Are Criminals Born Or Made At Birth Criminology Essay

Are Criminals Born Or Made At Birth Criminology Essay What causes or contributes to criminal behaviour within an individual is very difficult to explain because there are many different theories around this issue. Some scientist such as Cesare Lombroso which begun Scientific Criminology believed that individuals are biologically predisposed to criminal behaviour (Male Crime and Deviance pg.5).Later others followed such as Ernest Hooten and William Sheldon which differentiated criminals from non criminals from certain feature such as mixed coloured eyes or reddish hair.( Male Crime and Deviance pg.6). Although these theories where discredited because of prejudices and methodological weakness it led the way to other forms of theories such as the heredity -Genetic theory , the XYY Chromosome theory, and brain and neurological dysfunction theories . Other researchers do not believe that criminal behaviour is derived biologically, they believe that things like a persons cultural surrounds, their genes and their environment predisposes them t o criminal behaviour. As a result criminals, these researchers strive to prove that individuals are a product of their environment and surroundings. Therefore the main purpose of this essay is to draw from certain theories to assist in explaining the fact that individuals are biologically predisposed to criminal behaviour. The thought that individuals were born criminals originated in nineteenth century Italy, with Italian physician Cesare Lombrosos book entitled LUomo Delinquente. Throughout his book he discussed scientific criminology which was influenced by Charles Darwins theory of evolution (Male Crime and Deviance pg.5). Lombroso proposed that some people were biologically predisposed to criminal behaviour or born to commit crime, he also believed that criminals were products of atavism or biological throwbacks to earlier genetic forms (Male Crime and Deviance pg.5). Concept of Atavism Lombrosos general theory suggested that criminals are distinguished from noncriminals by multiple physical anomalies (CBS Interactive Inc 2010).For his examination he used Italian prisoners and army personnel. He advanced that criminals and noncriminal could be differentiated by physical stigmata-such as large lips, flat nose, and certain shapes of the skull-as well as such preferences as tattoos or involvement in orgies (Male Crime and Deviance pg 6). Although his theory was later rejected it led to different physicians such as Ernest Hooten who began to expand on Lombrosos scientific criminology theory. He attempted to explain male criminality by using body type theories in his 1939 book entitled Crime and the Man. Which explained that criminals could be indentified by mixed eye colour, reddish hair also that tall heavy men were most likely murders (Male Crime and Deviance pg.6)? William Sheldon soon followed in 1940 when he systematically showed a correlation between body type and juvenile delinquency (Male Crime and Deviance pg. 6). He describes three body types which were endomorphics, ectomorphics and mesomorphics, which each related to a certain personality or temperance trait. Mesomorphics were characterized as muscular, hard, assertive, aggressive, and active. These types were believed to be the most likely to participate in crime (Male Crime and Deviance pg. 6). Although all of thes e theories were later rejected because of methodological weaknesses they opened the door to many other theories regarding biological criminality Theories such as the heredity -Genetic Theory, the XYY Chromosome theory and also Hyperactivity and Antisocial behaviour theory support the fact that individuals are biologically predisposed to crime. They also differentiate from past theories because they are scientifically based rather than bias and racist. For example the heredity genetic theory supported by biological theorists such as Richard Dugdale and Henry Goddard explain that male crime and abnormal behaviour are due to the genetic transmissions of certain mental or physical characteristics from generation to generation (Male Crime and Deviance pg.6). While other researchers found that certain biological characteristics such as low birth weight and other prenatal problems predispose some children to delinquency and criminality. Therefore making it clear in this theory that some i ndividuals have certain biological characteristic that make them immune to criminal behaviour. The XXY chromosome theory is different from the heredity -Genetic theory, but it also supports the fact that criminals are born and not made. Researchers have discovered a genetic abnormality in some males, where as the normal chromosome count for a male is XY some males had an extra Y (XYY) which was found to be associated with aggressive and violent behaviour (Male Crime and Deviance pg. 9) Among many other theories there is also the brain and neurological dysfunction and their effects in behaviour. Some research has found abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of brain activity in criminals and delinquents, associating it with violent and aggressive behaviour, destructiveness, limited impulse control, and weak social adaptations. (Male Crime and Deviance pg.11)Also persons diagnosed with ADHD have been found to be at risk for a number of deviances and abnormal conditions including delinquency, criminality, feelings of worthlessness, psychiatric morbidity, unemployment, fam ily dysfunction, and suicide (Male Crime and Deviance pg. 11).Among many other theories these help explain alternative roots of the problem involving criminals. While there are many theories that support the fact that individuals are born into criminal behaviour, others do not believe that this is a valid answer .Therefore contribute criminal behaviour to other factors such as sociological, genetics and biological theories. In terms of sociological theories there are many different theories, for example the social reaction theory which is also known as the Labelling Theory conducted by Howard S. Becker in 1963. It explained that when a person commits a crime they will receive the label of a criminal, and when a person is labelled as such by society they are likely to accept this label as part of them. Now that the person now thinks of themselves as a criminal they will continue their criminal behaviour (Zomba Inc 2010). Although this theory is a very good