I Coulda Been Your Cellmate

In this comedy show Mo'Nique went to this women's prison in Ohio to perform. In the beginning she was meeting some of the residents, there was one young lady that was 30 years old, and was serving 145 years for aggravated murder and robbery. They didn't discuss the details of her case, but that just totally baffled me. I don't know how long she had been incarcerated, but I wonder what could this woman have done to receive such a sentence?

The reason this show even struck my interest is because I have been to Ryker's Island to speak to some teenage/high school girls. while I was there, one girl asked me why I took time out of my busy schedule to come speak to them. My response was that they do still matter and they can still make a difference for the better, so when they have the opportunity to choose, choose to do better. Now back to Mo'nique. One of the ladies at the prison asked Mo'Nique the same question. Mo'Nique's response was similar to mine-alont more cussing, but similar. She also said "…society doesn't think you are worth SH***, I think otherwise."

Her routine was pretty funny, full of expletives but pretty funny and you could tell she was genuinely feeling for the residents. The theme of her routine "I'm one F up away from being your cellmate" was full of life scenarios she had where if she had'na got a grip, "she coulda been your cellmate, *itch." It was funny, but it was so true. When I was talking to those HS girls, they didn't look like "hardened criminals" they looked like girls from my neighborhood or in classrooms or camps that I've taught in. But instead of just an afterschool fight that everybody seems to have growing up...somebody went to the hospital or worse and our ever so predjudice legal system (aka sharks and pimps) gave them a ridiculous sentence to fill some quota.

Towards the end of the show, Mo'Nique told the residents to hug the person next to them. She said the guards got nervous and started closing in. What kind of life is it where you can't even give a hug or receive one? She also let one of the residents come on stage and sing. It was a very moving performance. It touched Mo'Nique so, she hugged the resident and held her hand…and couldn't let go. It was really touching. Mo then said although it may have appeared that she was giving the hugs the day before, it was really her that NEEDED hugs, and that song that was sung, was really for her.

I think she really did alot of good in spending time with the ladies. I think it is an atrocity that the American penal system is so corrupt and biased, with little is any form of rehabilitation. While the show was coming home they were showing some stats..80% of the women had been abused sexually or physically. (sigh) the world we live in.

Why did I blog about this? Well, although her show had much more cussing than I prefer, it connected with her audience. The women there really seemed to enjoy the experience, not just the jokes, but the bond. And it was a positive and uplifting performance. I often wonder when I go places to teach, speak or whatever I wonder how what I say and do will impact my audience. If they will get my jokes, if I will remember my key points, etc. Will I ever go to a prison to speak or teach again? Probably. Maybe I can inspire one person to make a positive difference in the life they are living. I heard this lady on the radio that said her son was like 25 and incarcerated. Outside he was a reckless rebel. In jail he straightened up and got saved, and is now teaching bible study..in jail. You just never know. God can use anybody. How about you?