Young Offender Cupcakes

BAD BOYZ

Is the pen name of a 16-year-old who has been in and out of custody for a number of crimes. He is currently serving a lengthy sentence for Armed Robbery and wrote the three pieces while in an area secure custody facility.  Workers were frustrated with him, stating that “He will not participate in counselling”, “He does not want to get out of trouble” and “Good luck working with him”.  BB has a history of severely alcoholic mother, domestic violence followed by the departure of his father from his family, witnessing and then becoming heavily involved in drug and alcohol abuse and violent behaviour.  He makes it appear as if he knows very little and has spent a lot of effort convincing others that he is stupid, mostly responding to questions with “I don’t know”.  This is the same guy who can make college level presentations in class.  BB, therefore, initially did not want to talk much about himself in a direct fashion so he was asked “How does one stop a young offender?”  After this write up, he wanted to create a piece on “Young Offender Cupcakes” and later suggested “A Letter To Papa” with a noticeable sarcastic tinge to it.  The themes carried throughout these 3 writings are very common among the young offender population and are critical in our understanding of how they end up hurting others and eventually behind bars.

Thanks

Jeff Packer

YOUNG OFFENDER CUPCAKES

The following ingredients in varying amounts are useful in the creation of young offenders.  At first combine;

• Dad leaving (or some amount of parental absence)
• Some lack of caring
• Child being left alone for extended periods
• Poverty (even occasional may do)
• An alcoholic parent (other family member and substances may do)
• Not listening to or believing the child

Next, add to the above;

• A dash of absolute hate
• Wooden spoonfuls of violence (fistfuls are about the same)
• And, for “good measure”, a couple of “spit-shine slaps”

Blend this mixture with;

• Minimal/poor parenting and attention
• School detentions, suspensions and “embarrassing punishments” (e.g. schoolyard cleanups)

Fold in some newly created ingredients including;

• Disrespect, stealing, fighting, hatred, racism, hopelessness, “Ho fishing”, quickie sex, pregnancy, booze and dope, and gang violence

Mix-up really well and pour into muffin tins or some other type of containment.  Place in a secure facility at room temperature for sixteen hours, days or years depending on the thickness of the batterer.  Check regularly for hardening of the edges.  Remove gently whenever.

Take a nibble, if under controlled…uh…under cooked…put ‘em back in!

BAD BOYZ