CS121G (Computer Science)

Keywords:

 

Hospitals deny LGBTQ, Government involvement, Redlining, Corruption, Loss trust major corporations, Inequality/racial inequality, Legal System, Autonomy, Child welfare, Children's health, Chronic illnesses, Civil disobedience, Civil rights, Drug abuse in pregnancy, Drug testing, Emergency medical care, Health aspects, Health care industry, Human rights, Inequality, Laws, regulations, and rule, Legal system, Maternal and child health, Medicine, Racial inequality, Women’s health, Substance abuse treatment, Inflation, cost of living, affordability, white-collar crime, blue-collar crime, homicide rates, money laundering, burglaries, economic survival, criminology, crime psychology, gender inequality, pay inequality, Menhaden.
 

Abstract:

 

This paper investigates the normalization of crime, particularly its connections to unethical collaborations among corporations, hospitals, and government entities. By scrutinizing social media, socioeconomics, and systematic corruption, the study delves into how crime becomes ingrained, leading to desensitization among individuals. The economic analysis examines post-inflation recovery in the U.S., revealing financial distress arising from increased costs, stagnant salaries, and rising mortgage rates, potentially fostering political conflict and heightened criminal activity. The denial of healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community and the erosion of civic trust due to corporate influence on policymaking are also explored. Addressing the artificial inflation of crime rates through the flawed prison system, the paper underscores its inadequate rehabilitation and detrimental impact on prisoners' mental health. Exploring the role of family structure and applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the study investigates the psychological factors contributing to criminal behavior. The final section presents a rebuttal, acknowledging society's criminal tendencies while emphasizing collective efforts such as food drives and shelters. It challenges the notion that the prison system inherently breeds violence, emphasizing the educational role of crime in the media. The conclusion reflects on the intricate reasons behind society's normalized perception of crime and underscores the necessity of a nuanced understanding of belief systems and societal integration.

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Figures:

• Figure 1. Crime-Based Media Consumption Themes

• Figure 2. Shows the different levels of needs: Physiological (food, clothing), safety (job security), love and belonging (friendship), esteem and self-actualization.

• Figure 3. This displays the relationship between violent crime and economic disadvantage by a score of mild disadvantages (-2.5) to severe disadvantage (4.5) within nonrural areas. (Burraston, 2018)

• Figure 4. This displays the relationship between violent crime and economic disadvantage by a score of mild disadvantages (-2.5) to severe disadvantage (4.5) within rural areas. (Burraston, 2018)

• Figure 5. This displays the comprehensive relationship between overall crime and economic disadvantage.

• Figure 6. Shows the lack of women in the workforce for 22 different companies given by a control variable 

• Figure 7. This table summarizes the key points from the provided text regarding the regulations and agreements related to menhaden fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.

• Figure 8. Percentage of prisoners who are reconvicted after being released from prison. Organized by the length of time served (1 year, 2 years, 3 to 5 years, 6 to 10 years, 11 to 15, 16 to 20, more than 20) the least time served resulting in the least chance of being reconvicted. The most years having the most chance to be reconvicted.

• Figure 9. The percentage certain age groups are reconvicted and the charges they are reconvicted on.

 

 

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………….……4

2. Media Influences​……………………………………………………………………….…4

   1. Crime is portrayed in the media as entertainment……………………….………..4

   2. Crime depiction of media contributes to the formation of public validation……..5

   3. Fearmongering becomes problematic…………………………………………..5-6

3. Family Dynamics…………………………………………………………………………6

1. Family structures…………………………………………….……………………6

2. Peer pressure and influence……………………………………………………..6-7

3. Hierarchy of needs………………………………………………………………...7

1. Socioeconomics…………………………………………………………………………...8

   1. Money is the only way to advance economically.……………………..........…….8

   2. The overall economy is suffering from the unaffordability of necessities……...8-9

   3. Homicide and inflation share an inversely proportional relationship……….......10

2. Government, Healthcare, and Institutional Distrust​……………………………………..10

   1. Hospitals allowed to deny LGBTQ+ through Government and religious actions………………………………………………………………………...10-11

   2. Decline civic participation with groups and companies due to the loss of trust....12

   3. Corporates influencing policymaking creates the population to have a demanding time trusting……………………………………………………………………...15

