working as i did with one of the key figures in labeling theory, i should know better.  but, in my earlier post on “girl trouble” about starting classes in a correctional facility with teenage girls, i let the bad press infiltrate my thoughts, and i became particularly nervous about starting this new endeavor.

happily, our first night of class went well.  9 female OSU students and 7 girls from the correctional facility will be studying “gender and crime” with me this quarter.  after some introductions, we spent time last night talking about topics they would like to cover and ideas for potential group projects we can work on together.  one element that came through loudly to me is that the 7 incarcerated girls individually and collectively have a lot to say, and they would like to find a way to have their voices heard.

i was humbled when they spoke eloquently of their frustration at being stereotyped as troublemakers and really victimized by the girls in the facility who tried to escape last month.  they are aware it makes the institution, the girls, and the staff look bad, and they were angry the other girls injured employees of the facility who are there to help them.  it was a mature conversation and reminded me anew about the power and impact of negative labels.  by bringing our “magnificent seven” into this college experience, i’m hoping we can offer these individuals new, positive labels to counter the negative stereotypes and bolster self-images in progress.