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Scumbag Sewer Rats - John Smethers, Ph.D.
Scumbag Sewer Rats
John E. Smethers, Ph.D.
ISBN: 9780955150357
CheckPoint Press
Reviewed By Kendra Carroll
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Anyone who has seen an episode of “Cops” no doubt has a rather concrete idea of how criminals typically come across: dirty, disheveled clothing, neglected personal hygiene, and mangled, makeshift speech. Images such as these not only populate the airwaves, but they also dominate newspaper headlines, television shows, movies, and even video games. As a result, we as a society have become conditioned to expect that whenever we hear of a home break-in, a car chase involving a stolen vehicle, or some other criminal activity, the perpetrators will fit the physical mold to which we’ve all become accustomed.
What we tend to forget, though, is that underneath the hardened exterior of these societal “outcasts” lie the hearts, minds, and souls of flesh-and-blood human beings, who – were it not for the collective intervening influence of heredity and environment – may very well be us. What, then – if anything – separates them from us? And what compels them to commit the very same criminal activity that many of us instinctively eschew?
The answers to these questions and more can be found in Scumbag Sewer Rats, the enlightening analytical tome by Dr. John Smethers. Peppered throughout the pages of Dr. Smethers’ informative work are both detailed psychological breakdowns of behaviors commonly deemed “deviant” by greater society, as well as enlightening anecdotes highlighting just how these behaviors play themselves out in the lives of those that we often avoid – but instead should seek to understand. By presenting such practical examples, Dr. Smethers ensures that readers are filled more with understanding and compassion and less with scorn and disdain for the subculture that, in some way or form, we are all responsible for helping to create.
Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of Scumbag Sewer Rats is the ease with which readers will relate to the various points that Dr. Smethers raises. Rather than bombard you with complex academic terms and concepts, Smethers introduces the more sophisticated elements of his analysis while at the same time buttressing them with true-life accounts that frame them in the light of common humanity. In so doing, he allows readers to see the realistic applications of his quite compelling arguments, which enhances their overall understanding of the material.
Coming in at just under 150 pages, Scumbag Sewer Rats is nonetheless a powerful, edifying presentation of a topic with which we all must become increasingly comfortable discussing. Anyone with even the slightest interest in understanding just why criminals and addicts behave the ways that they do would be remiss to bypass this highly enlightening teaching tool. Strongly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: John Smethers, Ph.D. (Scumbag Sewer Rats)
Apex Reviews: Dr. Smethers, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking very much forward to learning more about your work.
In the book, you're quite up front and honest about your own extensive criminal past. How were you finally able to turn away from such a delinquent lifestyle?
John Smethers: In my first life, there was scarcely a time over a period of more than 30 years when I was either on the lam, serving jail time, on probation or parole, pending court, paying fines, doing community service, or suffering the loss of my drivers license. I thought of all that as dues I had to pay to continue to live the way I was accustomed to living. I was knocking on the door of state prison for a long time, then at the age of 45, they finally let me in. While in prison, they started a residential substance-abuse education program, so I applied and was accepted. My intention was to learn how to stay clean for 13 months so I could terminate parole early; instead, I internalized what I was being taught, and, upon my release, I started my second life.
AR: Was it difficult for you to expose some of the more intimate details of your past for public view?
JS: No, my life is an open book.
AR: Please explain for our readers the significance of the "shadow" aspect of human nature.
JS: Many books have been written on the shadow archetype. The shadow, being the dark side of human nature, like many aspects of humanity, is on a spectrum. On one end of the spectrum is the driver who scowls and spews epithets at another driver for an error in judgment--then five minutes later turns around and makes the same error, but refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing. Somewhere in the center of the spectrum are those who will go to any lengths to bilk people out of money, whether through con games or fraudulent business practices. At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who don’t value human life and are capable of murder. The shadow isn’t meaningful, however, unless one has the ability to first recognize, then work on eliminating the dark aspects of their personality. Somewhere in the center of that spectrum are drug addicts going to various lengths to supply their habits.
AR: What underlying factors cause police officers to have high rates of alcoholism and drug addiction?
