Media coverage for Handcuffed to Freedom.
A TV reporter for KOLD contacted me about doing an interview for Handcuffed to Freedom. She wants to interview me at the Prison Town Hall we're hosting in Phoenix, because she's doing a story about the conditions inside our prisons and she wants a human character to base the story around.
A "human character."
I'm wary anytime I talk to a reporter, but even more so when they want to cast me a "human character." That's the problem I've run into when I speak as someone who is formerly incarcerated. I'm either cast as a victim of an unjust system (and while I believe we need a justice system that focuses on accountability rather than punishment, I am by no means a victim) or I'm paraded around like an oddity. Hey, check out the ex-con who's doing well, like I'm a bear that can ride a unicycle. Let me set this straight: I have no idea how to ride a unicycle.
I was about to say no on general principal until she asked if I wanted to talk about my documentary in the interview. Apparently she had watched the pitch reel I created. After I recovered from the initial shock of a TV reporter talking about my documentary, I realized what a great opportunity this could be. Some very wise mentors at my work told me to never talk to the press unless I was getting something out of it. This could be something that I show funders so they know that we can generate interest in the project. I realize this can be a step on the way to getting the money we need to make this happen. That way I can pay the people who are putting their lives on screen and do this thing right.
So I said yes to the interview. Unfortunately I don't get a say in how they craft the story.
You'll know it didn't turn out well if you see me riding around on a unicycle.
A "human character."
I'm wary anytime I talk to a reporter, but even more so when they want to cast me a "human character." That's the problem I've run into when I speak as someone who is formerly incarcerated. I'm either cast as a victim of an unjust system (and while I believe we need a justice system that focuses on accountability rather than punishment, I am by no means a victim) or I'm paraded around like an oddity. Hey, check out the ex-con who's doing well, like I'm a bear that can ride a unicycle. Let me set this straight: I have no idea how to ride a unicycle.
I was about to say no on general principal until she asked if I wanted to talk about my documentary in the interview. Apparently she had watched the pitch reel I created. After I recovered from the initial shock of a TV reporter talking about my documentary, I realized what a great opportunity this could be. Some very wise mentors at my work told me to never talk to the press unless I was getting something out of it. This could be something that I show funders so they know that we can generate interest in the project. I realize this can be a step on the way to getting the money we need to make this happen. That way I can pay the people who are putting their lives on screen and do this thing right.
So I said yes to the interview. Unfortunately I don't get a say in how they craft the story.
You'll know it didn't turn out well if you see me riding around on a unicycle.
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