theory, it does not really hold up because unlike biological theories which discuss the root of the problem this theory does not . Reason being that the theory neglects the process of becom ing defiant in the first place, the act of primary defiance. It does not do a good job at describing the primary part of deviancy such as murder, which is often a primary example of classic defiance (Arasite 2010). Among many of those theories there is also the differential association theory which was supported by most criminologist and socialist, this theory states that crime like crime like other kinds of behaviour, is learned. The theory points out the general conditions under which there are likely to be more than less criminal behaviour learned and thus a greater likelihood that the person will acquire a set of definitions that are more favourable to criminal activities than noncriminal ones. Furthermore, the theory states that criminality is a social rather than antisocial activity (Male Crime and Deviance pg.27). Although this is an excellent theory which tried to explain criminal behaviour there are many shortcomings, one is its inability to be validated through empirical testing because of a lack of clarity in its definitions and terminology. Also it failed to explain the origin of crime and delinquency or outline the nature of the learning process Male Crime and Deviance pg.27). While some theorists focus on sociological theories to explain crime and criminals other focus on the genetics revolving around this issue. One example of this is the Testosterone and Male Offending theory. Much of the research has found a positive correlation between high levels of testosterone, male violence, and aggressive behaviour. Early studies focused on testosterone in prisoners. L. E. Kreuz and R. M. Rose found that levels of testosterone were significantly higher in offenders with a history of violent behaviour than offenders whose histories were nonviolent (Male Crime and Deviance pg. 10). Although this is a fine theory it failed to find a concrete correlation between testosterone and criminality. There is also the Machismo and Males theory which is an important concept in masculinity and its relationship to male violent and aggressive behaviour. Machismo has been particularly associated with the criminality of Latino men. Many experts attribute their victimization and sexual abuse or the macho male, suggesting that violence against women is more likely to be a product of machismo-oriented cultures than cultures that favour more equality of the sexes (Male Crime and Deviance 34).therefore Machismo appears to be rooted in Hispanic communities sense of family and cultural isolation. Although some believe that criminals are manufactured by genetics and society, others believe that criminals are a product of their environment which includes such things as poverty, education, parenting practises and family structure. Many studies have been conducted that believe that the percentage of poor Americans who are living in extreme poverty has reached a 32-year high (Christian Association for Prison Aftercare 2010). This is defined as individuals living at half of the federal poverty line. Sociologist and criminal justice scholars have found a direct correlation between poverty and crime. Therefore it is believed that individuals resort to crime only if the cost or consequences are outweighed by the potential benefits to be gained.  Ã‚   The logical conclusion to this theory is that people living in poverty are far more likely to commit property crimes such as burglary, larceny, or theft (Christian Association for Prison Aftercare 2010). Although this theory may be true it does not relate to everybody, therefore there are many short comings, and much controversy among this theory. While some scholars believe this theory to be true others believe that poverty does not have a causal relationship to crime because there are countries in which poverty is very high but the crime rate is relatively low (Christian Association for Prison Aftercare 2010). There are many other theories among them is the child abuse and neglect theory, which is the relationship between child abuse, neglect, delinquent and serious or violent criminal behaviour has been strongly documented on the literature. The act of being violated gives these vulnerable young people a street-ready repertoire of violence; they know how to kick because they have been kicked, they know how to stab because they have been stabbed, they know how to torment and humiliate because they have experienced the same (Telegraph Newspaper 2008). For example Brandt Steele cited research in which more than 80 percent of the juvenile offenders had a history of being abused, with 43 percent recalling being knocked unconscious by a parent. Martin Haskell and Lewis Yablonsky held that juvenile detention facilities are filled with offenders who were victims of child abuse. Similarly, self report data on prisoners indicate a high percentage had been physically or sexually abused during childh ood (Male Crime and Deviance pg.42). In spite of this persuasive associated between child abuse and deviant behaviour, not all researcher agree that the two are necessarily interrelated (Male Crime and Deviance pg.42). Factor or reasons for delinquency and crimes are often very difficult to explain because there are many different theories and concepts around this issue that each takes a different stand. Some scientist such as Cesare Lombroso believed that some people are biologically predisposed to criminal behaviour (Male Crime and Deviance pg.5). His theory although filled with weakness gave the ground for other theorist to follow but also put their own spin on it such as Ernest Hooten and William Sheldon. Although these theories where discredited because of prejudices and methodological weakness it lead the way to other forms of theories such as the heredity -Genetic theory , the XYY Chromosome theory, and brain and neurological dysfunction theories . Although these theories may be very convincing other researchers did not believe that criminal behaviour was derived biologically. They believed that things like a persons cultural surroundings, their genes and their environment predisposes them t o criminal behaviour. Therefore the main purpose of this essay was to draw from certain theories to assist in explaining the fact that individuals were biologically predisposed to criminal behaviour