3. Policing and Prisons​………………...………………………………………………..13-14

   1. Prisons inflate the amount of violent criminals …………………………………14

   2. Prisoners are not rehabilitated or educated ………………………………..…14-15

   3. Imprisonment in prison for long periods of time effect the re-imprisonment rate……………………………………………………………………………15-16

4. Rebuttal …………………..………………………………………………………….16-17

5. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………17

6. Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………18-19

7. Student Biographies………………………………………………………………….20-21

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1. Introduction

Today, the normalization of unethical or unlawful activities involving corporations, hospitals, and government entities is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors. This paper explores how social media, family and peer pressure, socioeconomics, and systematic corruption contribute to the desensitization of society toward crime. It delves into key contributors, including the economic landscape post-U.S. inflation, which raises concerns about affordability and sparks potential political conflict. Issues such as the denial of healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community, erosion of civic trust, and corporate influence on policymaking add complexity to the narrative. The paper examines the flawed prison system, the impact of family structure, and the role of peer and socioeconomic networks in understanding the roots of crime. The rebuttal challenges preconceptions, emphasizing society's dual nature—committing crimes while collectively engaging in community upliftment. The conclusion underscores the normalized view of crime and emphasizes the importance of a nuanced understanding of societal integration and belief systems.

Group Thesis: Ultimately, through social media influence, the aspects of socioeconomics, and the effects of systematic corruption, society is accustomed to crime as a normal occurrence desensitizing overall crime. 

1. Media Influences

Media profoundly shapes society's view of crime, fostering fearmongering through sensationalized stories that extend to the glorification of criminal activity in various entertainment forms. The contemporary generation's keen interest in crime-centric entertainment, including podcasts and YouTube channels, significantly molds perceptions of crime as mindless amusement. Television shows like Law and Order and America's Most Wanted, showcasing sensational criminal cases, contribute to a portrayal of a world rife with unpredictability and danger. Media consumption not only influences public perception, leading to distrust in law enforcement but also normalizes crimes through social media live streaming, driven by attention-seeking behavior, highlighting media's pervasive impact on societal aesthetics and norms.

1. Crime is portrayed in the media as entertainment.

The way crime is viewed in society is greatly influenced by the media. Most of the time, we are glued to our phones, and with each swipe, we witness how much the world is changing. The public can learn about current events in local and national news in many kinds of ways. News channels, podcasts, Instagram, and Snapchat are just a few examples of the various media outlets that are utilized to obtain information and perspectives. Media sources have the ability to incite fear in the public by sensationalizing or exaggerating crime-related stories, which is called fearmongering. Fearmongering is defined as a strategy or attack intended to incite panic, worry, or terror among a gathering of people.  There are numerous platforms that occasionally employ crime for entertainment. They elevate a horrific tale to the level of entertainment value. The way society views illegal activity includes the glorification of criminal activity. Glorification is a contributing factor to the world's negative influence in media such as video games, literature, and television shows.

The current generation has an obsession with entertainment centered around crime. The representation of crime has become very popular over the past couple of years. Listening to podcasts, watching documentaries, and even watching YouTube channels are able to affect how people view crime as mindless entertainment. Sensational criminal cases are appealing to viewers of crime television. This type of content evokes a sense of contemporary danger by portraying an unpredictable world full of dangerous people and places. Millions of people watch shows like Law and Order and America's Most Wanted, which openly features violent content (Dmitrieva, 2017).

1. Crime depiction of media contributes to the formation of public validation.

               There are numerous approaches to media consumption. We are getting information from them in one form or another, whether it is through the newspaper, television, or Instagram. The public's perception of crime is influenced by all of these diverse media outlets. Six of the participants in the experiment stated that they could not trust police or law enforcement officials because of how they were portrayed in the media (Figure 1). As an example, consider television and news networks that show how the police address the African American community. According to a participant in the same study used in figure 1, most television programs reflect the idea that police officers do commit crimes even with a badge. They also expressed fear that their kids would become victims of abuse by the police. Current mass media has an impact on society's aesthetic. In today's society, it's common for the younger generation to commit crimes or engage in other deviant behavior in order to record and share it with the media (Yar, 2017). Crimes that are streamed live are now accepted as normal; they are seen as attention-grabbing actions that no one questions.  People may become so motivated to commit crimes without hesitation through social media validation.

