Response # 13

The images of prison guards that are popularized in the media are very distinct. When most people think or prison guards there tends to be the same conceptual figure hat is described. Usually, this figure is a male and he male is of massive size with a stern personality and loud voice. These guards have a very disciplined personality and rarely crack a smile. Their job is portrayed to keep inmates inline within the prison. Many people believe these guards to be very aggressive and use tactics that could be harmful if necessary. On the other hand, women are not seen to be as present. Women guards are not graded with the same rubric. There tends to be much discrimination as to whether or not a woman could control should a hostile environment. Some believe that women would not be able to handle to emotional rollercoaster that guards experiences on a day-to-day basis. This is an assumption that only men can handle high levels of stress and emotional control. As women are beginning to become more involved within the prison systems, there is still segregation as to what job a woman may be able to perform. As described in Britons book, more women are employed in state facilities than federal. Two complications arise with this one, there is more money in the federal facilities than state and second, and women are portrayed as not being able to handle to severe criminals. More so, women are forced or guided to more “women” jobs such as, working in the kitchen or even cleaning. The media has been able to fit the women into the picture of police officers and prison guards. However, from my on experience, the women are enforced to take more masculine characteristics the feminine ones. They tend to be very tough woman who have strong voices and like to “rough” people if needed. They enjoy the hunting for bad people or keeping the criminals in control .