Returning from Prison: Women's Perspectives
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2011-03-09/returning-prison-womens-perspectives
Women account for nearly one fifth of the people behind bars or on parole in the United States. And when they return home to their communities, they often face very different challenges than their male counterparts. In the second of our two-part series on life after prison, we look at female offenders and what's being done locally to keep them on the right track.
Guests
Nancy La Vigne
Director, Justice Policy Center, Urban Institute
Ashley McSwain
Executive Director, Our Place D.C.
Adrienne Poteat
Interim Director, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
India Frazier
Person under supervision, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
Comments
Please familiarize yourself with our Code of Conduct and Terms of Use before posting your comments.
Kojo, it's unfortunate, but on summer vacations from college, I used to work in an employment office and found that those women whose resumes bore such first names as "Twynetha" and "Shaqesha" were summarily dismissed out of hand by the employment office managers. To be fair, these resumes often contained typos and syntax mistakes. Would these same CVs be considered wthout the typos and bad grammar? Hmmmm.... Would these typos and syntax errors be overlooked if the ladies' first names were Jennifer and Susan? Hmmmm...
I have a similar comment. I was surprised by your reaction to the caller that was speaking of "particular" names. I thought he was sensitive in acknowledging at first that he was going to say something that might appear controversial. I do not believe the issue he raised should have been cut off in such a perfunctory manner.
Keeping in mind my African descent, I still acknowledge that I have a certain knee jerk reaction to particular first names and I do not think it matters what peoples' surnames are. First names are a kind of "branding". I have white friends with names such as Sun drop and Moon flower. Without any doubt, this has caused them difficulties when seeking employment.
Yes, it is sad, but the caller made a legitimate point (though it was not a socio-scientific study). Such things do matter, as does what you wear when going to an interview and how you speak (as was mentioned in your show).
Should every Laquisha change her name? By no means, but that does not preclude having a conversation as to whether she might have a better chance at securing a job were she to do so. It would be worth looking further into. I imagine there are studies out there. Perhaps you could get an intern on the case.
I love your program, content, and manner. This was the first and only thing I felt compelled to comment on negatively as it did not follow your usual openness that I have so highly valued in your program.
With great respect,
Mateo