I am writing this and submitting it as an example of the irony and hypocrisy that exists within the system of the California department of Corrections (CDC). The CDC administration has in place throughout all the prisons what they call "grooming standards." These standards concern length of hair, hair style, no beard rule, mustache length, etc. The only way a person is allowed to have a beard is with a medical no shaving chrono. The length of a person’s mustache can not be any longer than his lower lip. If an inmate violates any of these grooming standards he is subject to being written up for the violation infraction and is then subject to disciplinary action and subsequent punishment. The punishments for these infractions are the loss of privileges such as no yard, no dayroom, restricted movement, loss of certain canteen purchasing limits and loss of package privileges.
It feels like I've lost some of my rights being subjected to this kind of undue and unnecessary harassment. I personally grow a very thick, nice looking mustache. It extends about a half inch below my lower lip. My mustache is well groomed and looks good. It is not offensive to anyone. As a matter of fact, I constantly get compliments on what a nice mustache I have. Like I said, my mustache is only a half inch out of compliance with the CDC grooming standards. No big deal right? I mean, who's it hurting and who on earth is going to be so offended. I mean, I'm in prison, of all places, who cares. Well, it seems that there is this guard here that my mustache is offending terribly. He seems to be taking this as a direct affront and insult and every chance he gets he gets on my case, telling me to cut it.
I am probably going to get written up for this terrible infraction of CDC's precious rules and standards. I'll end up doing one of two things. I might get disgusted and upset enough with the whole affair, so damn fed up with it all that I will just cut the whole thing off. On the other hand, I may just be stubborn and uncompromising and leave it the way it is and screw their rules and grooming standards. I will, of course, be written up and punished as a result.
I do not have much respect or regard for this prison administration. There needs to be many changes and reformations made in the structure and foundation of such a system.
- a California prisoner, August 2005