Question
Case Selection: Find a news article about a famous politician, business leader, or celebrity who has recently been portrayed as deviant in the media (e.g., arrests, lawsuits, alleged violations of morality). Provide a brief overview of the case.
Alleged Deviance: Describe the crime (moral or legal) the individual allegedly committed and identify the victim(s) if applicable.
Theoretical Analysis: Explain the individual's actions from the perspective of one of the positivist theories of deviance (e.g., anomie theory, strain theory, social disorganization theory). Discuss how the theory helps to understand the behavior in question.
Length and Format: Your post should be at least 200 words. Include at least three (3) in-text citations: two from your textbook and one from the news article. Ensure your post adheres to APA formatting guidelines for citations and references.
References: Conclude your post with a reference list that includes your textbook and the news article, formatted according to APA guidelines.
Alleged Deviance: Describe the crime (moral or legal) the individual allegedly committed and identify the victim(s) if applicable.
Theoretical Analysis: Explain the individual's actions from the perspective of one of the positivist theories of deviance (e.g., anomie theory, strain theory, social disorganization theory). Discuss how the theory helps to understand the behavior in question.
Length and Format: Your post should be at least 200 words. Include at least three (3) in-text citations: two from your textbook and one from the news article. Ensure your post adheres to APA formatting guidelines for citations and references.
References: Conclude your post with a reference list that includes your textbook and the news article, formatted according to APA guidelines.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Case Selection
Recently, popular rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has been at the center of controversy and media scrutiny for a series of erratic actions and public statements, leading many to label him as deviant. His behavior escalated following a series of antisemitic remarks in late 2022, which resulted in widespread condemnation, business partners severing ties, and a significant loss of sponsorship deals (Higgins, 2023).
### Alleged Deviance
Kanye West's alleged deviance primarily stems from his public statements deemed hate speech, particularly antisemitic comments made in interviews and on social media platforms. These statements not only targeted the Jewish community but also perpetuated harmful stereotypes, undermining social cohesion and contributing to a climate of intolerance. The victims in this scenario include members of the Jewish community, who faced increased hostility and prejudice as a result of his actions. The ramifications of West's statements extended beyond individual harm, affecting societal perceptions and inciting further division among different communities (Higgins, 2023).
### Theoretical Analysis
From the perspective of strain theory, one can analyze West's behavior through the lens of social strain experienced by individuals who are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means. Strain theory posits that when individuals face obstacles in achieving success, they might resort to deviant behavior as an alternative response (Akers & Sellers, 2013). In West's case, his widespread fame and subsequent fall from grace may have generated significant psychological and social strain, leading him to express frustration through controversial remarks.
This theory provides insight into his potentially maladaptive coping mechanisms and the societal pressures that can push individuals toward deviance. The departure from societal norms of respectful discourse may illustrate how elite individuals, like West, can lose touch with the ramifications of their words, viewing their position and influence as a shield against accountability (Akers & Sellers, 2013). Thus, the strain of maintaining a public persona combined with personal challenges could have contributed to his public outbursts.
### References
Akers, R. L., & Sellers, C. S. (2013). *Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation, and application*. Oxford University Press.
Higgins, E. (2023). Kanye West's antisemitic comments lead to business fallout. *The New York Times*. Retrieved from [insert link here]
Recently, popular rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has been at the center of controversy and media scrutiny for a series of erratic actions and public statements, leading many to label him as deviant. His behavior escalated following a series of antisemitic remarks in late 2022, which resulted in widespread condemnation, business partners severing ties, and a significant loss of sponsorship deals (Higgins, 2023).
### Alleged Deviance
Kanye West's alleged deviance primarily stems from his public statements deemed hate speech, particularly antisemitic comments made in interviews and on social media platforms. These statements not only targeted the Jewish community but also perpetuated harmful stereotypes, undermining social cohesion and contributing to a climate of intolerance. The victims in this scenario include members of the Jewish community, who faced increased hostility and prejudice as a result of his actions. The ramifications of West's statements extended beyond individual harm, affecting societal perceptions and inciting further division among different communities (Higgins, 2023).
### Theoretical Analysis
From the perspective of strain theory, one can analyze West's behavior through the lens of social strain experienced by individuals who are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means. Strain theory posits that when individuals face obstacles in achieving success, they might resort to deviant behavior as an alternative response (Akers & Sellers, 2013). In West's case, his widespread fame and subsequent fall from grace may have generated significant psychological and social strain, leading him to express frustration through controversial remarks.
This theory provides insight into his potentially maladaptive coping mechanisms and the societal pressures that can push individuals toward deviance. The departure from societal norms of respectful discourse may illustrate how elite individuals, like West, can lose touch with the ramifications of their words, viewing their position and influence as a shield against accountability (Akers & Sellers, 2013). Thus, the strain of maintaining a public persona combined with personal challenges could have contributed to his public outbursts.
### References
Akers, R. L., & Sellers, C. S. (2013). *Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation, and application*. Oxford University Press.
Higgins, E. (2023). Kanye West's antisemitic comments lead to business fallout. *The New York Times*. Retrieved from [insert link here]