White Mountain Process’ Post

The TDCJ promotional video featuring Officer Elliot Ruiz sheds light on his career and experiences but also exposes the deep flaws of TDCJ.  While Ruiz’s dedication may be sincere, the video is less about him and more about a system skilled at masking its true nature.  TDCJ avoids discussions of rehabilitation and justice, offering instead propaganda designed to maintain a facade while perpetuating dehumanizing practices.  What is notably absent is any mention of TDCJ’s mission: "to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime."  The incarcerated individuals central to that mission are rendered invisible, reduced to silent props in the background.  This treatment reflects a system uninterested in rehabilitation and focused solely on control.  The only indirect reference to the incarcerated comes when Ruiz says, "No matter what ‘they’ do to me."  Who is “they”?  The video’s ambiguity avoids acknowledging these individuals as human beings deserving dignity and a chance to change.  This “us vs. them” mindset isn’t unique to officers; it’s ingrained in TDCJ’s culture, perpetuating division and undermining meaningful reform. Instead of addressing rehabilitation, the video prioritizes recruitment and retention, focusing on the struggles of staff while ignoring the humanity of the incarcerated.  Ruiz’s story is meant to inspire new recruits, yet it sidesteps the truth of incarceration, erasing the voices and potential of those in TDCJ’s care.  When Ruiz remarks that no one is perfect, he could have tied this sentiment to TDCJ’s role in helping people move beyond their mistakes.  Instead, the video pivots back to his personal narrative, missing an opportunity to humanize the incarcerated and highlight the system’s rehabilitative mission.  This omission feels deliberate; acknowledging the humanity of those incarcerated would mean admitting systemic failures. The video’s focus on the fears of corrections staff such as retirement highlights another imbalance.  While staff concerns are valid, what about the fears of the incarcerated?  Will they see their families again?  Leave prison with hope?  Survive the system?  These voices are silenced, while staff concerns take center stage, reflecting a system designed to prioritize control over compassion.  This video underscores how TDCJ and the corrections industry excel at herding people but fail at helping them.  Images of silent incarcerated individuals walking in the background are a stark reminder of this reality.  Rehabilitation requires more than rhetoric; it demands action, change, and humanity.  Yet, TDCJ’s focus remains on power and control, not transformation.  If TDCJ claims to promote positive change, it must start by recognizing the humanity of those it incarcerates.  Until then, videos like this will remain what they are: propaganda for a broken system.

🌟 Embracing Change and Conquering Fears 🌟 Stepping into the unknown can feel daunting, but it’s often where life’s greatest opportunities lie. As Jim Rohn wisely said: “Your personal growth journey will open doors to opportunities you never imagined. Let go of fear, and let life surprise you.” This resonates with me deeply. Whether it’s embarking on a solo adventure, starting a new chapter, or simply challenging myself to try something different, I’ve realized that fear is often the gateway to transformation. Every step forward builds resilience, sharpens perspective, and reveals possibilities we never thought were within reach. The journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and the courage to keep moving forward. ✨ What’s one step you’ve taken recently that pushed you out of your comfort zone? I’d love to hear how it unfolded for you! #CourageToGrow #EmbracingChange #SteppingOutOfComfortZones #Transformation

After 8 incredible years with Crowley, it’s time for me to turn the page and begin a new chapter. This journey has been filled with countless lessons, growth, and opportunities that have shaped me both professionally and personally. While the thought of starting over can be daunting, I’ve realized that growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones. Sometimes, the path forward means leaving behind what’s familiar to embrace the unknown with courage and determination. To anyone else facing a big change, remember: it’s okay to feel uncertain. Trust in your resilience, your experience, and your ability to adapt. New beginnings are not the end of something good, but the start of something great. Here’s to new opportunities, challenges, and growth!

#valuesbasedhr #lookingforward #leadingchange I highly recommend Sharon Jutila because I have worked side by side with her for the past 9 years. Her practical approach combining values/culture and law/compliance is amazing! She is super awesome!

Believing in yourself is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Reaching for the stars and constantly moving forward are all parts of that gift. While I loved my time at Intrado, and there are so many people there that I am incredibly thankful for, I am so excited to push myself forward and grow in this new role I have accepted with Mission Critical Partners! 📖 Next Chapter:

Real stories, Real transformations, Real Success! 🌟 💼🔥Grab that Raise, Get that Promotion, Land the New Job With My New Win at Work System👇 🏆 https://lnkd.in/gkkadAcP

Here ,I am ready to choose every challenge that comes into my life personally and professionally.

Here we complete the first year of our journey.

Any endeavor in life, including career goals, requires assessment and support. I’m sharing a story today about my youngest daughter, Aurora, whose recent experience showcases the highs and lows of pursuing any dream. Honestly, it’s also a chance for me to process what it took to support her dream and my takeaways – check out this week’s blogcast for more info! https://lnkd.in/gmtJ-vRc

The Fall is my favorite time of year. Not only is it full of all things comfort (blankets, fire-pits, pumpkin lattes) but also beautiful as we journey through it. 🍁 What I also love about the Fall is that it is a powerful reminder of the cycles of growth and renewal, both personally and professionally. This season invites us to reflect on our efforts, celebrate our achievements, and identify areas of improvement. Let's use this time to set intentional goals for the months ahead; sowing now what will lead to even greater harvests in 2025. How might you leverage this season of change? #Reflection #Growth #Goals