Life in Prison by Tookie Williams: A Journey Begins
I’m not a big reader for enjoyment kind of guy but, I have been trying to change this. Let me back up. I enjoy reading books that I can learn something from but, I don’t necessarily enjoy novels and that type of literature. Honestly, I really prefer not to read even for knowledge. I know it sounds bad, but as Meatwad reminded us, Master Shake said that “TV is twice as fast” at giving information. To become more well-rounded in life though, I have started making it a point to read daily. I think it is a healthy thing to do.
Tookie's Encounter with Ice-T - An Unexpected Twist
Recently, I read Life in Prison by Stanley “Tookie” Williams. I came across Tookie and his story one day on YouTube. Long story short, he was one of the co-founders of the LA Crips. Despite his background, he was into physical fitness and was featured on television because of it. One of the interviews I watched about him involved Ice-T (the rapper). Ice-T mentioned having a run-in with Tookie. Well, Ice-T said that his girlfriend was complaining about someone making rude comments to her while coming into their apartment complex. Of course, Ice-T was angry until he found out it was Tookie making the comments. Once he learned this, he told his girlfriend to be quiet and leave that one alone. I found this comical. Fast forward, Tookie was found guilty of killing 4 people and ended up on death row to be executed in 2005 just before Christmas.
Tookie's Message to the Youth - A Call for Change
While in prison, Tookie tried to change his reputation and to reach the youth. One of the books that he wrote was called Life in Prison. This publication detailed daily life in San Quentin with hopes of deterring young people from following in his footsteps. The book was a very quick read – I read the entire book in about 3 hours. It was to the point and very graphic about prison life. There were a couple of things that stood out to me.
Tookie's Cell and Mental Torture - A Glimpse Behind Bars
One, Tookie mentioned that he had to enter his cell door sideways because he was too wide to walk through it. He was a jacked fellow but, that still means a very small cell. Tookie made an analogy to prisoners walking in their cells to dogs in kennels. I found this interesting because I am raising a dog that is kennel trained. You allow the dog just enough room to turn around so that it is encouraged not to use the bathroom in the kennel. Tookie mentioned his aunt raising dogs and seeing this as a child. He refused to walk inside his cell because of this. He elaborated on the mental torture of prisoners. I think that memories like this might make a lengthy prison sentence worse than anything else.
Tookie's Literary Legacy - Inspiring Hope
Amongst this book, he wrote others to include children’s books. I hate that Tookie’s life took him where it did but, I think he would be the first to own up to making the decisions that got him there. I hope that his efforts were not in vain and that his writings help keep kids out of gangs and jail. If you want a quick and interesting read, pick up Life in Prison by Tookie Williams. This blog is short and sweet so, if you got some extra time check out more of my page. Read more blogs here, check out my art here, consider buying some of it, and link up with me on social media here. Peace.