They Call Us Monsters Jarad Nava Now

Okay, let's talk about something a little... spicy. You know that feeling when you watch a movie and secretly, maybe a *little* bit, root for the "bad guy?" Yeah, me too.

Specifically, I'm thinking about the documentary They Call Us Monsters.

Unpopular Opinion Incoming!

I went into it expecting... well, monsters. But I didn't quite find them. What I *did* find were complex, flawed, and surprisingly sympathetic young men. Cue the collective gasp!

The documentary follows three teenagers involved in violent crimes. They're in a facility for juvenile offenders. The film explores their lives, their crimes, and their potential for rehabilitation.

Enter Jarad Nava

Jarad Nava. His story, in particular, stuck with me. He was convicted of attempted murder. Heavy stuff, right?

But as you watch him, you see a kid. A kid who made a terrible mistake. A kid who, maybe, just maybe, deserves a second chance.

Now, before you grab your pitchforks, hear me out! I'm not excusing their crimes. Violence is never okay. But context matters.

These aren't comic book villains twirling their mustaches. They're products of their environment. They're victims of circumstance.

I'm not saying they're *totally* innocent. I am saying reducing them to "monsters" is too simple. It's too easy.

The "Monster" Label

That's the whole point, isn't it? Slap a label on someone and call it a day. No need for understanding. No need for empathy.

But what if we looked deeper? What if we saw the humanity beneath the surface? What if we actually *tried* to rehabilitate?

I know, I know. It's a scary thought. It's easier to lock them away and forget about them.

The Rehabilitation Factor

The film highlights programs aimed at helping these young men. Programs that encourage self-reflection. Programs that teach them responsibility.

And honestly? It seems to work. You see them evolving. You see them taking ownership of their actions.

Of course, some will say rehabilitation is a waste of time. Some will say, "Once a monster, always a monster."

My (Possibly Wrong) Takeaway

But I don't buy it. People are capable of change. Even people who have done terrible things.

They Call Us Monsters challenges us. It asks us to confront our own biases. It forces us to question our definition of "monster."

It's uncomfortable. It's unsettling. And honestly? That's a good thing.

Maybe, just maybe, we should be focusing on creating opportunities. Opportunities for redemption. Opportunities for these young men to become something more than the worst thing they've ever done.

And if that makes me a softie? Well, so be it. I'd rather err on the side of compassion than condemnation.

Maybe Jarad Nava, and others like him, aren't monsters at all. Maybe they're just kids who need help. A lot of help.

So next time you hear someone casually throwing around the word "monster," pause. Think. Maybe even watch the documentary. You might be surprised at what you find.

And who knows? Maybe you'll even start rooting for the "bad guy" a little bit too.