Analysis Of The Narrative Saints And Roughnecks By...

Criminal behavior among different sets of social classes often are dealt with in society in much different ways. If you have money you have access to good representation and therefore can avert serious punishment for any crime and you are not held to the same standards as the â€Å"ordinary† person. This is clearly exemplified in the narrative â€Å"Saints and Roughnecks† by William Chambliss. His depiction is a representation of social class and how it can predispose other’s thinking about you and how you perceive yourself within a society. Chambliss discovered that the Saints were probably acting more delinquent than the roughnecks, yet they were arrested more often, perceived as failures and heading nowhere by teachers and community members. This was in large part due to their social class and lack of funds to keep them well-dressed, well-mannered when needed and well-hidden in plain sight. Both sets of boys exhibited a certain demeanor among the commun ity at large, thus adding to their â€Å"visibility† among those in positions of authority. The idea of social class and prosecution by peers and authority has existed for centuries. I recall watching a movie called â€Å"Far and Away† and the lead character was a poor Irishman who left Ireland for a better life in America. His demeanor was rough as he was a â€Å"fighter† both figuratively and literally, and he earned very little and his manner of dress provided a visibility of being low class and probably dangerous. This movie is