Recently, a freshman at Rutgers University jumped off the George Washington Bridge in the DC Metro area, likely because his dorm-mate streamed a livecast of him having intercourse with another man. Obviously, this is deplorable and completely unacceptable. Authorities are still trying to determine whether or not to charge the man who filmed it. Apparently, a lot of this guy's friends are saying he wasn't a bad guy and was just trying to be funny and it was not a homophobic gesture at all. Now, I am certainly inclined to agree this wasn't an act of hate, or homophobia, but rather just an eighteen year old boy just having a laugh. Ostensibly, the outcome is truly saddening. The kid who filmed it will likely have this guilt in his conscience for the rest of his life, and thats something that will certainly not be easy to deal with, and its certainly a fit punishment for the 'crime,' right?
Well. I often think jail is an unsuitable option for crimes, especially things like minor possession of a drug. I think rehabilitation and educational classes are great alternatives that often work instead of a penitentiary. I really think jails should be reserved for criminals. But...jails truly are a deterrent. Many people certainly would commit more crimes if they knew beforehand that the only repercussion would be a class or a rehab clinic. There are very sadistic people out there who would film their friends sexual exploits without him knowing, and some people truly wouldn't care about the outcome, even death, especially those who may be homophobic. Its unfortunate, but definitely true. Therefore, I really, unfortunately, think that this kid needs to go to jail, if only because it will deter any other eighteen-year-old copycats out there from doing this again, if the only alternative would be not going to jail and living with the guilt. Sure counselors and therapy would be suitable, but I do not think they serve as a deterrent to heinous criminals, of which there are many out there. I think it sucks, to be fair, but it is a necessary evil to send people to prison, as they did commit the crime, especially when it tells others out there that this in unacceptable.
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