The Dangerous Game of Prison Politics and Deception

Steven Williams explains how prison politics mirror the corruption, deception, and manipulation seen in the outside world’s government systems.

Prison politics are quite similar to the state of affairs within the government. There is a House Speaker, a Congressional constituency, and the self-elected politicians who campaign to be the next leader of the underworld. What makes prison politics so dangerous, like government officials, is they are the best liars, using persuasive rhetoric.

I learned really quickly to avoid prison politics at all costs. It doesn’t matter what the prison politician’s campaign is about, I disbelieve them. Always! The truth is always buried underneath their political posturing, so I don’t believe a word.

Prison Politics: Rumors and Witch Hunts in the Political Arena

Before I make a time investment into a prison politic deposit, I withdraw a Department of Justice investigation to bankrupt their campaign. I’d prefer to discover the Richard Nixon Watergate scandal for myself.

For instance, I could be walking laps around the fenced-in political arena (the yard), and pick apart every flip-flopping, bipartisan State of the Union address. Accusations, rumors, and disrespectful insinuations—especially involving sexuality—are common weapons in prison politics.

Chasing Ghosts and the Power of Rumors

Now Grimm will knock on the door of every House and Senate to seek out the mudslinger. But every time he poses the question of who ignited the flame, he adds fuel to the burning fire attached to his name. In the words of President Donald Trump, “a witch hunt.”

Rumors are used strategically to manipulate, distract, and control others. This is how prison politics escalate from whispers to violence.

Prison Politics and the Rise of Gangsta, the Fall of Bling

The year was 2010, and I was in Auburn Correctional Facility, the oldest prison in New York State. Gangsta was my neighbor, and Bling was in the cell next to him. Involving yourself in business that isn’t yours to mind is the easiest way to get hurt.

With a name like Gangsta, this House Speaker should be self-explanatory. He was a fascist who campaigned for the highest position in the political arena. Bling, meanwhile, was neutral—an independent who didn’t belong to any group. Unfortunately, neutrality doesn’t protect you in prison politics.

Manipulation, Money, and Betrayal

Bling talked too much. In any political arena, information is key to starting a campaign. Prison politicians love people like him—those who volunteer too much information.

Gangsta used Bling’s words and wealth against him. He manipulated Bling with friendship, food, and even a fake pen pal. Bling was convinced he had found love, but he had merely become a pawn in Gangsta’s calculated scheme.

The Setup and the Attack

The plot reached its peak once Bling sent money for a car to help his supposed love interest visit. Gangsta’s demeanor changed, revealing the truth: the entire relationship had been part of a larger setup.

When Bling walked into the yard that night, unaware of what awaited him, his fate was sealed. The attack came fast—a razor-sharp weapon, a moment’s distraction, and then blood. The campaign ended violently, as so many do in prison politics.

Prison Politics: The Lesson Behind the Lies

In the prison politic campaign game, taking advantage is every politician’s aim. I’ve seen people in wheelchairs get abused, or a 70-year-old walking with a cane. When you give away the keys to your brain, prison politics will drive you insane.

Want to read more? Don’t miss Welcome to Club Fed: Prison Gangs, Politics, and Other Problems

The post The Dangerous Game of Prison Politics and Deception first appeared on Prison Writers.