Theme

Description

Total # of references

Distrust in police officers/law enforcement

Police misconduct/brutality, harassment, wrongfully accused, resentment

6

Injustice/inequality

Labeling, racial profiling, illegal, feelings of sadness, angry at the criminal justice system, frustration, corruption

8

Fear of governmental control

Disrespectful, demeaning, above the law

4

Figure 1. Crime-Based Media Consumption Themes[1]

1. Fearmongering becomes problematic.

 A tactic known as "fearmongering" entails using sensationalized, exaggerated, or misleading information to incite panic or anxiety in the general public. This strategy is employed by many media outlets to increase viewership or grab attention. Fearmongering was demonstrated when a German mall was the scene of nine fatal shootings by an 18-year-old gunman on July 22, 2016. Later, when the gunman was receiving mental health treatment, the media depicted him in various manners. According to a news reporter, the gunman "plays first-person shooter video games, such as Counter-Strike" on a regular basis" (Phillips, 2017).

1. Family Dynamics

Society tends to accept and become accustomed to unethical or unlawful activities when they involve corporations, hospitals, and government entities collaborating in detrimental ways.  It seems like there’s a strong emphasis on the correlation between family structure and crime, especially when it comes to the absence of fathers in households. The early signs of potential criminal behavior are also linked to rejection by peers in early childhood, which then leads to the formation of delinquent groups. Criminal tendencies develop through stages influenced by psychological and sociological elements. It is critical to understand the factors that are not linked to race or poverty but rather the developmental challenges that every child faces while growing up. In the case of individuals who may become violent offenders in the future, these difficulties, intensified by the lack of love, affection, and dedication from both parents, evolved into experiences that obstruct the child’s emotional well-being and disrupt their sense of belonging. Research has shown that in the last 50 years, the rise in violent crime has been paralleled by the growing number of households without fathers, particularly in areas with high crime rates where fatherless families are notably common (Effects of Family Structure on Crime, 2022).[2]

1. Family structures

The foundation of criminal behavior often lies in a prolonged absence of parental love and affection, starting from infancy. Those who are destined for delinquency typically experience an unsettling and disintegrating family life, which often is the leading cause of outward aggression and hostility towards individuals even outside the family circle. Unlike withdrawn or depressed individuals, delinquents are actively engaged in their communities but in a violent manner. By age six, patterns of aggression and unfocused anger are typically already established. In comparison, well-adjusted children will benefit from a sense of security in their mother, a connection often denied to potential future criminals (Effects of Family Structure on Crime, 2022). The interactions among parents, extending beyond the mother-child bond, significantly influence very young children. When children are exposed to parental discord, they will often react with disobedience, tears, aggression toward peers, and overall increased antisocial behaviors compared to their peers. Parental hostility coupled with instances of physical and emotional abuse tends to mode the path towards future delinquency.

1. Peer Pressure and Influence

Another idea suggests that the significant influence of peers on adolescents’ delinquent behavior is primarily grounded in social learning theory. Numerous studies integrating social learning theory with friendship network data consistently reveal that the correlation between peer and individual delinquency is one of the most powerful findings in crime. Kim and Fletcher (2018) proposed that delinquencies arise because of various social mechanisms, such as imitation, reinforcement, and peer pressure, rather than solely influenced by attitudes acquired from peers. Apart from close and intimate friendships, a broader peer group offers a more holistic view of adolescents’ social environment, where their behaviors are regulated and judged according to the specific norms of the group.  Studies have shown that a broader group can impact adolescents’ attitudes and behavior in various ways. Schoolmates and classmates, as part of a wider peer group, can serve as a significant source of descriptive norms. In their quest for increased popularity or to avoid social isolation, adolescents often adopt the attitudes and behavior of peers within larger social networks who serve as a significant potential source of future friendships (Kim, J., & Fletcher, J. M., 2018). Furthermore, to enhance popularity or merely evade exclusion, adolescents may adjust their behaviors to the attitudes and actions of peers within broader networks, recognizing them as influential figures for potential future friendships.

1. Hierarchy of needs

While there is an established connection between peer behavior and parent-child conflict with the behavior of adolescents and young adults, previous studies have not sufficiently accounted for selection effects and other potential factors. Additionally, there has been a lack of examination regarding whether these associations change during adulthood. Individuals tend to specialize in theft when associated solely with their friends involved. Conversely, those who spend time with friends engaged in various delinquent activities (Thomas, K., 2015).

Figure 2: Shows the different levels of needs: Physiological (food, clothing), safety (job security), love and belonging (friendship), esteem and self-actualization.

