Delinquency In City Of God

Words: 1022
Pages: 5

United States have the highest juvenile incarcerated rate in the world, and we must consider juvenile delinquency as a serious social problem of American Society. The film “City of God” took place in one of the largest slums in Brazil. Two criminologists Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay believed that juveniles engage in delinquency activities because of neighborhood they live in. Their studies were focused on the neighborhoods instead of juvenile’s personal traits. The film depicts how children learn techniques for committing crime. However, while Shaw and McKay blamed the neighborhood for juvenile delinquency, an Italian criminologist Ceare Beccaria believed that juveniles have a free will to engage in delinquent activities, which means that …show more content…
Li’l Dice gained his power over time and returned to the City of God as a most respected boss in the slum. He maintained his power and status by using violence. He was never afraid to commit murder and killed numerous number of people. He did anything to gain his respect and maintain his power. For instance, one of the Tender Trio, Goose was killed by Li’l Dice. His aggressive attitudes and actions affected children in the hood and more and more children were involved in violence and drugs since Li’l Dice has returned. For many children, the only way to survive in the City of God was to engage in delinquent activities. As Li’l Dice and Benny learned delinquent activities from the Tender Trio, those children …show more content…
Every child comes from different background and when they commit delinquent, there is always a specific reason for each child. Low-income and high delinquency rate neighborhood definitely have influence on children to become delinquent. However, it is all up to children to whether or not to involve in delinquent activities. I believe the most important aspect to prevent juvenile delinquency is to build strong psychological and physical support support systems for children in the community. For example, strengthen the children’s family, provide after school program to keep children away from crime and violence, and strengthen social ties to in the community. It is also important to provide treatments for juvenile offenders to prevent them from becoming a chronic offender. Because children are least privileged one in American society, we all have to find the most effective way to prevent juvenile