Final answer:
Aaron returned to a life of crime after being socially and institutionally marginalized following his arrest during a police raid at a gay bar, his consequent expulsion from college, and the societal stigmatization of his behavior amidst the 'war on drugs'.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the provided context, Austin discusses how Aaron was compelled to return to a life of crime due to multiple factors. A key incident for Aaron was his arrest during a police raid at a gay bar, which not only resulted in his incarceration but also in severe social consequences: his college's president, after being notified by the police, told him not to return to school. This exclusion from the educational institution likely played a significant role in limiting his opportunities for legitimate employment and social integration, which could have contributed to his decision to revert to criminal activities.
Moreover, societal attitudes at the time, particularly those during the Reagan administration, were very much against drug use and related crimes. The 'war on drugs' and the 'Just Say No' campaign reflected personal morality and likely played into the stigmatization that Aaron faced. This stigma, combined with the lack of support and resources available to him after his arrest and the subsequent denial of education, may have made it difficult for him to find an alternative path away from crime.
Furthermore, it is suggested that Aaron's behavior had changed, implying that psychological or emotional factors—potentially exacerbated by the trauma of arrest and rejection—also played a role in his return to criminal behavior. These compounded challenges underscore the complexities faced by individuals at the intersection of criminal justice, social stigma, and personal circumstances.