Perception, Abuse, and Delinquency Abstract
The following essay looks at Dane Peterson’s view of juvenile delinquency in his novel, Sins of the Fathers (2003). Peterson argues that there is a strong correlation between the abuse that a delinquent faces as a child and their delinquent behavior. To prove his point, he draws upon his theory of five different types of victims. This is not to say that these are the only type of victims found within delinquency, but these are some the most common ones found. Even though Peterson defined five different types of delinquents, the following essay focuses on the Dependent Victims, Intrusion Victims, and Reversal Victims. The following three types are fine examples of Peterson’s thesis. He also makes a …show more content…
As the quote suggests, the way someone sees the world plays a huge role in how they perceive and understand the world around them. In Sins of the Fathers, Peterson argues how one can see just how much a delinquent’s perception of abuse and the effect of such abuse contributes to their behavior. Within the novel is an extensive amount of evidence to prove such a claim as well.
The book states its argument quite early on. Peterson suggests that “there is, in fact, a relationship between child abuse and delinquent behavior” (2003:13). To understand and help the delinquents, though, one must look at how the delinquent understands their existence and the perceptions they have of the world (Peterson 2003: 17). Even though in the novel, Peterson talks about five different types of delinquents, for this particular essay, the focus will be on three of the five types. The three chosen are great examples of how much perception and abuse play into the role of …show more content…
Peterson lays out the theory of a Dependent Victim by using one of the delinquents he worked with, Bill Brewer, as an example. On the outside, Brewer seemed like any other teenager. He’s charismatic and seems like the dream guy to bring back to the parents. Yet the same Bill would involve himself in high-risk delinquent behavior (Peterson 2003: 33). When talking with officials, we see that he fully complies and acknowledges his wrongdoing. He sees himself as the sole issue of his delinquent behavior (Peterson 2003: 34). To understand the logic behind Brewer’s actions, one must look beyond his actions. As stated by Peterson, the abuse that Brewer faces is justified by his family. There is always a reason as to why he is receiving the abusive treatment (Peterson 2003: 43 As stated in the book, “A Dependent Victim has experienced a well-justified pattern of abuse through family-inflicted discipline for misbehaviors and failures” (Peterson 2003:37). Then another significant adult is introduced to the adolescent’s life. This could be a teacher, relative, neighbor, etc. They challenge the child’s previous worldview and the way they perceive things. The Dependent Victim is able to vent about their family issues and is able to reaffirm their value as a person. Yet there must be the loss of the significant adult without another one to take their place. Thus, they’re forced back into the negative
The following essay looks at Dane Peterson’s view of juvenile delinquency in his novel, Sins of the Fathers (2003). Peterson argues that there is a strong correlation between the abuse that a delinquent faces as a child and their delinquent behavior. To prove his point, he draws upon his theory of five different types of victims. This is not to say that these are the only type of victims found within delinquency, but these are some the most common ones found. Even though Peterson defined five different types of delinquents, the following essay focuses on the Dependent Victims, Intrusion Victims, and Reversal Victims. The following three types are fine examples of Peterson’s thesis. He also makes a …show more content…
As the quote suggests, the way someone sees the world plays a huge role in how they perceive and understand the world around them. In Sins of the Fathers, Peterson argues how one can see just how much a delinquent’s perception of abuse and the effect of such abuse contributes to their behavior. Within the novel is an extensive amount of evidence to prove such a claim as well.
The book states its argument quite early on. Peterson suggests that “there is, in fact, a relationship between child abuse and delinquent behavior” (2003:13). To understand and help the delinquents, though, one must look at how the delinquent understands their existence and the perceptions they have of the world (Peterson 2003: 17). Even though in the novel, Peterson talks about five different types of delinquents, for this particular essay, the focus will be on three of the five types. The three chosen are great examples of how much perception and abuse play into the role of …show more content…
Peterson lays out the theory of a Dependent Victim by using one of the delinquents he worked with, Bill Brewer, as an example. On the outside, Brewer seemed like any other teenager. He’s charismatic and seems like the dream guy to bring back to the parents. Yet the same Bill would involve himself in high-risk delinquent behavior (Peterson 2003: 33). When talking with officials, we see that he fully complies and acknowledges his wrongdoing. He sees himself as the sole issue of his delinquent behavior (Peterson 2003: 34). To understand the logic behind Brewer’s actions, one must look beyond his actions. As stated by Peterson, the abuse that Brewer faces is justified by his family. There is always a reason as to why he is receiving the abusive treatment (Peterson 2003: 43 As stated in the book, “A Dependent Victim has experienced a well-justified pattern of abuse through family-inflicted discipline for misbehaviors and failures” (Peterson 2003:37). Then another significant adult is introduced to the adolescent’s life. This could be a teacher, relative, neighbor, etc. They challenge the child’s previous worldview and the way they perceive things. The Dependent Victim is able to vent about their family issues and is able to reaffirm their value as a person. Yet there must be the loss of the significant adult without another one to take their place. Thus, they’re forced back into the negative