assignment

A Battle of Deviance: Session 3

© 2017-2021 Walden University, LLC 1

A Battle of Deviance: Session 3 Program Transcript [MUSIC PLAYING]

MALE SPEAKER: I don't want to be here. I just don't want to be here. I can see--

MALE SPEAKER: Nothing changes.

JOHN: Dr. Chandler?

DR. CHANDLER: Yes, John?

JOHN: There is something I'd like us to talk about today.

DR. CHANDLER: Sure, what is it?

JOHN: It's about having to be on the sex offender registry. I know Michael can relate since we're both on it. It's-- it's a real problem.

DR. CHANDLER: How so?

JOHN: I understand why it's the law that I have to be on it, but it's making it impossible for me to try to live a normal life. I mean, how do you explain to anybody that you're on it? When you tell anyone, they treat you like you've got the plague and you can't keep it a secret. They tell everybody who you are and what you did.

MICHAEL: I totally agree. Ever since I had to register, it's like I've been suffocating. People want nothing to do with you. I can't go anywhere I used to. I can't even walk my two dogs in the park. It's-- it's like I've got sex offender tattooed in big red letters across my forehead.

DR. CHANDLER: Yes, Alan?

ALAN: They only have themselves to blame. It's to protect the children.

JOHN: I understand that, but I've still got a life to live, you know? My sister wanted me to move in with her after I got out of prison, but the registry wouldn't let me, because it's too close to a grade school.

MICHAEL: He's right and you can't move into any neighborhood without having to report it to the registry, and then they have to tell all your neighbors. You feel like you're being watched and hated all the time. Who can live like that?

A Battle of Deviance: Session 3

© 2017-2021 Walden University, LLC 2

DR. CHANDLER: So you're saying you understand that the registry is there to protect society, but that it's also taking away your civil rights?

JOHN: Exactly. Every day I'm working to prove that I'm not dangerous to anyone, but how can I do that when I'm constantly reminded that I don't deserve to live like anyone else?

MICHAEL: It's like it doesn't matter how hard we try, we'll always be treated like we're dangerous.

DR. CHANDLER: Where are you living now John, since you couldn't move in with your sister?

JOHN: Nowhere. The job at the animal shelter doesn't pay much, so I got a tent and I kind of move around and live wherever I won't bother anyone.

DR. CHANDLER: You're homeless then?

JOHN: Yes. I still have to report to the police every two weeks where I'm pitching my tent.

DR. CHANDLER: How about you Michael?

MICHAEL: At least I've still got my own home, but ever since I got out of prison, the sex offender registry makes it like I'm still walking around in my own private jail cell. How's that justice? I served my time. They've given me a sentence that feels like forever.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

A Battle of Deviance: Session 3 Additional Content Attribution FOOTAGE: ACFG3A-002_Fixed (MS - John) TC: 14:59:29:20 Credit: Laureate Education, Inc. ACFG3A-021_Fixed (WS - Group Therapy) TC: 16:35:47:23 Credit: Laureate Education, Inc. ACFG3A-012_Fixed (MS-Michael) TC: 15:40:09:11 Credit: Laureate Education, Inc.

A Battle of Deviance: Session 3

© 2017-2021 Walden University, LLC 3

ACFG3A-002_Fixed (MS - John) TC: 14:59:29:20 Credit: Laureate Education, Inc.