#so345 Another thing I wanted to note was the overall theme of the book that no-tolerance policies just make matters worse. Before reading this novel, I would have naively told you that those types of reinforcement were the best solution. However, the new perspective that “taking a leap of faith” on these kids is the best option has changed my thoughts.

#so345 this conclusion also made me look back at our discussion in class and chapter 6 on the concept of manhood. These boys were taught to resolve their conflicts with violence, and were peer pressured to prove their “manhood.” Reading the conclusion with Jose in prison made me look back on what got him there, and the manhood idealization was just one of many.

#so345 one thing I noted from page 165, was Rios stating that belief is the start of making a difference. Things could be so different if these children weren’t told they were going to amount to nothing more than criminals, but were instead encouraged. “When a young man becomes self-empowered and believes he can change his conditions and environment, his ability to engage in his education and civic participation increases.”

#so345 from reading this book, I feel like I have a much better understanding of stereotypes and stigmas. What is difficult to grasp about the conclusion is that there is no “satisfying” or“happy” ending. It’s a sad story with a sad ending, as shown by the consequences of being criminalized as a young boy. We are shown the direct effects of the system and how it marginalizes young men of color.

#so345 I also found it so disheartening that even when the boys made efforts to be different and to break free of their stereotypes, they couldn’t escape suspicions and the stigmatization.

#so345 it is so hard to hear about kids who were not seen for the people they are but as the people they could possibly become. The community acts like the boys’ futures are set in stone, and that they are nothing more than no good, even while they are still young. To be told that you’re going to amount to nothing more than a criminal when you are impressionable must be devastating.

#so345 it was very difficult to hear spider’s story, as he was criminalized at such a young age. Spider was attacked by a gang, and then was registered by police as a gang member at 15. Once this label was placed on spider, he could not go back. Everyone in the community now labeled him as “violent” and a member of a gang.

#so345 punishment does not just restrain or discipline society, it creates it, as said by David Garland. I think this chapter helps us go back to the idea that we are not able to have society without deviance. Deviance, and punishment, tend to shape society as we know it.

#so345 On page 29, I noted the quote “these young people no longer learn to labor but prepare for prison.” This stuck out to me because in a lot of cities this is what life feels like. So many people feel doomed by the fate of prison when that hasn’t even happened to them yet.

#so345 while watching the video, I mainly thought about how unfair the difference in treatment was. Unfortunately, I think the teachers were described as cheaters and sentenced so harshly because teaching is not a highly respected career. I think the Wall Street employees in the 2008 crash were not treated as harshly because Americans have more general respect for businessmen on Wall Street than teachers. It’s a shame that teachers are not held in high regard.