Deviance in The Worst Form: Murder

Submitted by: Samantha Mesa

          Deviance is anything that violates socially established norms or rules set by society. Norms are a set of standards that people follow that has been generally written or understood by society. Deviance can be a tricky matter because sometimes one thing can be seen as normal in one culture and deviant in another. An example would be getting a tattoo. In some cultures, it can be viewed as a sign that you’re of low class or have been to prison. In others, it can show tribal lineage, political/social status, or even personal strength. One of the most popular examples of deviance could be murder. 

         In December of 2009, Susan Powell went missing from her home in Utah. Police had been investigating her disappearance for a few months, and even had a prime suspect, her husband, Josh Powell. While enduring countless interviews and interrogations, Powell continued to deny any involvement in his wife’s disappearance. He eventually lost custody of his two children to Susan’s parents, and the children seemed to be happy about the decision. One day when a social worker was on her way to bring the boys to their father’s, the boys decided to run away of her and went into of Powell’s house. He immediately locked the door and wouldn’t let the social worker inside of the house. What happened after would disturb anyone with children. Powell proceeded to attempt to murder his children  with a nearby hatchet and then lit his house on fire. Authorities later found that Powell had planned the entire thing and had even left numerous voice mails to family members stating that he couldn’t live without his boys and said, “sorry, goodbye” at the end of all his messages. There is no word yet of whether or not Susan Powell is considered dead but investigators say the case is still open. 

         What Josh Powell did was extremely deviant. Not only did he kill his sons, and possibly kill his wife, he killed himself. Murder is seen as a deviant act and so is suicide. Killing a person from your own family is also something that is deviant because family members are part of you. Powell committed formal deviance, which is when laws are involved and he violated them. It's hard to say what will eventually happen with this case but hopefully some kind of justice is served.

The Argument: Poverty doesn't = crime...yes it does!

Submitted by Prentice Vann:      

          Poverty equaling crime is a debate to many, not a fact. Some think that crime is committed by choice and not circumstance. Their argument is that poverty doesn't make one commit racist murders and rapes. Rapes would make a good argument against poverty breeding criminal activity. Does poverty create rape? Does poverty create showing off at events or for the opposite sex at events? At the same time, does poverty breed drug dealing or robberies? It probably depends on the individual. We3 can debate all day but both points of views can make a point in our society.

              In these first two videos, the view of crime being of one's intentions is expressed. The two individuals, a white person from America and a black person from  Africa, agree that crimes committed by people are of the nature of the individual. People commit crimes because they want to, so they say. The African says that it's due to respect. We know of a certain level of crimes in the US due to respect. An example would be the murder of someone approaching your lover, knowing that you two are together. Also, physical harm done to someone disrespecting your mother, spouse, or child in any matter.

           Others say that (some) crime is brought about by circumstance. The rent needs to be paid and the children, and self, need to be fed. Would someone that would not commit murder commit murder in self-defense? How about if her/his children are there? The government even judges crimes by their purpose. A premeditated murder would result in giving out more prison time than manslaughter. The individual in the video on the right mentions the need of money as a reasonable reason to sell drugs. He also expresses he feelings toward over doing it. He basically say that if one does what he/she does to get what they need, or achieve a level of advancement, they should stop their crimes. One thing that we all should agree on is that our children need to be fed. That would be most of our breaking points.                                                                                                                                                     

Casey's Escape...or Justice?

Submitted by P. Vann

The Casey Anthony trial made headlines throughout America. The question is why. People in the United States, adults and children, are murdered everyday. Many of these cases are not publicized, at least not to the extent of Anthony's case. Television, radio, and newspapers obviously affects social behavior.

The Internet was, and is still, filled with blogs that accuse Anthony of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee. Americans have engaged in conversation and unified in agreement on accusing someone of something that they hadn't any facts of. The main reason for this is the nonmaterial culture of the U.S., with its beliefs and philosophies. The circumstances of the case does not sit well with the majority of American society. In the United States, it is very unusual to party and fail to notify authorities of your missing child's disappearance.

Although many American citizens assume that Anthony is guilty of murder, the United States government has rules to abide by. It is said that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.This does not mean that one is actually thought of as innocent, but emphasizes the need of evidence to prove the guilt of the accused. Once, and if, proven of guilt, sanctions are given that are within the sentencing guidelines. These penalties can range from fines, jail time, and even death. In Anthony's case, she received a four year prison sentence and received time served.

The Casey Anthony case was the next hot topic. The nation was pumped for the outcome of the case like a season finale of a television drama. I found myself following the trial and anticipating the verdict. I even signed a petition for Caylee's law; a law that makes the failure of a parent to notify authorities of a missing child within 24 hours and failure to report a child's death within one hour a felony. Unlike those that are not important, support of Caylee has become a trend. Anger towards Anthony has become a trend as well. Resisting the "marketing techniques" of the case seemed almost impossible for me. I've seen, read, and heard about it more than anything advertised in any media. The awareness of my actions and others lead me to a greater respect for those who truly follow and fight for a cause, regardless of the attention put upon it.