Remember that documentary, They Call Us Monsters? The one that dared to ask, "What if the 'monsters' aren't really monsters at all?" Yeah, the one that made us question everything we thought we knew about juvenile justice.
Well, dust off your empathy pants, because we're diving back in to see what those young men are up to now in 2021! Forget the scary movie music – this is an update filled with hope, resilience, and maybe even a little bit of "I told you so" energy.
The Monsters: A Quick Refresher
Just a tiny recap, because let's be honest, our brains are filled with TikTok dances and the lyrics to "Baby Shark." They Call Us Monsters followed three teenagers, Jarad, Antonio, and Juan, incarcerated for serious crimes.
The film showed them participating in a screenwriting workshop while inside, forcing everyone, including themselves, to confront their pasts and imagine a different future. Were they destined to be defined by their worst actions, or could they find redemption and rebuild their lives?
Jarad: The Wordsmith
Ah, Jarad, the thoughtful writer! If you were rooting for him, get ready to do a happy dance. Last we heard, Jarad was dedicated to his writing. He became a published author, sharing his story and insights with the world.
Imagine that! From writing scripts behind bars to seeing his words in print, inspiring others – it's the kind of comeback story that makes you want to cheer from your rooftop (but maybe don't, your neighbors might get concerned).
Antonio: The Advocate
Then there's Antonio. His journey was particularly heart-wrenching, dealing with the weight of his past and the challenges of reintegrating into society.
Reports say that Antonio became an advocate for juvenile justice reform. It makes you wonder who are the monsters and who are the victims. Antonio took his lived experience and turned it into fuel for change, speaking out against injustices in the system.
Talk about using your voice for good! It's like he traded in his past for a superhero cape, only instead of fighting villains, he's fighting for a fairer world.
Juan: The Survivor
And let's not forget Juan. His situation was incredibly complex. He faced a long road ahead.
While details on Juan's exact whereabouts are more private, the last update suggested he was focused on rebuilding his life and staying on the right track. That's the most important thing! To be a better person than they once were.
Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care)
Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, that's nice and all, but why should I care about some documentary from a few years ago?" Great question!
Because They Call Us Monsters isn't just about three individuals; it's about a broken system. It's about challenging our preconceived notions about young people who make mistakes. They are still young and can still learn and grow from their mistakes.
It asks us to consider: Are we throwing away potential, are we creating self-fulfilling prophecies? A life of a criminal is a hard one to change and reform.
It's about remembering that everyone, even those who have committed terrible acts, deserves a chance at redemption. Maybe they can find ways to serve their communities in the future.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of They Call Us Monsters extends far beyond the lives of Jarad, Antonio, and Juan. The film sparked conversations. It changed hearts and minds.
It reminded us that behind every statistic, every headline, there's a human being with a story. That human being deserve a chance.
So, the next time you hear someone labeling someone else a "monster," remember Jarad, Antonio, and Juan. Remember their resilience. Remember that change is always possible. And maybe, just maybe, start asking questions instead of jumping to conclusions. Because sometimes, the real monsters aren't who you think they are.
