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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the author blame improved care of premature babies for part of the youth violence issue?

2. What does Garbarino say is true about the middle class, white killers of the modern age?

3. How many homicides are there in the U.S. each year?

4. What is the technical term for the disorder that results in highly troubled young boys who constantly misbehave?

5. What are some traits that put a child at risk for becoming aggressive?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what class and race bias are, and how they contribute to a lack of concern for youth violence in minority areas.

2. Explain the three effects of living without a father on youth development.

3. Explain the effect of the historical and cultural patterns of the South on the 'war zones' of larger urban cities.

4. Explain the four ways adults in a community can help repair the damage done by disrupted parental relationships.

5. What does Garbarino say about society's desire to punish violent youth?

6. Explain the experience of depression, as felt by boys and men, and why it contributes to youth violence.

7. Explain how disassociation can help lead to violence.

8. Discuss what happened in 1998 that made the world take notice of youth violence.

9. Explain why Garbarino calls these violent youth 'lost boys'.

10. Explain negative social maps, and how they develop.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are ten facts of life that Garbarino believes are vital to understanding the problem of violent youths (pg 217 - 232). Each of these, he believes, implies concepts that can be used for rehabilitation programs. Choose three of these, and discuss what they are, how the affect youths and youth violence, and what implications it has for treatment and rehabilitation.

Essay Topic 2

Morality is a large topic in the novel, both in terms of how most of us see murder, and how those who commit violent crimes see murder. Choose one of the following topics, and discuss it in detail.

1. What is moral justification? Why do "normal" individuals sometimes morally justify homicide? What types of murder are included? Why is this different from the murders that violent youth commit?

2. What is a moral circle? How does the moral circle differ between most in society and the violent youth? How does the moral circle contribute to violent behaviors?

3. What is perceived injustice? How does perceived injustice affect the moral code of violent youth? Why does perceived injustice sometimes equate to shame and intolerable states of being?

Essay Topic 3

Garbarino discusses his political agenda to tackle the challenge of detoxifying social environments in some of the areas of the United States. He includes two basic tenants to his agenda. Choose one, and explain it, in detail. What does he mean by this piece of the agenda? Why does he claim it is needed? What good will tackling this issue due in terms of youth violence? Is it controversial? Why? Do you agree that it is necessary? Why or why not? Do you think achieving the goal is possible? Why or why not? Be sure to use details from the book.

1. Protecting Children From Corrupting Violent Influences

2. Disarming Children and Youth

(see the answer keys)

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