Dear Abby,
My name is Mr.G I am a teacher in the state of Louisiana. I have been given the perplexed task of teaching a prisoner how to "become a man." The prisoner, we'll refer to him as Jay, has been convicted of robbery and murder in the first degree. He has also been sentenced to death by execution. Jay is uneducated and of a diminished mental capacity. He was unfairly compared to as a "hog" during his trail and has thus taken on animal-like characteristics. He refuses to speak and eats from the floor. His loved ones want Jay to die with some kind of dignity. That's why I was asked to work with him. The problem that I have is that I have no clue on how to get Jay to communicate his feelings to me. Furthermore, how do I get him to get this idea of him being a hog out of his mind? If I can break down these barriers maybe I'll have a chance to teach Jay the basic principles of being a man before he dies. Please answer soon. We are running out of time.
Signed, Teacher in need of a Lesson in Louisiana
Dear Mr. G,
ReplyDeleteThe Advice Column is very sad to hear about what has been occurring in your life. We would like offer you a couple of ideas to help you get through this process. Firstly you must establish a great line of communication. You must be able to talk to Jefferson and help him understand that he is loved and that his family only want what's best for him. Secondly, you have to let it be know to him he is still a human. Although, the state prosecutor called him a hog, he has to understand that he can not let others words affect him, especially in the judicial system where anything will be said to get the ruling go in there favor. Additionally, if Jefferson doesn't not want to talk, have him write down his thoughts down on paper. With Jefferson being able to write his thoughts on paper that may give you two a small window of communication. Also do not try to pressure Jefferson or bring up the case and ridicule him on things he shouldn't have did, that can effect him in many ways considering the magnitude of the case. Furthermore you must be able to Jefferson like you are in his shoes as well. You must be able to talk to him like you've been in his place in the past. You cannot pass judgment and act as if he is below you. Finally you have to be able to accept this task with an open mind and put your heart in it. The Advice Column understands that you have not did anything like this before, and we would like to tell you that everything is going to be fine. In conclusion we hope we have have given you credible advice needed to overcome your problems
Sincerely,
The Advice Column