News Assignment

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 News Assignment Joshua Obande ID: 169063143 CC 100 Introduction to Criminology Wilfrid Laurier University Waterloo Campus Michelle Dumas Nov 6 th , 2023 .
2 Anomie (concept by Durkheim) Summary: A coroner's inquest has commenced to investigate the 2019 murder-suicide of a Montreal woman and her two young children, along with the suspected killer, her husband. The inquiry was prompted by a critical coroner's report that raised questions about the role of prosecutors and a provincial judge in potentially preventing the tragedy, “shedding light on the family's troubled dynamics during their divorce proceedings” (Press, 2023). Definition of Concept: Anomie, as defined by Emile Durkheim, refers to a state of normlessness or social norm confusion. In Anomie, there is a breakdown or weakening of the normal regulatory and consolidative forces that guide individuals' behaviour. It occurs when there is a lack of regulation or integration, leading to a sense of disconnectedness and uncertainty among individuals (Durkheim, 1897). Analysis: The tragic murder-suicide of Dahia Khellaf, her two young children, and her estranged husband, Nabil Yssaad, in Montreal, corresponds with the concept of anomie. Anomie, as the meaning clarifies are conditions where people perceive norms to be missing, which is evident in the family's situation during the divorce process and the subsequent violent events. “The breakdown of the marital structure and the looming divorce contributed to a sense of normlessness, where the expected social norms guiding family relationships disintegrated” (Press, 2023).
3 Durkheim argued that anomie could lead to deviant behaviour, and in this case, it manifested in the extreme form of murder-suicide. The family's disintegration reflects the disconnect and uncertainty that often accompanies anomie. Yssaad's violent actions, strangling his wife and children before taking his own life, could be seen as a drastic response to the breakdown of traditional family norms and societal expectations surrounding marital disputes (Press, 2023).
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4 Stigma Summary: The federal jury acquitted Stephen Tyler Bieneman of misdemeanour assault charges in connection with an incident at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The verdict follows an increased inspection of McMurdo after reports of harassment and assault surfaced. Bieneman, a field safety coordinator, claimed he did not initiate the incident, emphasizing that the woman grabbed his arms and fell during a dispute over his nametag. The prosecutor argued Bieneman pinned her down, endangering her. The case raises questions about decision-making in the U.S. Antarctic Program, with concerns about personnel under investigation being assigned critical roles (Associated Press, 2023). Definition of Concept: As Goffman defined it, “Stigma is a deeply discrediting attribute that reduces the bearer from a whole and usual person to a tainted and discounted one. It's an attribute that is profoundly discrediting and makes the person different from others in an undesirable way” (Dumas, Week 4). Stigma arises when an individual possesses a trait or characteristic that is seen as deviating from social norms, which often leads to negative judgments and discrimination. Analysis: The not-guilty verdict in Stephen Tyler Bieneman's assault case in Antarctica is a vivid illustration of the concept of stigma. Bieneman's statement, "It's taken a huge toll on my reputation" (Kelleher, 2023), encapsulates the impact of the stigmatizing label associated with
5 the accusation of assault. The concept of stigma involves negative labels that individuals carry, affecting their self-identity and social interactions (Goffman, 1963). In this case, the accusation itself created a stigma around Bieneman, tarnishing his reputation. Furthermore, the attorney's comment, "This vindicates him (Associated Press, 2023)," emphasizes the effort to challenge and remove the stigma attached to Bieneman. The not-guilty verdict acts as a form of destigmatization, challenging the negative perception associated with the alleged criminal behaviour. Goffman's concept of stigma also highlights how individuals may face discrimination and exclusion due to their labelled status, and Bieneman's claim of the toll on his reputation aligns with this consequence. The narrative aligns seamlessly with the elements of the stigma theory, showcasing the social dynamics and consequences associated with the stigmatization of individuals in the context of criminal allegations.
6 Denial of Responsibility Summary: Cjay Hobbs, the alleged getaway driver in the murder of Toronto rap star Houdini, was found guilty of second-degree murder in a swift jury decision, rejecting arguments for first- degree murder. Hobbs, implicated in a separate case involving the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy, is accused of driving shooters to and from crime scenes, employing a defence claiming self- defence in response to a perceived threat, aligning with the concept of "Denial of Responsibility" (Bureau, 2023). Definition of Concept: Denial of responsibility is a technique employed by individuals engaging in deviant behaviour which helps them avoid accountability and shift the blame away from their self by claiming the act was unintentional or they were made to do it. In this concept, offenders capitalize on numerous explanations to justify their actions and reduce guilt. “In essence, it allows individuals to disassociate themselves from the moral and legal implications of their actions” (Sykes & Matza, 1957). Analysis: In the context of the article describing Cjay Hobbs' conviction in the murder of Toronto rap singer Houdini, the concept of "Denial of Responsibility" stands out. Hobbs' defence strategy is based on his claim that he and his suspected accomplice, Jack Loor, were in nearby areas for a drug deal when they detected a threat from approaching people, including the victim Dimarjio
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7 Jenkins. This denial of responsibility becomes apparent when Hobbs testified that he only knew Jenkins through his music and had no personal feud with him. By framing their actions as a reaction to a perceived threat, Hobbs attempts to mitigate his culpability in the crime, emphasizing a lack of malicious intent. This affiliates with Sykes and Matza's concept of "Denial of Responsibility," where individuals involved in criminal activities attempt to distance themselves from the blame by attributing their actions to external factors (Bureau, 2023). In summary, the concept of "Denial of Responsibility" is intricately woven into Cjay Hobbs' defence strategy, as evidenced by his narrative that emphasizes a perceived threat and justifies their presence in the area. These rudiments support the concept and provide a lens through which to understand Hobbs' attempt to distance himself from the criminal act and mitigate his level of responsibility.
8 REFERENCE CITED PAGE Bureau, B. P. C. (2023, November 7). Getaway Driver - also accused in killing of 12-year-old boy - guilty in murder of Rising Toronto rap star houdini . Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/getaway-driver-also-accused-in-killing-of-12-year-old- boy-guilty-in-murder-of/article_0e3bb8f0-6503-5036-993c-5d73cf19bdfd.html Durkheim, É. (2004). Suicide: A study in sociology. In American Psychological Association eBooks (pp. 33–47). https://doi.org/10.1037/10406-003 Press, T. C. (2023, October 23). Quebec coroner’s inquiry into murder-suicide of Montreal family opens . Montreal. https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-coroner-s-inquiry-into-murder- suicide-of-montreal-family-opens-1.6612623 Jennifer Sinco Kelleher The Associated Press. (2023, November 9). Jury finds man not guilty of assaulting woman at US Research Station in Antarctica . Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/news/world/united-states/jury-finds-man-not-guilty-of-assaulting- woman-at-us-research-station-in-antarctica/article_65866056-ee60-587f-9044- 22c24e6a47ac.html
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