Sociology: copy and paste the title of the documentary
describe a scene in the documentary which connects to a concept or theory of your choice.
list a concept or theory that we have covered in this course
copy and paste the definition of the theory or concept
copy and paste the chapter number of the theory or concept that you selected
describe a connection that you have made between the scene and the concept/theory through a story about something specific that you have seen or experienced in real life.
They Call Us Monsters
Juan, Jarad and Antonio, all between 14 and 16, face decades in prison. To pass the time, they sign up for a screenwriting class and collaborate on a short film about their lives, including Juan’s unrequited love for his childhood friend, Abigail. Halfway through the class, Antonio returns to juvenile court and gets released with time served. Back home, he struggles to avoid the same patterns that first got him locked up. Meanwhile, the realities of Jarad and Juan’s crimes set in. One of Jarad’s victims is only 17 herself and will be confined to a wheelchair for life. Juan faces deportation once eventually released, separating him from his family, including his baby son. While the gravity of their crimes haunts every frame, these young men are still simply teenagers. Do they deserve a second chance? The question is a societal conundrum beyond legislation and data. To their advocates, they’re kids. To their critics, they’re monsters
Answer Question one by one.
1.Describe a scene within the documentary that connects to a concept or theory that has been covered in this course:
2.With which Concept or Theory, Act or Law (covered in this course) does this scene connect? (i.e. Age of Responsibility, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, Antibullying programs, anomalies etc.)
3.In which chapter number was the theory or concept, that you listed in answer to the previous question, covered?
4.What is the definition of the concept or theory (that you selected)? (copy and paste from textbook or PowerPoint)
5.Using 2 paragraphs: What is the connection between the concept or theory that you have selected above, the concept/theory and something SPECIFIC that you have seen or experienced in real life? (This could be something that has happened to you or someone you know, a movie, tv show, social media post, tik tok trend, etc.)
1st paragraph will describe your real life experience
2nd Paragraph will show how this experience connects to the concept/theory you’ve selected
Scene Description in the Documentary “They Call Us Monsters”:
In the documentary “They Call Us Monsters,” there is a scene where Juan, Jarad, and Antonio, three teenage boys facing lengthy prison sentences for serious crimes, participate in a screenwriting class inside the juvenile detention facility. In this scene, they collaborate on a short film about their own lives, expressing their struggles, emotions, and aspirations. The focus is on Juan, who narrates his unrequited love for his childhood friend, Abigail, and the challenges he faces due to his impending deportation once released. The scene captures the vulnerability and complexity of these young individuals who, despite their crimes, are still grappling with the struggles and dreams of adolescence.
Concept or Theory Connected to the Scene:
The concept that connects to this scene is “Age of Responsibility.”
Chapter Number Where the Theory or Concept was Covered:
The theory of “Age of Responsibility” was covered in Chapter 6 of the sociology course.
Definition of the Concept or Theory:
Age of Responsibility: The concept of “Age of Responsibility” refers to the age at which an individual is deemed legally accountable and responsible for their actions in society. It is the age at which the law recognizes a person as an adult, and they can be held fully responsible for any criminal actions they commit. The age of responsibility varies across different legal systems and countries, but it is generally considered the threshold where individuals are no longer treated as juveniles or minors and are subject to adult criminal laws and penalties.
Connection to the Concept of “Age of Responsibility”:
In real life, I have a friend named Alex who experienced a significant event that relates to the concept of “Age of Responsibility.” When Alex was just 16 years old, he got involved in a car accident due to reckless driving. His negligence led to injuries for two passengers in his car and caused significant damage to another vehicle. As a result of the accident, Alex faced legal consequences and had to go through the juvenile court system.
This real-life experience connects to the concept of “Age of Responsibility” as it highlights the societal debate surrounding the age at which individuals should be held accountable for their actions. The accident raised questions about whether the legal system should treat him as a juvenile or an adult, considering the severity of the consequences. The incident also sparked discussions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for young offenders and the potential for reform. Similarly, in the documentary, “They Call Us Monsters,” the scenes involving Juan, Jarad, and Antonio prompt reflections on whether these teenagers deserve a second chance or if they should be treated as adults and labeled as “monsters” for their crimes. The concept of “Age of Responsibility” forces society to confront the complexities of balancing punishment and rehabilitation for young individuals who have committed serious offenses.
