I’m not a huge fan of the “Scared Straight” television series. I don’t like our fascination with this kind of media involving kids because it’s exploitative. But I have, in my long career working with at-risk youth, seen the?effectiveness of such programs in actual usage. Does it always work? Not by a long shot. But what I learned to embrace in my work with young people is the concept of “one.” As in: “if I can save one in my entire career, it will have all been worth it.”
I’ve seen a lot in “real life” and we’ve all seen a lot on TV shows like Beyond Scared Straight, but this two-minute clip is different. ?A 14-year-old boy participating in the program at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Virginia must face?his devastated 10-year-old brother on the other side of the glass.
It moved me deeply. When that little boy asks in a broken voice “have you learned anything?” Wow.
Watch the video below. Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page.
Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
