals
The word “prisoner” often becomes a label that overrides everything else about a person. But people in prison are not one-dimensional. They are fathers, sons, veterans, entrepreneurs, and artists. They carry experiences of trauma, loss, and resilience.
A criminal conviction may be part of someone’s story, but it is never the whole story. Reducing someone to a past action ignores the possibility of growth and redemption.
Myth 2: Most People in Prison Are Dangerous
The reality is that a significant portion of incarcerated individuals are serving time for nonviolent offenses. Many are in prison due to addiction, poverty, or broken systems that failed long before a crime was committed.
Violent behavior in prison is often a symptom of survival, not intent. When given access to structure, opportunity, and respect, most people respond with responsibility and discipline.
Myth 3: People in Prison Don’t Want to Change
Change is hard. But the desire to change is more common than most people realize. What is often missing is the opportunity, the support, and the accountability.
Programs like PEP exist because thousands of men in prison have asked for that chance. They want to rebuild trust, reconnect with family, and contribute to society. They just need a path forward that allows them to do so.
Myth 4: Once Released, Most Will End Up Back in Prison
National recidivism rates are high, but that is not because people are incapable of change. It is often due to a lack of preparation, employment opportunities, and social support.
When returning citizens are equipped with life skills, a clear plan, and a network of mentors, they succeed at high rates. PEP graduates are proof of that. With long-term support, most do not return to prison. Instead, they build careers, businesses, and community ties.
Moving from Labels to Possibility
It is easy to talk about justice from a distance. It is harder, and more meaningful, to see the human being behind the sentence. Real change starts when we replace assumptions with understanding.
The men we serve are not statistics. They are people working every day to create a better future. By challenging the myths, we create space for second chances that are rooted in truth and dignity.