Celebrity Influence Essay

Teens and Celebrities Teenagers often turn to their favorite celebrities for guidance in their every day lives. Celebrities have become more mainstream role models for teens as their images and lifestyles are normally splashed across television, movies, magazines and all throughout pop culture. Teens that try to emulate their favorite celebrities may select good role models or bad ones that can be positive or negative for teens. Problems with teens linked to celebrities include: †¢Teen behaviors resulting in celebrity influence †¢Self esteem and body images issues for teens Teens, Celebrities and Behavior Many teens will try to mirror their favorite celebrities. While sometimes these role models can be good for teens, in today’s day and ag e, many celebrities uphold standards the average Joe can’t live up to. Sometimes that behavior is also dangerous such as drug abuse or partying excessively. Celebrities promote behaviors that are not always positive for teenagers to see on a daily basis. Celebrities Promoting Drinking To Teens In television, movies and magazines, celebrities are often portrayed drinking heavily or in excess. This can be harmful to teens that pick up on these behaviors and think it is normal to drink excessively like their favorite celebrity. Often times, the celebrity is not the best role model, turning to drinking without realizing their fans, in large part teens, are watching and taking notes. Drug Abuse By Celebrities Almost every other day, a celebrity is in trouble with the law in terms of drug abuse or addiction. Teens see their favorite movie stars or singers doing drugs and they think they should too. Celebrities often cultivate behaviors that are bad, such as drug addiction, and make teens believe these lifestyles to be cool and exciting. Celebrity Influence On Teen Image Many teens become curious about their own image when they see their favorite singers or celebrities throughout magazines, TV shows or in films. Teens normally like to have a role model they can turn to for how to dress, look and act. However, these role models are not always cultivating the best body images and self esteem for teens and it’s important for you to recognize that. Teen Self Esteem When a teen is constantly inundated with picture perfect images of their favorite celebrities, they can often feel the weight of trying to live up to airbrushed images. Movie stars and musicians are often portrayed as perfect, which can in turn make a teenager feel inadequate. Self-esteems in teens can plummet if they are always faced with living up to such perfection. Teen Body Image The norm among celebrities when it comes to body image and weight is often super skinny and unrealistic. Teens that don’t look like their favorite celebrities often try to lose weight or dress like their celebrity role models. Problems such as anorexia and bulimia can develop when a teenager is trying to look like a celebrity. A teen’s perception of their own body image can often turn drastically different than it actually may be with a celebrity’s influence and it can be hard for you to feel as though you’re content to be who you are with those pressures; but you need to overcome those effects that celebrities have on you.

