The Myths and Reality of Crime

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watch Crimes of the Powerful, available through the Films on Demand database in the University of Arizona Global Campus Library. Additionally, read Chapters 5 and 6 from the textbook. Our justice system tends to focus on street crime, often ignoring much more significant problems such as white-collar, corporate, and state crime. The video also discusses euthanasia, although the point of this reference is to illustrate how the law can be used as a tool for social change. The video also discusses moral values with a focus on media coverage of harm to children. Laws have changed in direct response to these incidents and the resulting media coverage. In effect, this coverage becomes an engine for social change. The video ends with a discussion of crime theory, reminding us that many criminological theories fall short when applied to people with wealth and high status. Write a paper discussing the myths and realities of crime.

 

Imagine asking 100 strangers to describe a criminal.
Predict whether those descriptions would be likely to focus on street criminals, or the variety of topics covered in the Crimes of the Powerful
Evaluate how society defines crime.
Do not provide a definition – instead, explain how the definition is reached.
Present a clear statement about a particular crime, something we know to be absolutely true.
Illustrate how we know that this is an accurate statement.
Present an example of a widely-held myth or misconception about crime and society.
Determine how we know that this is a myth. Explain why this myth is so difficult to abandon.
The Myths and Reality of Crime

Sample Solution

Crimes of the Powerful

The video Crimes of the Powerful explores a variety of crimes that are often ignored by the justice system, including white-collar crime, corporate crime, and state crime. The video also discusses euthanasia and how the law can be used as a tool for social change.

Myths and Realities of Crime

If I asked 100 strangers to describe a criminal, I predict that the majority of their descriptions would focus on street criminals. This is because street crime is the most visible and publicized form of crime. However, the video Crimes of the Powerful shows that there are many other forms of crime that are just as harmful, if not more harmful, than street crime.

Society defines crime as a violation of the law. However, the law is not always just. In fact, the law can be used to oppress and marginalize certain groups of people. For example, the video discusses how the law has been used to criminalize drug addiction and homosexuality.

One clear statement about crime is that it is caused by a variety of factors, including poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. However, these factors are often ignored by the criminal justice system, which instead focuses on punishing criminals rather than addressing the root causes of crime.

One example of a widely-held myth about crime and society is the belief that crime is on the rise. However, this is not true. Crime rates have been declining in recent decades. This myth is likely due to the media’s focus on crime stories. The media often sensationalizes crime and makes it seem more common than it actually is.

Another widely-held myth about crime is that criminals are more likely to be poor and non-white. However, this is also not true. Criminals come from all walks of life. This myth is likely due to the fact that the criminal justice system is more likely to target and arrest poor and non-white people.

Myths about crime and society are difficult to abandon because they are often reinforced by the media and the criminal justice system. However, it is important to challenge these myths in order to create a more just and equitable society.

Conclusion

The video Crimes of the Powerful provides a valuable perspective on crime and society. The video challenges the myths and misconceptions that we often have about crime. It also reminds us that crime is a complex issue with many causes. We need to address the root causes of crime in order to create a safer and more just society.

 

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