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is critical in explaining why individuals engage in criminal activities. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs consists of a five-tier model of human needs, typically represented as levels within a pyramid.[3]

These needs are arranged from the most basic at the bottom to the most complex at the top (Mcleod, S., 2023). Maslow proposed that individuals must address their fundamental deficiency needs before addressing the more complex growth-oriented needs. Still, these need not be achieved to move on to the tier. While individuals may have met the first couple of needs, such as physiological, safety, and security, most lack self-esteem and belonging.

 

1. Socioeconomics

Money is the sole factor in deciding the kind of life we lead, economically. As our economy strives to recover from the resurge of inflation in the U.S., there is a rising concern for the future of the economy, as the prices are not lowering for everyday household items like groceries, cleaning supplies, and more. The only way to be able to afford basic human needs like food, clothes, and shelter is to have access to money. With a combination of groceries rising in price, mortgage rates increasing, and salaries staying relatively the same, consumers have a small margin of affordability to work with. Where there is economic distress, political conflict and unrest usually follow, leading to further crime, in protest of the impossibility of surviving today’s economy. The cycle of crime is associated with the inability to survive and the inaccessibility of everyday necessities, which causes society to inevitably resort to measures of survival at any risk. These socioeconomic factors play a large role in why society justifies the act of committing certain crimes.

1. Money is the only way to advance economically.

Within the consumer environment of the U.S., money is the only way to advance economically, and it is the only way for the exchange of goods and services to happen. Without money, it is impossible to live or gain any economic advantage, which leads to money becoming the definition of importance for financial success and survival (Rosenfeld, 2019). Impoverished people in the U.S. are at an economic disadvantage because they lack the resources to improve their financial situation due to the perpetual need to consume and buy more essential resources. Where there are low wages and low income, there are severe disadvantages when it comes to accessing goods and certain services. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, there are clear indicators that tell us the correlation between lack of resources and violent crime frequency. Greater economic disadvantage leads to higher income inequality and high violent crime rates, leading to the cycle of crime in impoverished communities struggling to make ends meet (Burraston, 2018).[4] 

 

Figure 3. This displays the relationship between violent crime and economic disadvantage by a score of mild disadvantages (-2.5) to severe disadvantage (4.5) within nonrural areas. (Burraston, 2018)

 

Figure 4. This displays the relationship between violent crime and economic disadvantage by a score of mild disadvantages (-2.5) to severe disadvantage (4.5) within rural areas. (Burraston, 2018)

 

Figure 5. This displays the comprehensive relationship in percentage between overall crime and economic disadvantage.

1. The overall economy is suffering from the unaffordability of necessities.

In the modern day, the economy suffers from the cost of living and unaffordable prices associated with everyday necessities and household essentials. The cost of living in today’s times is steadily increasing, meaning people resort to taking risks and breaking laws to afford basic human necessities. The types of theft involving the need for necessities include theft of grocery goods, grand theft auto, money theft from convenience stores, personal property theft, etc. Money is the only way to advance economically, and it is the only way for the exchange of goods and services to happen. Money is the instrument for which we use to make transactions and the exchange of goods possible and to gain what an individual needs to survive (Engdahl, 2008). Therefore, there is a dire need to have or control money to obtain what an individual might need at a particular moment in time. Society, with this understanding, disassociates from the idea of the injustice that comes with committing a crime and reduces it to doing what it takes to survive today and in the foreseeable future, as well. As all individuals know, no one can survive any long period of time without food, water, and proper shelter. This means that in the free-market economy we live in, everything comes with a price, even the necessities. 

 

1. Homicide and inflation share an inversely proportional relationship.

Homicide and inflation carry an inversely proportional relationship, leading to more crimes committed as inflation increases. (Rosenfeld & Vogel, 2023). Studies from the National Crime Victimization Survey show that there is a correlation between homicide rates and inflation, as shown over time from 1960 to 2013 for 17 cities with various socioeconomic backgrounds (Rosenfeld & Vogel, 2023). Based on this survey, the results display that as inflation rates on prices increase, the homicide rates increase, as well, due to the higher stress of money and financial status and well-being. Studies also found that this typically happens more frequently in low-income, disadvantaged areas of the economy. Where there is economic distress and an inability to remain in place while inflation increases, homicide increases. Most of society normalizes the thought that there is a chance to lose one’s life over money, clothes, food, etc. because people find a way to survive the economy, even if it means risking their life or others. The emotional stress of financial situations and the desire to be wealthy affect society’s morality; this stress leads people to inevitably take risks, whether it leads to jail time or worse (Engdahl, 2008). A large portion of higher homicide rates associated with inflation increase has to do with the psychology of the financial burden and stress that it may take on a person. 

