Question

THIS IS A SOCIOLOGY SUBJECT!!!!

January 30, 2019 Empire actor Jesse Smollett called 911 in Chicago to report he had been the victim of a hate crime. After much investigation it was shown to be a hoax, purportedly as a bid to get a salary increase from ABC, which aired Empire. Prosecutors initially pressed charges against Smollett, only to drop them later in exchange for community service and forfeiture of his bond.

In March 2019, the FBI accused more than 30 wealthy parents of bribing various officials of elite colleges in exchange for admission to the schools. Those who plead guilty face fines and prison terms; some are taking their case to court. Students involved in the scandal (believed to be unaware of their parents' actions) may have had their acceptance letter rescinded, with further disciplinary actions possible.

What do you think? Which case is worse, and why? Approach this prompt keeping the themes of (Culture) and (Deviance and Social Control) in mind.

Answer 1

Smollett took advantage of racial tensions at a time when the US was already facing much division. He took advantage of the fellowship of his cultural community, which exists because of decades of legitimate injustice against them. Just some thoughts.