When you think about the words, “breaking bread” your initial thought is the last supper when Jesus Christ is breaking bread with his disciples, right?? It takes you to a biblical timeline in history. In this case it’s still something very similar to that too. I mean, it isn’t exactly breaking a piece of bread and sharing it. It is more significant in here compared to the real world. That term alone holds so much weight in prison. When a person breaks bread, it shows your character as a person. Someone who is unselfish and is caring in here will be remembered in time and highly respected. This is how people connect, create bonds, and communion with one another. Although, we still have to abide by the prison politics. This carries to all groups in here because it is a culture created for us. Amongst so many aspects of prison that makes us whole. When certain groups in here come together and break spreads, it’s really “family time”.
Furthermore, we are only working with the bare necessities that we are offered through commissary. Everything on the store for purchase is all packaged goods. But we make it work!! It almost feels like we buy a bunch of packaged food on some, ” doomsday preppers” type stuff. You would be surprised. There are so many fellas in here that become microwave chefs, its bananas!! You should see all the cuisines that guys make just utilizing the microwave. They make anything from extraordinary nachos, burritos, rice bowls, to layers, etc. Not to mention, the pastries and sweets they whip up. It could be anything from no bake cookies, cheesecakes, honey bun birthday cakes, Canoles, and my favorite “dope fiends (all kinds of sweets mixed into one)”. It has even gotten to a point they have exact measurements of recipes. I have tasted and seen so many ways to make nachos, burritos, and tacos. I am still amazed at what guys in here come together to cook.
The most profound meals are when “family time” is during cultural banquets. Where guys plan and prepare a big celebration. We invite our families and guests to come enjoy the performances, speeches, activities, and food. The most special moments are when they are able to “break bread” with their biological family. Now that is worth more than anything in the world!! Also, it is a good time for guys in here to get to know their buddy’s family members too. The important component to the festivities is for us to display what we learned about our culture to family and friends, including cultural foods. Although, the meals were prepared by one of us, it is still delicious because this is only shared once a year. I think it’s the thought that counts. When the food is prepared with pure love.
Being incarcerated has an effect on most of us when it comes to the customs of the real world. Most are institutionalized and cannot break out of that mentality. This is why we make “family time” an important part of our group and prison culture. A lot of us are away from our biological families. So, the fellas in here become our second family. There are many customs that is considered to be institutionalism. But, that one customary concept humanizes us as people. I can only imagine the acts of kindness portrayed when men come together and break spreads in prison. I know firsthand from the experiences that it is wonderful. I mean, imagine a bunch of masculine men becoming kids again while eating, it’s insane, right?? Honestly, I enjoy seeing my brothers become this soft-hearted brother in here when we are indulging in a good meal. It’s a small piece of being normal but it works for us. This alone unites us and makes us human. Thanks.
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Or you can look me up and find out more about the work that I do and my journey, on the International Examiner site.
– Francisco Sao
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