Moreover, there are certainly many ways in which socioeconomic factors, such as financial status, play a significant role in understanding why society commits crimes and normalizes doing so. Criminals look for opportunity and motivation, and when the motivation is the need for financial status and economic security, that motivation becomes survival instinct. There are many ways in which to handle struggles with poverty, lack of available resources, education inequality, and more that cause violent and petty crimes all over the U.S. There is little that society is willing to do as a collective to uplift these communities overall, to improve their situations by paying higher taxes for the government to allocate more resources to improve education and access to groceries and clothes and such. This inevitably leads to the desensitization of crime and further enabling the issue. There needs to be more intervention from society to prevent crimes over necessities, and until then, society will continue the cycle of normalizing crime.

1. Government, Healthcare, and Institutional Distrust

Society tends to accept and become accustomed to the occurrence of unethical or unlawful activities when they involve corporations, hospitals, and government entities collaborating in detrimental ways. The decrease of trust in institutions and the system helps contribute to a societal environment where there is a growing inclination to engage in criminal acts which is leading to the normalization of criminal behavior.  

1.  Hospitals being allowed to deny LGBTQ+ with the involvement of Government and religion-based opinions

While LGBTQ+ community has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity, it is unfortunate that the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is also on the rise. Government influence sets healthcare regulations and policies that hospitals must follow. These include standards for patient care, safety protocol, staffing requirements and more. They receive government funding or subsidies that often come with certain conditions or requirements, shaping how hospitals operate and the services they provide. Many adults and elderly individuals face significant challenges in accessing adequate healthcare, largely due to the proliferation of underqualified nurses within the healthcare sector (Dutton, 2022). Regrettably, hospitals, medical practices, and insurance providers are sometimes allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, citing government and religion-based opinions. Hospitals affiliated with religious institutions may follow specific ethical guidelines that are influenced by religious beliefs.  Politics, especially the president, swear the oath of office which requires them to obey the commandments. One of the things they are required to obey is that no religion should affect how they run the Oval Office and influence the decision-making. They use their anti-LGBTQ+ to gain political gain leading to regressive politics. A total of 160 bills passed targeting the community were approved across the United States (Jackson 2023).

1. Decline civic participation with groups and companies due to the loss of trust

The waning trend in civic participation with various groups and companies can be attributed to the erosion of trust between consumers and suppliers. Trust is a cornerstone of Ethical Professional Practice (Verschoor, 2016), and its decline can be particularly damaging to the collaborative relationship between individuals and organizations. Ethical concerns, ranging from instances of unethical behavior and corruption to fraud and questionable business practices, are potent factors that can substantially undermine the foundation of trust in both groups and companies. Consider, for example, the issue of gender equality within organizations. When a company is perceived as perpetuating gender disparities, be it in pay scales, promotion opportunities, or overall workplace culture, it inevitably shakes the confidence that individuals place in that organization. Such perceptions not only tarnish the company’s reputation but also lead to a decline in civic participation as individuals hesitate to align themselves with an entity that appears to prioritize profit over the well-being and equitable treatment of its workforce. Moreover, the decrease in employee engagement serves as another illustrative example of the consequences of diminished trust. When employees perceive that their well-being is not a priority and that the company’s primary focus is solely on financial gains, their motivation to actively participate and contribute to the organization’s goals diminishes. This lack of engagement not only hampers productivity but also contributes to an overall decline in the collaborative spirit that is essential for the success and sustainability of any group or company. In essence, ethical lapses and perceived prioritization of profits over ethical and humane considerations can lead to a breakdown in trust, resulting in a reluctance among individuals to participate in civic activities associated with groups and companies. Rebuilding this trust necessitates a commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and genuine concern for the well-being and equitable treatment of all stakeholders. Figure 6: This figure presents the gender representation in 22 companies, categorized by control variables—company size, women on the board (0 to 4), firms led by a woman (yes or no), and firm age (20-year increments).[5]

 

Figure 6. Shows the lack of women in the workforce for 22 different companies 

given by a control variable.

