Prison life has long been a source of intrigue and fear, fueled by movies, TV shows, and urban legends. While these portrayals make for gripping entertainment, they often distort the reality of life behind bars. Many common beliefs about prison are either outright false or exaggerated beyond recognition. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into ten of the most pervasive myths about prison life, revealing the surprising truths behind them.
1. Dropping the Soap Equals Danger

The infamous “drop the soap” myth has cemented itself in popular culture, often suggesting that bending over in the shower makes you a target for assault. In reality, this scenario is far from typical. Many modern prisons have single-stall showers, drastically reducing the chances of any incidents. Even in communal showers, most inmates are preoccupied with their own routines. While it’s true that violence, including sexual violence, occurs in prisons, it’s rarely linked to something as trivial as soap-dropping. This myth sensationalizes a very serious issue, misrepresenting the reality of prison assaults.
2. You Need to Fight the Biggest Inmate

The idea that you must fight the toughest person on your first day to gain respect is one of the most dangerous myths. While this might make sense in a movie, it’s terrible advice in real life. Initiating violence is likely to get you labeled as a troublemaker, making you a target for both inmates and guards. Prison operates on an unspoken code of respect, and acting out aggressively will only isolate you. The best approach is to stay neutral, observe the dynamics, and avoid unnecessary conflict. Trying to prove yourself with violence can lead to retaliation, injury, or even death.
3. Prison is Easy for Gay Men

This myth paints an unrealistic picture of prison life for gay inmates, often implying that they can easily form romantic relationships or avoid conflict. In reality, being openly gay in prison can make someone more vulnerable to harassment or exploitation. Many inmates, regardless of sexual orientation, face intense scrutiny and danger. The idea that a gay man could navigate prison easily due to their sexuality ignores the harsh and often violent realities of incarceration. Relationships in prison, whether consensual or not, are fraught with power dynamics and risks, making this myth both misleading and harmful.
4. Everyone Has a Shank

The belief that every inmate carries a shank (a homemade weapon) stems from the notion that prison is a constant battlefield. While it’s true that many inmates fashion weapons for protection, not everyone does. Weapons are more common among those involved in high-risk activities like the drug trade, gambling, or extortion. However, assuming that everyone is armed isn’t entirely wrong – it’s a mindset that can keep you vigilant. Prison is an environment where being cautious can save your life, but the idea that every single inmate is armed is an exaggeration rooted in fear.
5. Sagging Pants Signal Availability

This myth suggests that sagging pants in prison indicate sexual availability, but this interpretation is largely unfounded. Sagging pants, a fashion trend originating outside of prison, don’t carry the same meaning behind bars. While some inmates may make comments or jokes, sagging pants don’t serve as a signal for anything specific. That said, attracting unnecessary attention with how you dress or carry yourself can lead to problems, but not for the reasons this myth implies. In reality, respect and demeanor matter far more than wardrobe choices.
6. Guards Ignore Fights Involving Certain Inmates

This myth claims that prison guards deliberately ignore fights involving child molesters or other despised inmates, giving attackers more time to inflict harm. While it’s true that some guards might “slow walk” to certain incidents, this isn’t a universal practice. Guards are tasked with maintaining order and ensuring safety, but individual biases can occasionally influence their actions. The system has protocols to prevent and address violence, but guards are human, and some may act differently depending on the situation. While this myth has a kernel of truth, it oversimplifies the complexities of how prisons operate.
7. You Must Stab Someone to Join a Gang

Hollywood often depicts gang initiations in prison as brutal, requiring new members to stab someone as a rite of passage. In reality, while gangs do have initiation rituals, they’re not always violent. Tasks might involve smuggling contraband, fighting, or carrying out specific errands. The level of violence depends on the gang and its culture. The idea that stabbing someone is a universal requirement is a myth, though violence is certainly part of gang life in many cases. The specifics vary, and while not every gang demands extreme acts, joining any gang comes with significant risks.
8. Bodies Are Buried Within Prison Grounds

The grim notion that prisons bury deceased inmates under their grounds is rooted in misunderstanding. Some prisons have burial sites, known as “potter’s fields,” where unclaimed bodies are laid to rest. These are typically located on the outskirts of prison properties, not under the concrete or within the main facilities. The myth likely persists because the idea of hidden graves adds an eerie allure. While some prisons do manage burial sites for unclaimed inmates, the bodies are never hidden in the dramatic way pop culture suggests.
9. Every Prison Has a Kingpin

The “kingpin” myth, popularized by countless crime dramas, suggests that one individual controls an entire prison. In reality, prisons are often divided along racial or gang lines, with multiple leaders or “shot-callers” managing smaller groups. While some high-profile inmates, like drug lords or mob bosses, may wield influence, no single person typically has total control. The power structure in prison is complex and constantly shifting, making the idea of one all-powerful kingpin more fiction than fact.
10. Old-Timers Are Always Wise Mentors

The image of the wise old inmate who guides newcomers through prison life has some truth to it, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. Experienced inmates, often called “old heads” or “OGs,” may offer advice, but this depends on the individual and how they perceive the newcomer. Respect is the foundation of prison interactions, and acting entitled or disrespectful can close the door to mentorship. While some older inmates might provide valuable insights, others might have ulterior motives, making it essential to approach these relationships cautiously.
A Distorted View

Prison myths have long been fueled by media and speculation, creating a distorted view of what life behind bars is truly like. While some myths contain grains of truth, most are exaggerated or entirely false. The reality of prison is far more nuanced, shaped by a complex mix of rules, relationships, and hierarchies. By debunking these myths, we gain a clearer understanding of the challenges inmates face and the importance of separating fact from fiction.

A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.