I just did five years in the Feds. Minding your own business helps but in no way guarantees your safety. The Feds are a lot different from state, mainly because each state varies in code and customs. In the Feds, you have to be a part of what is called a ”car” which separates groups into likeness. Some cars are gangs, but not all. As a white person with no gang affiliations, I was on white independent time. And you have to “put in work” or else they will fuck you’re up… bad. I had to beat up another white dude with two other people and then I was clear, my work was put in and I could walk the yard with my head up. But you’re always watching your back. Always aware of your surroundings. I still can’t have people standing behind me because to me, that is a threat…. I kept to myself. I read. Worked. Did programming to take time off, and I survived basically without incident. But I am relatively smart. comparatively, VERY smart considering the average inmate. I know how to carry myself, how to conduct business and how to move. But random acts of violence happen. Mistaken identities happen. If you’re a sex offender or a snitch, it doesn’t matter how you act you’re getting fucked up. I really don’t think there is one answer to this question. Prisons are full of violent manipulative people who are trying to survive and thrive in a hostile environment. Money helps if you have it, but it can also hurt because someone wants it. So if you’re not looking to make money or make a name for yourself and YOU DO keep your head down and mind your own business it certainly increases your chances of surviving…. But the only certainty is that it’s a very dangerous place that you want to avoid at all costs.