Walter White, the central character of the hit TV series Breaking Bad, has been described as a cross between Mr. Chips and Scarface. Walter, a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher, bows down to the pressure of chronic medical and financial problems, until his perverse attitude gives in. In the first season, his trajectory transforms from a family man with a suburban lifestyle to a full-fledged drug lord and murderer.
Using his knowledge of chemistry, Walter worked with a former student to prepare and sell meth. In doing so, he dramatically transformed into a horribly violent and unrepentant drug lord. Still, his descent into malevolence highlights the human potential that can be realized in times of hopelessness and hopelessness, when the dark and demonic aspects of human nature accelerate.
In my forensic evaluations, I have evaluated individuals whose psychological functioning appears alarmingly inconsistent with criminal activity. For example, Jonathan is a 38-year-old man who served 16 years in prison for a murder he committed when he was 22 years old. His attorney requested an evaluation because he is eligible for parole. The attorney asked me to examine Jonathan, make a diagnosis, and provide an opinion on his personality and risk for future violence.
Jonathan came from a very divided family, with a violent father and an alcoholic mother. Neglected and abused at home, he found solace on the streets. He admired gang members and enjoyed the street life prevalent in his neighborhood. Early on, before he was a teenager, he befriended members of my gang and helped him distribute drugs. By the age of 17, he was an active gang member and part of a culture of violence and gang warfare.
On a warm August night, Jonathan participates in a drive-by shooting and murder of a rival gang member.
During the evaluation, Jonathan spoke about his evolving identity as a gang member. As a young man, he idealized older gang members in his neighborhood. He hated being at home, so he would always go out on the streets and hang out, drinking, smoking, playing music, and “partying” with local girls. I was listening and observing the young people. He was particularly drawn to the camaraderie of being part of a gang. They got to know Jonathan and he aspired to be one of them.
Jonathan began “drug trafficking” for the gang, delivering “products” to local users. As he grew older and reached his late teens, he completed the rituals required for membership. For example, he once condoned an assault by four of his members, calling it a “jumping in” in street parlance. He then officially operated as a gang member.
“I loved being with the staff.” Jonathan felt a sense of loyalty and love for his members. “I was part of an organization…We supported each other.” He expressed hatred for rival gang members, turf wars between gangs, and criminal activity without question or remorse. They accepted the violent nature of gang activity, including their drive. The slightest act of a member of a rival gang entering one’s own gang’s designated territory can lead to violence and even murder.
Looking back, Jonathan said, “It was like I was brainwashed… I was looking for love.” As an adult, he realizes that his gang has functioned like a supplementary family for him, providing emotional help and support to fill a void in his heart. I ended my life and strengthened my fragile sense of self. Looking back, he was surprised at his own capacity for violence and “his own stupidity.” She added, “I was just running around…I didn’t know what I was doing,” adding that she never thought about the consequences of her actions and simply acted according to the group’s expectations.
Although the fictional Walter and the real Jonathan faced very different crossroads, it is their similarities that are most meaningful. Both had a deep need to be fulfilled. For example, Jonathan needed to belong somewhere in order to feel truly emotionally bound.
Jonathan’s seductive assimilation into gang culture and acceptance of violence as the norm is not an isolated phenomenon. Many of us tend to gravitate towards our dark, demonic side. It can occur at any stage of development if the factors come together incorrectly. And even the strictest group norms become acceptable for mindless compliance. The most vulnerable, those who feel socially invisible and marginalized, are being shaken and pushed into the vortex by group pressure and groupthink.
Groupthink essentials
My evaluation of Jonathan revealed that he does not have any serious psychopathology or personality disorders such as psychopathy. An extensive risk assessment revealed that his core vulnerabilities were historical in nature, stemming from juvenile delinquency, but that his behavior over the years could lead to future violence. It showed that the risk was low. For example, on historical clinical risk management – 20 measures, his risk level was low. He showed no signs of emotional instability and had not been violent in years. Staff and counselors alike said he was kind to other inmates during AA and other group meetings. He completed his GED and earned college credits.
Jonathan committed the crime before he was 25 years old. In 2012, the Supreme Court reviewed overwhelming neurocognitive evidence showing that the brain and nervous system do not mature until at least the age of 25. Until then, a lack of self-control and decision-making is developmentally “normal.” Considering this set of facts, the judge ruled that life without the possibility of parole is unconstitutional for people in that age group. California subsequently ruled that anyone under the age of 23 who is sentenced to 25 years to life in prison is eligible for a parole hearing within 15 years.
Given that Jonathan committed the crime before the age of 25, and given his illustrious behavioral history and current psychological state, he appeared to be someone who was able to “bounce back” with time and maturity. . The parole board agreed.