 

3.Corporates influencing policy making create an area where the population have a demanding time trusting.

Corporates influencing policymaking create an area where the population has a demanding time trusting them. Some places where governments give such influence to large corporations create an ideal where the government is controlled by large institutions (Jimenez, 2016). An example of such an incident is the agreement made by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission regarding restrictions on the menhaden fishing industry. While they endorsed the memorandum, they have yet to implement the ruling. Virginia is a prominent fishing state when it comes to menhaden, primarily for Omega Protein, a major corporation in this industry. Unfortunately, some of these large corporations prioritize overfishing for profit without considering the broader ecological implications. Menhaden plays a critical role in the food chain, as they efficiently transfer energy and nutrients from primary consumers to secondary consumers like whales and the fish that end up on our dinner tables.

 

Regulation/Requirement

Description

Total Allowable Commercial Landings

75.21% of the annual Total Allowable Catch (TAC) set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), with 1.0% set aside for episodic events

Quota Allocation Among Sectors

1. Purse Seine Menhaden Reduction Sector: 90.04% 2) Purse Seine Menhaden Bait Sector: 8.38% 3) Non-purse Seine Menhaden Bait Sector: 1.58%

Overage Deduction

Excess landings result in deductions from the overallocated sector. The non-purse seine menhaden bait sector then transitions to an incidental catch provision.

Closure of Fishery Sectors

Fishery sectors are closed when the total allowable landings are projected to be reached. Incidental catch provisions may apply

Quota Transfers

The commissioner can request menhaden quota transfers from other states, with specific conditions governing transfers between purse seine menhaden reduction and bait sectors.

Chesapeake Bay Purse Seine Menhaden Reduction Fishery

Annual Bay Cap: 51,000 metric tons; Prohibited to carry over unlanded quota as credit; Overages deducted from the next year's Bay Cap.

Purse Seine Menhaden Bait Sector

To qualify, individuals must have held a purse seine license in 2011, landed menhaden in Virginia from 2009 to 2011, and adhere to an established Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system. Additionally, vessels under 70 tons face seasonal restrictions.

Non-Purse Siene Menhaden Bait Sector Quota Allocation

Quota Allocation by Gear Type (2002-2011):

Allocation percentages for various gear types are as follows: Cast net (0.04%), Dredge (0.06%), Fyke net (0.04%), Gill net (30.31%), Pound net (67.98%), Haul seine (0.4%), and Trawl (1.17%).

Reporting Requirements

Daily reporting requirements for purse seine vessels and non-purse seine menhaden bait sector. Penalties for violations.

 

Figure 7: This table provides a concise overview of Virginia's menhaden fishery regulations, covering quota allocation, overage management, fishery sector closures, and inter-state quota transfers. Key features include annual limits in the Chesapeake Bay purse seine menhaden reduction fishery, restrictions on carrying over quota, and specific regulations for the purse seine menhaden bait sector, including an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system with seasonal restrictions. Strict reporting requirements and penalties apply to both purse seine vessels and the non-purse seine menhaden bait sector.[6]

 

On one hand, government entities play a crucial role as a dependable overseer in the healthcare sector, serving to regulate healthcare providers and enforce stringent quality standards. This regulatory function is pivotal in safeguarding the well-being of the general populace by ensuring that healthcare services maintain high levels of efficacy and safety. Furthermore, various healthcare programs are financially supported by the government, underscoring a commitment to prioritize public welfare over mere financial gains. These initiatives often target marginalized or vulnerable populations striving to enhance accessibility and affordability of healthcare services for those in need. Moreover, the democratic process empowers citizens to collectively elect representatives who wield significant influence in shaping our healthcare system. By participating in the electoral process, citizens have the opportunity to choose leaders who advocate for policies and reforms that align with their healthcare priorities. This democratic mechanism establishes a direct link between the will of the people and the decisions that govern.

In conclusion, the erosion of trust in institutions and the systems that support our society has profound implications for the social fabric of our communities. As this trust diminishes, we witness a troubling trend in which individuals are increasingly inclined to engage in criminal acts. The decline in trust can be attributed to various factors, including corruption, political polarization, and systemic injustices.

