The Interrupters Essay

574 words - 3 pages

The Violence Interrupters

The film “The Interrupters” by Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz is based on a group of individuals that are part of Ceasefire, a Chicago anti-violence program. Gary Slutkin, the founder of Ceasefire, believes that the spread of violence is very similar to the spread of disease, and so he believes that the treatment should be analogous. In order to stop the infection, one must go after the most infected, the source. The main goal of the violence interrupters is to simply stop killings and to save as many lives as possible. They make it very clear that they are not trying to dismantle gangs. The violence interrupters are made up of individuals who have had many years of jail time in the past, but now want to make a positive difference in their community rather than continue with their lives of crime. The ...view middle of the document...

Although the film shows “The Interrupters” doing their best to make a personal connection with each individual they help, they are failing to confront many of the deeper social problems such as flaws in education, and unemployment that are the root of such problems. With reference to Gary Slutkin’s theory of the spread of violence being analogous to the spread of disease. Without making an effort to discover the actual causes of the disease, “The Interrupters” are already treating the symptoms of those who are infected.

“The Interrupters” ideology is that by having groups like them active in communities, it reduces violence among young individuals in Chicago.

Ameena Matthews displays many traits that categorize her as a “woodpecker”. Ameena is a very bold, unafraid individual with serious drive to prove and communicate her point. She is consistently shown lecturing individuals throughout the movie, trying to get her point across and teach them a lesson. Throughout the film, Ameena
Ameena Matthews: “if anything happens to this kid, it’s on you” = instilled fear. (Appeal to fear)

Possible Thesis:

By having groups like this, it reduces violence among adolescents in Chicago.

“We’ve been taught violence. Violence is a learned behavior.” Quote
“Death before dishonor”

Story about kid watching his father beat some guy to death in the street (1:34:55)

Fallacy’s found in the film:

Interrupters use anecdotal evidence (can also violate A condition) – fallacy
Appeals to pity
Provide logical reasons for why Ceasefire works.
Appeal to emotion
Appeal to fear
Logical reasons

Possibly use one person for the essay. Ameena Matthews maybe. She didn’t have much of a connection with the girl at the end and therefore didn’t make much of a difference.

Ameena Matthews: “if anything happens to this kid, it’s on you” = instilled fear. (Appeal to fear)

What kind of bird is Ameena? Woodpecker

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