Question

The author emphasizes that one juvenile accused of murder was "so brutalized as a child that by the time he was arrested for murder at age 14, he had tried to kill himself six times (Paragraph 6)." In the context of this article, why do people do bad things? Do you think people's backgrounds or past experiences excuse their actions? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

a) People's backgrounds and past experiences can influence their actions, but they don't excuse them. Evidence from various sources supports this view.
b) People's backgrounds and past experiences fully excuse their actions, as external factors determine behavior.
c) People's backgrounds and past experiences have no impact on their actions; individuals are solely responsible for their behavior.
d) People's backgrounds and past experiences completely justify their actions; societal factors are to blame.

Answer 1

People's backgrounds and past experiences can influence their actions, but they don't excuse them. Understanding the influence of past experiences can help address the underlying causes of behaviors, but individuals must still be held accountable for their actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) People's backgrounds and past experiences can influence their actions, but they don't excuse them. Evidence from various sources supports this view. The author's emphasis on the juvenile accused of murder being brutalized as a child highlights the potential impact of adverse experiences on behavior. While backgrounds and past experiences may contribute to shaping an individual's actions, it doesn't absolve them of responsibility. The complexity of human behavior involves a myriad of factors, including personal choices. This perspective aligns with evidence from psychology, sociology, and criminology, emphasizing the interplay of individual agency and external influences. The understanding that individuals can make choices despite challenging backgrounds is supported by both empirical research and broader societal narratives.