No child is born bad | Xavier McElrath-Bey | TEDxNorthwesternU 2014

Summary

The speaker passionately advocates for a shift from incarceration to community-based support for at-risk youth. Highlighting the staggering costs of housing children in the juvenile justice system, the speaker proposes that a fraction of that money could be used to employ and support young people in their communities. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, the speaker envisions a future where children are seen as valuable assets to society, deserving of second chances and opportunities, not punishment. The message emphasizes hope, rehabilitation, and community empowerment in addressing youth issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the high cost of incarcerating children in the juvenile justice system, noting it can reach $85,000 per child.
• 😀 The speaker proposes an alternative solution: using that money to employ at-risk youth in the community, helping them avoid incarceration.
• 😀 By collaborating with local businesses and partners, the speaker believes they could employ up to 1,200 kids full-time with just 25% of the money spent on incarceration.
• 😀 The speaker criticizes the current system for labeling children as 'super predators,' advocating instead for a more compassionate and rehabilitative approach.
• 😀 The speaker’s vision for reform is focused on helping children stay out of the justice system and provide them with opportunities to thrive.
• 😀 The speaker stresses the importance of second chances and the need to provide guidance, especially for youth who have made mistakes.
• 😀 The speaker draws a personal connection to the cause, thinking about their own daughter, Sophia, and the future they want for her.
• 😀 The speaker calls for a broader societal shift in how children are viewed and treated, advocating for more understanding and forgiveness.
• 😀 The speaker expresses frustration with the current system’s failure to invest in preventive measures like community-based employment and support programs.
• 😀 The speaker’s ultimate message is that children are the future, and society should invest in their potential rather than punishing them for their mistakes.

Q & A

What is Xavier's main argument regarding the current juvenile justice system?

Xavier argues that the juvenile justice system is expensive and ineffective, costing around $85,000 per child to incarcerate, whereas that same money could be better spent on employing at-risk youth in meaningful jobs with the help of community partners.

How much money does Xavier suggest could be used to help at-risk youth if redirected from juvenile incarceration?

Xavier suggests that if 25% of the money spent on juvenile incarceration, which amounts to $25 million, were redirected, it could be used to employ up to 1,200 at-risk kids full-time.

What is the cost comparison Xavier makes between incarceration and employment for at-risk youth?

Xavier compares the cost of incarcerating one child ($85,000) with the possibility of employing three at-risk kids full-time at $10 an hour for the same amount of money.

What role do local partners and businesses play in Xavier's proposal?

Local partners and businesses are crucial in Xavier's proposal, as they would help fund and provide opportunities for employment, contributing to a community-based solution to support at-risk youth.

What does Xavier believe society's approach should be toward children who make mistakes?

Xavier believes that children who make mistakes should be given forgiveness and second chances, instead of being harshly punished or discarded by society.

How does Xavier feel about children in general?

Xavier expresses a deep concern for children, seeing them as the future. He emphasizes that children should not be viewed as 'super predators' or disposable, but as individuals deserving of support and opportunity.

What statistic from the Illinois State Bar Association does Xavier reference to highlight the issue?

Xavier references a statistic from the Illinois State Bar Association that indicates the state is spending up to $100 million to incarcerate children, underscoring the inefficiency of the current system.

Why does Xavier mention his daughter, Sophia, during his speech?

Xavier mentions his daughter, Sophia, to personalize the issue and emphasize that he wants all children, including his own, to have better opportunities and to be treated with understanding if they ever make a mistake.

What is Xavier’s vision for the future of youth in society?

Xavier envisions a future where youth, especially those at risk, are given the opportunity to thrive through employment and support, instead of being funneled into the juvenile justice system.

What emotional tone does Xavier aim to convey in his speech?

Xavier aims to convey a tone of hope and urgency, calling for society to reassess how it treats its youth and to make more compassionate and effective choices for their future.