1. Policing and Prisons

Do people who commit wrongdoings deserve a second chance has been debated for centuries alongside the concept of justice itself. The common answer we as a people in America offer, is yes people do deserve another chance depending on the crime. Someone should be sentenced only to face the punishments written in their sentence. The United States prison system on the other hand not only punishes its convicts in the present but destroys their futures and poisons society’s overall idea of justice. The Justice system in America takes small-time offenders and turns them into hardened and violent criminals, stripping away their ability to peacefully reintegrate into society. This further corrupts society's view on ex-convicts.

1. Prisons inflate the amount of violent criminals.

The United States is very focused on the punitive aspect of justice which turns prisoners into more dangerous and violent criminals (Seigafo, 2017).[7] America's Insistence on punishment has pushed many prison facilities away from the idea of rehabilitation which is a problem when we see what most of the population in these facilities struggle with. The 44% of prisoners who are currently serving or have served time in 2023 say that they were diagnosed with mental health issues by a mental health professional (Manchak, 2023). Out of the 44% of prisoners, 14.5% of prisoners are in serious psychological distress (Manchak, 2023). These numbers, although shocking, don’t directly link to a story of mistreatment in the prison system. All these show that there is a relation between mental health issues and people who commit crimes and not that there is neglect within the prison system right? Wrong, although there is a high percentage of prisoners with mental health issues in the prison system there is a generally weak link between psychological disorders and criminal activity. In a broad study done in 3 separate years by a Criminologist named Peterson Et al. Under 11% of crimes done by convicts who have been diagnosed with psychiatric issues could not have their crimes traced back or attributed to the mental issues they faced (Manchak 2023). In an alternative study, one of the most vigorous and intense criminal studies was the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment study. Only about 10% to 12% of criminals who engage in violent activity over 1 year are suffering from delusions or “Threat control override” psychiatric symptoms within that period (Manchak, 2023). We can see this as a relief that there is little connection between psychiatric distress and criminal activity, but we still cannot explain the overabundance of criminals who suffer currently or previously from mental health issues. We can find the link in the middle, not before a person with mental health issues is convicted nor after they are released, but from their time inside of a prison. Despite the weak connection mental health has with the reasons why criminals commit crimes, it has a strong connection with prisoners being re-arrested. One study in New Jersey of 12000 convicts revealed that convicts with mental health issues have an extremely high risk of being reconvicted after being released from prison (Manchak, 2023). This shows that convicts with mental health issues or what we call "unique problems" are going to prisons that cannot accommodate or try to heal these problems, which in most cases just require treatment. It seems then that prisoners with unique problems are met with a different outcome than most in the US prison systems. Does this show prejudice within the system to people with issues? More than likely not all this data shows is that prisons are neglectful in correcting prisoners with unique issues and cause them not to be able to re-enter society.

1. Prisoners are not rehabilitated or educated.

            This is simply the norm in the United States now. Prisons have been so unfocused on rehabilitation programs in all matters. Prisons in the United States started facing this issue post-1970 due to the mass growth of population and growth of crime (Haney 2002). This has resulted in prisoners' experience within these facilities being altered in a way that as we have seen creates them to be more violent. So, the question is what happens within these prisons causing inmates to be hardened. Due to the mass focus on prisons to just cause “pain” to prisoners, we see a gentle change in culture and punishment methods towards prisoners. Lack of care from staff to address tension, disturbances, and even factions growing inside cell blocks (Haney 2002). We see a gradual increase in extreme methods of seclusion in prisons, with the introduction of “Super Max” and punitive isolation (Haney 2002). This creates a higher feeling of fear and uneasiness in convicts especially affecting convicts with already high levels of stress and anxiety. The longer a prisoner is within these conditions the higher probability they are to not be able to re-enter society.

Figure 8. Percentage of prisoners who are reconvicted after being released from prison. Organized by the length of time served (1 year, 2 years, 3 to 5 years, 6 to 10 years, 11 to 15, 16 to 20, more than 20) the least time served resulting in the least chance of being reconvicted. The most years Having the most chance to be reconvicted.

1. Imprisonment for long periods of time affects the re-imprisonment rate.

Being put into these hostile conditions results in convicts being put into an endless cycle of conviction, being released, and being re-convicted. This becomes more alarming when looking at what crimes these ex-convicts get charged with while they are released. When looking at data from a study from the Department of Corrections in 2007 prisoners who are reconvicted for less violent crimes are far more likely to be reconvicted for a more violent crime (Nadeau, 2007).

 

Figure 9. The percentage certain age groups are reconvicted and the charges they are reconvicted on.

