…and why it’s time to leave them behind
At F5 Project, we walk alongside people coming out of incarceration every single day. And still, we’re amazed by the myths that continue to shape public opinion, hiring decisions, housing applications, and even funding priorities.
It’s time to set the record straight.
These myths aren’t just wrong — they’re harmful. They perpetuate stigma, reinforce systemic barriers, and keep good people from rebuilding their lives.
Here are 10 of the most common myths — and the truth behind them:
1. “They’re all violent or dangerous.”
False. The majority of incarcerated individuals are not serving time for violent crimes. And even those who are — are more than the worst thing they’ve ever done. People are capable of change, healing, and redemption.
2. “They didn’t want to do better.”
Also false. Many people wanted a better life long before they were ever arrested. Poverty, addiction, trauma, systemic racism, mental health struggles — none of these are choices. But they do create conditions that make certain paths more likely.
3. “They must be lazy.”
This one is laughable. People in reentry are some of the hardest-working humans we’ve ever met. Many are holding down multiple jobs, going to outpatient treatment, attending probation check-ins, and still showing up for their kids — all while trying to rebuild from scratch.
4. “They’ll just reoffend anyway.”
Only if you keep treating them like they’re destined to fail. Recidivism drops drastically when people have stable housing, meaningful work, mental health support, and dignity. Want safer communities? Invest in second chances.
5. “They can’t be trusted.”
You know who you can trust? Someone who knows what it’s like to lose everything — and never wants to go back. Trust has to be earned, yes. But don’t write people off before they even get a chance to try.
6. “They should’ve thought of that before they committed a crime.”
Trauma doesn’t operate with logic. Addiction doesn’t make rational choices. And 18-year-old brains aren’t wired for long-term thinking. Accountability is important — but so is context. And compassion.
7. “Once a criminal, always a criminal.”
Nope. Just… nope. We’ve seen people go from mugshots to mentoring others. From jail cells to college campuses. From overdoses to owning businesses. People are not static. Growth is real. Change is possible. Redemption is powerful.
8. “They get out and get everything handed to them.”
Please. Most people leave incarceration with nothing. No job. No ID. No place to live. No social security card. No support. Reentry is a fight for survival — and it’s rigged. The system isn’t handing out freebies — it’s handing out barriers.
9. “They’re a lost cause.”
Tell that to the father who got sober so he could reunite with his kids. Tell that to the woman who now leads peer support groups for others. Tell that to the man who rebuilt his life and is now mentoring young people at risk of repeating his past.
They’re not lost — they’re finding their way.
10. “They’re not like us.”
This one might be the most dangerous myth of all. Because they are us. Your barista. Your neighbor. Your co-worker. Your brother. Your daughter. Your best friend from high school.
Incarceration doesn’t just happen to “other people.” It happens to people. Full stop.
Let’s Break the Cycle — Not the Person
If we want to see real change, we have to stop defining people by their worst moments. We have to believe in their best potential.
And maybe most of all, we have to start talking about this — out loud, in public, at work, at church, in our neighborhoods — until these myths die and a new narrative takes their place.
One that says:
You are more than your past. You deserve a future. And we’re standing with you every step of the way
