I once did some research into this whilst at university. Basically the criminal mindset is often very very close to an entrepreneurial one - if not the same. It comes down to value systems generally with the individual, although entrepreneurs are often found to bend or change the rules to suit themselves. For example Richard Branson, when he first started, ended up in trouble with the law as he exploited what an export-import system for records, ultimately ending up with a heavy fine, though no jail time.
Right, lets take violent criminals and place them in upper management. I can see it now:
"I used to be a drug dealer; now I'm your boss. Now get to work bitch before I cap, I mean, fire your ass!"
...
In all seriousness, I see a danger in using people who have a demonstrated disregard for the lives and property of others. At least with the current individuals we have reasonable doubt as to whether they would kill or steal to get their way. In highering ex-conns we know.
Is it nature or nurture that makes people this way? The debate on that will go on forever, however it has been demonstrated that through good education people (not all I agree) can discover that they have a true worth and can make money whilst giving back to society. Its bringing these people back into society that they probably felt outside of. According to the story, the people who have been on the program have a very low potential for re-offending. This, combined with criminal -> entrepreneur I think is a positive step. Breaking the cycle and giving people a purpose in life, embracing them, can make a difference
"Breaking the cycle and giving people a purpose in life, embracing them, can make a difference"
This article doesn't remind me of the gang stuff in Freakonomics so much as it reminds me of a bonus feature on the "Sicko" DVD. Michael Moore goes to a prison in Norway that allows everyone, including murderers and rapists, the opportunity to work amongst the general population doing fulfilling work. [They mention a prisoner, for example, that killed two people with a chainsaw. He was allowed to finish his sentence by working in the forest freely with a chainsaw!] Norway doesn't have a death sentence, nor even a life sentence. The maximum prison sentence is 21 years. And, by the way, Norway usually has the lowest murder rate in the world.
There is such a thing as rehabilitation. Former criminals can lead decent, productive lives. I think the whole "once a criminal, always a criminal," view is generally unhelpful to society. There are exceptions, of course. You might want to stay away from serial recidivists.
I despise it when people use the term rehabilitation with regards to criminals. They are not generally sick or disabled people. They are individuals who have made choices about their lives and others. True, criminals can reform, but it is up to them to demonstrate that they have done so. We should be seeking out the best and the brightest of the criminal population and rewarding their behavior with cushy white collar jobs.
I've talked with a couple parole officers and they say the same thing. The people they deal with really have to decide for themselves to change, it isn't a matter of changing their environment.
> She is particularly interested in people who have already demonstrated these skills—for example by running a successful drug business or achieving a high rank in a gang.
That's what you list under "Extracurricular Activiites" on your Harvard application! ;-)
There was actually a study at the University of Chicago that Steven Levitt writes about in "Freakonomics." A sociology student got really close with a gang in downtown chicago - and it turned out that the local gang leader had a business degree and kept fastidious records of the gang's income and expenditures.
I think this is a great idea and I can relate. I was a wayward youth. I never did anything serious but I was constantly on the wrong side of the law and my success / failure rate was pretty impressive. Though it's not as bad anymore think I was just allergic to authority. I eventually turned my need for risk and self determination to mountaineering and entrepreneurship. A life of crime is very dynamic and intense. Quite similar to startup life. I can see this program being successful and I wish these gentlemen luck.
As for the moral dilemma people are concerned about, I don't think it's such a problem. My rebellion was much more rooted in an inability to walk lockstep through a life of following directions than a rotten soul. I tended toward and environment that I thrived in, one of raw risk and raw reward. A program that recognizes these folks and steers them away from the brink sounds like a really good idea. The only laws I've broken in the last 8 years have been speeding and running stop signs. And I refuse to ever give that up.
many people startoff in bad situations - may be hard to believe but not everyone gets pushed along the path of grad'ing from a good school. there is no excuse for hurting and stealing from others, but we must also recognize that the odds are so stacked against poor people that there options are very slim. poverty is a major problem in the US, currently the best solution the govt has come up with is build more prisons to house the poor when they get arrested in the projects.
according to pg, it all comes down to building something people want, many people in prison don't want to come back, and want to actually do something legit with their lives, building a business is the best way I know to change your life and make something of yourself. bravo.
next step is too make sure they get a bit of tech skills with the biz classes.
This is from talks I've had with parole officers. Often, the prisons can merely act as Criminal U. Coming out it is hard to get a legitimate job, and they've learned more criminal skills while in prison. It's much easier to just go right back into the criminal lifestyle, a vicious cycle.
However, a concern I have with this program is that gang members can bring their criminal connections with them into business. In times of tough competition they may be tempted to use these connections.
My main problem is that this is for people who got caught. If all criminals have something in common with entrepreneurs, then it seems logical to assume that this program isn't getting the cream of the crop (those who don't get caught). Though perhaps that group succeeds without any help or notoriety.
nice point - but just as failing does not make you a bad entrep., getting caught doesn't mean your a bad crook, repeat offenders my be the most determined.
I've always been fairly impressed with organized crime's ability to locate new areas to exploit.
Then again, how much of an advantage is it to use "illegal leverage"? I'm sure Movable Type would have a larger install base if they could send goons to the doorsteps of those using Wordpress.
If you can afford a suit, have an idea, and can find a mentor, you're leagues ahead of the men with criminal records. This program provides a framework for people who have nothing and are likely to relapse, and it helps integrate them into normal society.
If you're already integrated (which I'll unfairly assume you are), then you probably wouldn't get much out of this program. You'd be better off joining the local rotary club.
