Ira Glasser

Depictions of juvenile crime in the media have led some to perceive a growing trend in youth violence and brutality. In the following viewpoint, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Ira Glasser, contends that this perception is unfounded, as statistics reflect a decrease in juvenile crime. Glasser argues that the real problem confronting children is poverty, not juvenile crime and violence.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, what would the “Violent Youth Predator Act of 1996” mandate?
2. What does the author consider to be the real purpose behind “scapegoating children”?
3. As cited by the author, what does the “family values crowd” consider to be the fate of illegitimate girls and boys"

Taking their cue from the blockbuster movie...