Brothers and Keepers: A Juxtaposition of Intergenerational Trauma

Author Information

Alex Ray

Abstract/Description

The memoir, Brothers and Keepers, is a piece of literature that serves as a guide into the bowels of the construct that we call the “American criminal justice system.” Through the conflicting distinctions of two brothers’ lives, readers can see the ramifications of a misconstrued definition of “justice.” The memoir sees its author, John Wideman, a successful academic, professor, and writer, and his brother Robby Wideman, who receives a life sentence for a mishandled robbery, juxtaposed in several stages of life in hopes of obtaining a greater understanding of the pathology for their inherent differences while investigating the underlying implications presented about the American legal/justice system.

Note on the Author

Alex Ray is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business Management. His paper was written in the summer of 2023 under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Hayden (Psychology) for his PSYC 269 course, Psychology of Criminal Behavior. After completing his undergraduate degree, Alex plans to obtain a JD and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to serve his community as a clinical/forensic psychologist and a professor of psychology/ law. In said positions, he seeks to provide assessment and treatment for incarcerated individuals while attempting to shape mental health public policy.

Recommended Citation

Ray, Alex (2024). Brothers and Keepers: A Juxtaposition of Intergenerational Trauma. Undergraduate Review, 18, 240-245.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/undergrad_rev/vol18/iss1/25

Rights Statement

Articles published in The Undergraduate Review are the property of the individual contributors and may not be reprinted, reformatted, repurposed or duplicated, without the contributor’s consent.