During a two-year stint in New York state prisons, Matthew Azzano reported on the ingenious way men in segregated housing units trade precious commodities such as snacks, stamps and soap. They tie these items onto “fishing” lines they’ve made out of ripped sheets, towels and clothes and toss them from cell to cell.
“Human survival has always depended on our ability to cooperate creatively,” says Azzano. “You literally have to think outside the box.”
This essay, animated by Xaver Böhm and voiced by Azzano, is part of “Inside Story,” The Marshall Project’s groundbreaking video series distributed online and in correctional facilities across the U.S.
Watch the latest season, with new episodes landing every Thursday at 11 a.m. ET on The Marshall Project’s website and YouTube channel. You can also watch episodes on the Scripps News network on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
