Power of Context Questions

Question 1. What is the story of Bernie Goetz? Is Bernie Goetz a cold-blooded murderer or a heroic vigilante?
Bernie Goetz left his home and went to the station to board the subway. Goetz went to the back of the car and was sitting next to four "rowdy" teenage boys. One of the teenagers approached Goetz and asked for five dollars. Another one of the boys motioned to something he had in his pocket, which could have been a gun for all Bernie knew. Bernie stated that one of the teenager's "eyes were shiny, and he was enjoying himself...He had a big smile on his face." (p 134) This was the moment that Goetz snapped, pulled out his gun and shot the four teenagers. After the shooting happened, New York City saw Goetz as a hero, even giving him the names, "Subway Vigilante" and "Death Wish Shooter." (p 135) I found this story disturbing, especially because of the fact that Goetz did not think he did anything wrong. I think Goetz should be seen as a cold-blooded murderer not a hero. He had planned out that morning to take a gun with him to the subway station. Also, when he saw the four teenagers, he didn't try to stay away from them; instead Goetz sat right near the boys. This suggests that they were just the victims Goetz was looking for when he decided to take his gun with him that morning.

Question 4. Most conservative theories say that the criminal is a personality type whereas the Broken Windows theory and Power of Context suggest the opposite--the criminal is actually someone acutely sensitive to his environment and who is prompted to commit crimes based on his perceptions of the world around him. Which theory do you believe?
I believe the Broken Windows theory to a certain extent. I believe that this works for stopping such crimes as burglary, vandalism, mugging/robbery, graffiti, etc. In my opinion, the Broken Windows theory works on less serious crimes. In the case of Bernie Goetz, I don't think the Broken Windows theory would have worked. I think Goetz would have shot the teenagers whether the graffiti and subway car were cleaned up or not. However, the Broken Windows theory may have had an impact on the teenagers, which might have helped stop Goetz from shooting the boys.