Introduction: At the end of 2021 a survey was sent out to over 750 prison readers of a newsletter made up of articles from revcom.us and featuring writings by Bob Avakian, BA. This newsletter is put together and sent every two weeks by the Prisoners Revolutionary Literature Fund (PRLF).
Over 150 prisoners responded even though PRLF is prohibited from sending a stamped reply envelope. In order to respond, prisoners had to use their own stamp from the small number they are allotted. The prisoners were from all over—North Carolina, Louisiana, Florida, Arizona, Texas, California, Illinois, and numerous other states. Some were from long-time readers and others from those brand new to the revolution.
While this is not a “scientific” survey, there is a lot to learn from what the prisoners had to say. One of the questions asked was simply, “What did you learn from reading the materials sent to you from Revcom?” followed by a few blank lines for the answer.
We are sharing some of the responses, grouped under different themes (for #1, “Thinking about the world, the horrors caused by the capitalist-imperialist system and why we need a revolution,” go here).
# 2. The importance of the scientific method and truth.
* How to use a scientific method to analyze the world around me.—I’ve learned about the true nature of this system, and what it will really take to make change.
* Specifically, I’m learning the science of socialism and learning real global news not—bourgeois propaganda.
* Our school teachers were liars. The mainstream media “news” outlets are liars. The U.S. armed forces aren’t defending democracy. They’re stealing oil.
* I learned a lot from reading revcom.us articles. My perspective in acknowledging the truth has evolved profoundly....
* I'm learning a lot to be honest dealing with morality, religion, science etc please keep sending me (RevCom) papers.
* My answer is that using a scientifical approach to things is the right way. Emotion/loyalty/habit aside!
* I have learned to use critical thinking and scientific method when I am analyzing things to determine whether they are true.
* I have learned how to apply a more scientific approach to revolution.
* I’m sixty years old I had been semi brain washed by what I had learnt in the USA educational system. You have opened my mind and eyes.
* The history part I most love. (RevCom) talks about Jim Crow era, and the horrors of what mainstream media seldom talk about on network T.V.
* I have learned about current abortion rights. I have learned about the history of voting rights and the history on U.S. wars against foreign nations. Furthermore, I learned about sex slaves in the U.S. Kenya Jamaica etc.