So, You Say you’re Against Mercy Killing

So, You Say you're Against Mercy Killing†¦. Abstract This paper examines three sources of information regarding the events at Memorial Hospital in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and throughout the wait for evacuation. It explores the ethical dilemmas of those left to care for the sick. The main issue, mercy killing, was foisted upon some of the staff with the added stressors of very little sleep, food, relief staff, or aid from governmental agencies.The sources are used in a deliberate attempt to read between the lines of how perceptions and memories may have been affected over time as well as the self-preservation and rotection sought from those in charge. Keywords: ethical dilemma, mercy killing I wrestled wit n the issues involved in this story. I always prided myselt as an absolutist. I have always felt mercy killing to be wrong unequivocally. I saw it as a way to dispose of the unwanted of society. I was always reminded of the infamous name whenever the term mercy kil ling would be uttered and that is the name most people associate with the term; Hitler.He used that excuse to exterminate 6 million innocent people. To hear the word made me physically ill. That's why I wrestled with the ethical issues in this article to the degree in which I did. This was not an easy account to come to grips with. After reading the events that transpired I have come to a partial change of heart. In late August 2005 the staff at Memorial Hospital, owned by Tenet Hospitals in Houston, was braced to weather the storm. They had weathered hurricanes before and they thought they were braced for it. I don't think anyone could be prepared for what was about to ensue.The rain and winds hurled their attacks, but the hospital stood strong. The people of the community that used the hospital as their fortress were safe and sound. All was relatively calm until the following day. That is when all hell broke loose. Decisions were made that are hard to delineate as moral or immoral . There were no easy answers. I don't think there were any hard answers. There were Just impossible dilemmas with equally impossible answers. One year after the hurricane, it would be front page news that two nurses and a well-known physician would be arrested for second degree murder. 5 people died at Memorial Hospital that week and 17 of them had been injected with morphine or midazolam or both. There is a plethora of characters involved in this story and all had a different part to play, in what some say was easing suffering atients' pain, and others would call mercy killing. To get a clearer picture of this incident, you will need to be introduced to the main characters. Dr. Pou was a head and neck cancer surgeon who was later arrested on 2nd degree murder charges for euthanizing 4 patients. Fink, 2009) Richard Deichmann was a newly promoted administrator who helped oversee the physicians during the crisis and was instrumental in the decision to evacuate patients with a terminal illness or a DNR status last. Susan Mulderick was the rotating â€Å"emergency-incident commander† and nursing director that also participated in â€Å"medicating† patients that were not thought o survive. Diane Robichaux was the incident commander for LifeCare Hospital. She advocated tor the evacuation ot ner patients . LiteCare leased the seventh tloor ot Memorial and cared for long term sub-acute patients.Therese Mendez, a LifeCare nurse executive, complied with requests to dismiss her staff knowing her patients were going to be euthanized. Steven Harris was the LifeCare pharmacist who provided Dr. Pou with additional morphine and a strong anti-anxiety medication, midazolam. Ewing Cook was a pulmonologist who euthanized the first patient and instructed Dr. Pou how much â€Å"medication† to give to â€Å"ease the patient's suffering. † Cheri Landry and Lori Budo were ICU nurses that agreed with other staff members that the last LifeCare patients left o n the floor should be euthanized.They were arrested with Pou, but also not indicted. I am a logical person. Two and two make four. In reading the account of what happened after Katrina, I am full of questions. Many of which are never answered by the New York Times article or any of the sources I have found. The more I explore the circumstances of this unfolding story and read between the lines, the more morally outraged I become about what appened and didn't have to as well as the blame game that seems to have ensued. As the story goes, from the accounts reported in the Times piece, all hell broke loose in New Orleans after the storm.

John Steinbecks East of Eden - A Study in Human Development

East of Eden: A study in human development The characteristics of people are formed by multiple factors. In many situations, children are raised under similar conditions, however, their later characteristics and life choices are very different. In the book, East of Eden, author John Steinbeck explores the development of humans, from childhood, to adulthood, and eventually, to death. East of Eden, by John Steinbeck, is a genealogical novel about the lives of the Trasks, particularly the main character in the book, Adam Trask. Along the way, the Hamiltons, Ames, and many other characters are introduced. Steinbeck makes a point of showing the continually changing nature of some characters, while describing the ceaseless†¦show more content†¦From reading such descriptions, Steinbeck plants in the readers mind that actions are inherited. He seems to say that all people act as those before them. Soon after, Steinbeck counteracts this image in his descriptions of Kate (Cathy Ames). Kate was born into a ordinary situation. She had loving parents and all the necessities of life. But, from the time she was born, there was a factor to her, something unknowable. Cathy Ames was born with the tendencies, or lack of them, which drove and forced her all of her life. Some balance wheel was misweighted, some gear out of ratio. She was not like other people, never was from birth. . . . . As a child may be born without an arm, so may one be born without kindness or the potential of a conscience (526). Cathy’s parents never understood why their daughter was different nor what exactly made her that way. Mr. Ames came in contact with other children away from his home and he felt that Cathy was not like other children. It was a matter more felt than known. He was uneasy about his daughter but he could not have said why (528). Cathy was different from others, much of the book is devoted to examining this difference, but no answers are ever found. The trouble is that since we cannot know what she wanted, we will never know whether or not she got it (603). There are other characters in the book that evolve similarly; with unknown reasons to be the way the become.Show MoreRelatedEssay Biblical Allegories in Modern Literature1378 Words   |  6 PagesJohn Milton, in his epic poem â€Å"Paradise Lost,† expresses that â€Å"the mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven† (Milton). This idea not only counteracts the basic ideals of C hristianity but simultaneously disrupts the widely accepted idea of a separated heaven and hell and the expectations needed to be met to achieve entry. Religion and the bible, two of the most widely disputed topics in history, serve as a muse for authors to explain humanity’s fatal flaws