We can see from this graph that almost 48% of convicts reenter their prisons on violent charges. But the “rehabilitation” doesn’t stop at the prison. Prisoners who re-integrate into society are met with a world that denies them opportunity. Most prisoners have little to no education or job experience top that with a criminal record and pile on major mental trauma from being in prison and you have a person that has no choice but to resort to crime to eat (Seigafo,  2017).

  In the end, prisons act as unnatural crime manufacturers. Creating fabricated violent crime and stripping prisoners away from any chance of a future. But how does this relate to the idea of crime being normalized? When we look at how society looks at ex-convicts due to their past and what we assume is their violent nature we deny ex-convicts’ treatment and almost make them sub-human (Ouellette, 2016). Prisoners come back home to face many obstacles such as Employment, Financial security, transportation, and having a family to come home to (Ouellette, 2016). One of the biggest issues facing Ex-Convicts is personal support and having a society that wants them to return. The unfortunate reality is due to the widely known issues with the prison system and the violent nature of ex-convicts, even though due to the prison system, it makes people weary and normalized to all ex-convicts still being active criminals. Creating an endless loop of convicts not being able to get on their feet and then being left to return to a society that is too scared to give them a chance.  

1. Rebuttal

In the same way that society commits crimes to afford everyday living, it also tends to come together as a collective to uplift the community through food drives, shelters, and other various community work to help those who are struggling through life. The prison system mostly creates a more violent offender due to the culture of other criminals in the respective facilities, and lack of prison reform, not by governing systems. Most “over-policed” countries and cities are placed in that position due to their established crime rates. Crime is presented in the media have the uncanny way of possessing the ability to educate and provide a platform for discussion of social issues, and enlightenment towards the audiences regarding the complexity of the crime. Intellectually stimulating depictions of crime can play a major role in promoting a society that is better informed and actively engaging in ways to prevent the starting of crime and promote safety. Seeing that family structures vary across different cultures and societies is essential; a family not fitting a traditional model doesn’t imply inferiority. What matters is the quality of relationships within, not its structure. While peer pressure can be negative, it’s worth noting that peers can also have a positive impact, fostering support, and opportunities for personal growth. Choosing those that share the same values and support your individuality is entirely possible. On one hand, government entities play a crucial role as a dependable overseer in the healthcare sector, serving to regulate healthcare providers and enforce stringent quality standards. This regulatory function is pivotal in safeguarding the well-being of the general populace by ensuring that healthcare services maintain high levels of efficacy and safety. Furthermore, various healthcare programs are financially supported by the government, underscoring a commitment to prioritize public welfare over mere financial gains. These initiatives often target marginalized or vulnerable populations striving to enhance accessibility and affordability of healthcare services for those in need. Moreover, the democratic process empowers citizens to collectively elect representatives who wield significant influence in shaping our healthcare system. By participating in the electoral process, citizens can choose leaders who advocate for policies and reforms that align with their healthcare priorities. This democratic mechanism establishes a direct link between the will of the people and the decisions that govern.

1. Conclusion

In conclusion, the subtle yet pervasive nature of daily crimes tends to escape widespread attention, as individuals gradually grow accustomed to them through continuous exposure via local news channels. The intricate interplay of media portrayal and family dynamics further contributes to the normalization of criminal activities, perpetuating a cycle that profoundly impacts the impressionable minds of children. Over time, these repeated exposures erode the perception of crime as an absurd or preposterous concept. The societal normalization of specific crimes, therefore, stems from individuals adapting their belief systems to align with prevailing social and economic norms, ultimately striving to avoid marginalization within the broader societal framework.

 

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[1] Shown in Figure 1 are three media-based consumption themes and how they were perceived.

[2] States with a lower percentage of single-parent families, on average, will have lower rates of juvenile crime. State-by-state analysis indicates that, in general, a 10 percent increase in the number of children living in single-parent homes (including divorces) accompanies a 17 percent increase in juvenile crime.

[3] The order on which tier is completed first is not completely fixed. For most individuals Our behaviors are usually motivated by multiple needs simultaneously.

[4] See Figures 1 and 2 to see how the results were recorded as well as the trends, based on the statement argued.

[5] Figure 6: Shows the lack of woman in the work force for 22 different companies given by a control variable

[6] This table summarizes the key points from the provided text regarding the regulations and agreements related to menhaden fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.

[7] This sentence is further explained and visualized with figure 8.