Crime may be considered a social issue in most cultures around the world. According to Nation Master (a international statistics gathering website) 11.88 million crimes were committed in the year 2002. Although it is a dated statistic, the fact that crime is prevalent in all developed nations is almost a certainty. However, we must also consider that crime or illegal acts are sometimes not always committed with malice, and that the individuals carrying out these actions have their own struggles.
Identity, and the identity of these persons committing illegal acts, is something that is apparent in the book “Missing Sarah” by Maggie De Vries. Sarah has some troubling identity issues that may have been part of the reason that she eventually ended up living a life of prostitution and drug abuse. From this, a further identity crisis was encountered. It is very interesting to think of these actions being a result of a confused identity. Identity may be seen as a very important aspect of any given’s person’s lifestyle and self value. However, when this is taken away or muddled by piers, what happens to the individual? Statistics for minorities in prison are much higher than their caucasian counterparts in America. Could this perhaps be a result of a lack of identity within different communities and the media’s portrayal of what an “American” looks like? If people do not fit this ideal “American type”, does a sense of conflicted identity appear?
Personally as an American/Canadian of Filipino/English ancestry, my self “identity” has not always been something that comes forth easily. However, in more drastic circumstances I wonder if there can be more severe consequences. If someone is not fully accepted by a larger community; do they possibly turn to alternative lifestyles (crime)? Although this may just be one of many factors contributing to crime rates (poverty, racism, unemployment, etc.), maybe this is one issue that has the potential to be resolved, letting people pursue their own identity in a “melting pot” culture. Although there may always be bigots and racists, perhaps the issue may be sensitised in time.