Stigma arises for many different reasons. Fear appears to be a major factor. When we meet an ex-offender, lots of questions pop to the surface.

 

“Was this person imprisoned for a violent crime? If so, am I in danger of further violence? Can I trust my family to be around this person?”

 

“If this person was imprisoned, it must mean that this person is dangerous in some way. Can I trust such a person to get close to me? To know where I live? To know my family? To be alone with my young son or daughter?"

 

“What about the security of my possessions? Do I want this person to know what I own and where it may be stored? Is my house safe if an ex-offender knows the floor plan, the location of family heirlooms, and the schedule of my comings and goings?”

 

“How will my neighbors feel about having an ex-offender visiting their neighborhood?”

 

These, and many more fears, cause us to distance ourselves from ex-offenders. Over time, trust may be earned. But trust requires us to opening up ourselves.

 

The great irony is that the greatest fear offenders face is leaving prison to return to their communities. As one offender notes, “I was scared at first because I thought, "Oh wow, what if these people try to kill me, what if these people hold my crime against me.” Offenders know that when they leave prison, they will be facing almost insurmountable odds in finding employment, housing, dependable friends, and a place in society.

“…a felony down here is a death sentence, it really is, especially when you’re trying to turn over a leaf… I’ve had a million doors slammed in my face.” Anthony, ex-offender

 

For most of us, finding a place in society relates primarily to how we fare in the employment sector. We are limited by our own ambitions and values, our education and our performance. An ex-offender encounters all these limitations, plus the stigma that will create barriers for a lifetime. 

 

“…basically I’m still doing time, just in a different way, you know. And I want people to realize that once you get in trouble, it’s just like it follows you for the rest of your life.” Jamie, ex-offender, second degree murder