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For this post, I wanted to
continue the discussion on the topic of the film “A Clockwork Orange” and the
idea of “moral choice” by tying it into a somewhat personal situation.
My parents are divorced and my
dad has been dating this woman for the past few months and don’t get me wrong,
she’s sweet and she has three kids. My brother and I have only met one
though-her daughter. We have asked where her other two kids were and the oldest
is busy with his own family and her other son- who is only 15 was in a juvenile
detention center at the time. WHAT THE HECK?! What is a sophomore in high school
doing in jail? Turns out he’s in a gang and has committed several crimes. This
kid has even had a gun in his possession-as far as I know, he had never used it
against anyone- but still! He had to serve, I want to say, close to a year in
juvie and he just got out this January. My dad says he’s a changed person now,
he’s going to school, getting good grades and he doesn’t associate with his
friends in the gang anymore. I thought about this during our class discussion on
Alex and “moral choice”. Is this kid really different? Has he actually changed
his ways or is it all just for show because he’s on probation? Alex’s character
kind of reminded me of this teenage boy and I was never fully convinced that he
could have changed while in jail but after watching this movie I’m definitely
not convinced. Maybe I’m just being paranoid but if I'm completely honest, i
don't even feel bad about it.
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Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Victoria R.'s post
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I totally understand why you wouldn't know whether to believe that this young man has truly changed his ways. I have some very serious doubts about whether our penal system really encourages people to be better people - even if it does, it's only out of fear of further punishment. But it's a very good sign that he's not associating with his former "friends" anymore - that (I think) is the #1 predictor of whether someone will re-commit crimes or stay straight. I hope for everyone's sake that he stays on track.
ReplyDeleteAnd how in the HELL did a 15-year-old get a gun?!
It is crazy to believe that people so young are committing these terrible crimes. We saw it with Alex and his friends in "A Clockwork Orange" and we see it in society all the time today. As you said with your personal experience it all comes down to "moral choice" and the will to make the right choice. All we can do is hope that these people go through the necessary rehabilitation to make the best out of themselves. I don't think its our place to judge whether a person has "changed" until we get some actual proof.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that he is doing better in school and not associating with his former friends are very good signs that we is a changed person. However the only person who can only ever really knows if he's changed is himself. No one else can know what he's thinking and no one can know if he's just putting on an act for everyone, like what Alex did in the movie. Im always one to believe in innocent until proven guilty, so I would say until he does something bad, or reverts to his former ways, he is a changed person.
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty insane, what a twist! I think it is a great thing that hs is not associating with the former people in his gang. I'd say if he hasnt changed he at least wants to because if not he wouldnt cut ties and actually try in school. I agree with Diana and I also believe in the innocent until proven guilty so yeah. Unless he goes back to jail he has changed and has learned his lesson.
ReplyDeleteI think it take a long period of time to tell if someone had truly changed. Jail might have really changed him. It might have been the wake up call that he really needed, hopefully hell continue to stay away from the people he associated with in the gang and maybe after a long time he will surprise you. People are full of surprises!
ReplyDeleteI think you should give the brother a chance. The only way to determine if someone has changed for the better is to witness it with your own eyes. Only you can say whether they are being true to themselves now or if the entire thing is just an act for his mom.
ReplyDelete