JS: Police officers make their jobs personal, devoting their lives to it; therefore, the shady side of their jobs they view as exculpatory--they do it with impunity. Cops and gangs are very similar: each have uniforms, each have their own codes they talk in, each have belief systems about right and wrong--both being very rigid, each tends to be uneducated--most street cops are high school graduates or GEDs, and both of them are closed societies--viewing people that are not a part of it as outsiders. With all that pressure, besides the dangerous aspect of their jobs, plus an easy access to drugs and alcohol, it’s probably a wonder that more of them aren’t being targeted for drug and alcohol use.
AR: Please share with our readers what a "puer" is.
JS: Puer Aeternus is Latin for “eternal boy.” Also known as the Peter Pan syndrome, the negative pole of the puer is characterized by a poor adjustment to daily demands, a failure to set realistic goals and to make lasting achievements in accord with these goals, and a habit of intense and short-term relationships with women. The positive pole of the puer is characterized by noble idealism, creative imagination, spiritual sensitivity, and often by extraordinary talent. Ironically, sometimes these positive and negative attributes emerge simultaneously. The puer is another archetype commonly personified by addicts. Drug addicts are generally thought of as adolescent in behavior and attitude--they refuse to grow up.
AR: What is the primary difference between a puer and a trickster?
JS: The trickster archetype is associated more with criminality than the puer is. The development of addiction and criminality are concomitant with the development of the puer and trickster archetypes in drug addicts--the trickster usually doesn’t emerge until a psychological dependence on chemical substances has developed.
AR: When it comes to heredity vs. environment, is one element more influential than the other in shaping our lives and personalities?
JS: This is the nature/nurture controversy. When it comes to addiction, I am a firm believer that environment has more influence in shaping our lives, and I believe the influences start at a very early age. I do not subscribe to biological heredity when it comes to addiction, but I do in other areas.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your publisher, CheckPoint Press.
JS: CheckPoint Press, located in the Republic of Ireland, is a quality publishing and author services operation with printing and distribution outlets worldwide. Their goal is to help authors achieve publishing goals in a cost effective, friendly and efficient manner. They offer ‘no fees’ traditional publishing contracts as well as comprehensive self publishing packages. Focusing primarily on non fiction books, CheckPoint produces academic, research, instruction & education works; as well as inspirational, philosophical, poetry, religious, autobiographical, or any work that we feel 'has something to say'.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing plans?
JS: At this time, I am finishing up a memoir entitled Scumbag to Ph.D.: 30 Years of Drug Addiction. CheckPoint Press, because of being new to the industry, wasn’t financially able to print thousands of copies and distribute them to stores throughout the country, so it was published as a ‘print on demand’ book. Although I am happy with CheckPoint Press, I will first try to get a traditional publisher for Scumbag to Ph.D. who can afford to distribute them to book stores.
AR: Do you have a website where people can learn more about you and your writing efforts?
JS: www.ScumbagSewerRats.com
AR: Also, how can they contact you directly?
JS: scumbagsewerrats@verizon.net or 760-256-8266
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
JS: I raised a daughter who has given me to great grandkids. Fortunately, my grandkids will never see me the way my daughter did. They'll never have to watch the police take me out of the house in handcuffs like my daughter did. They'll never have to control their behavior according to what drug I was taking like my daughter did. And they'll never have to endure being embarrassed in public like my daughter did. Fortunately I haven't taken a drink or put a needle in my arm since May 7, 1990 (my last relapse date), and for that I am most assuredly grateful.
AR: Thanks again, Dr. Smethers, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
John E. Smethers, Ph.D.
ISBN: 9780955150357
CheckPoint Press
Reviewed By Kendra Carroll
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Anyone who has seen an episode of “Cops” no doubt has a rather concrete idea of how criminals typically come across: dirty, disheveled clothing, neglected personal hygiene, and mangled, makeshift speech. Images such as these not only populate the airwaves, but they also dominate newspaper headlines, television shows, movies, and even video games. As a result, we as a society have become conditioned to expect that whenever we hear of a home break-in, a car chase involving a stolen vehicle, or some other criminal activity, the perpetrators will fit the physical mold to which we’ve all become accustomed.
What we tend to forget, though, is that underneath the hardened exterior of these societal “outcasts” lie the hearts, minds, and souls of flesh-and-blood human beings, who – were it not for the collective intervening influence of heredity and environment – may very well be us. What, then – if anything – separates them from us? And what compels them to commit the very same criminal activity that many of us instinctively eschew?
The answers to these questions and more can be found in Scumbag Sewer Rats, the enlightening analytical tome by Dr. John Smethers. Peppered throughout the pages of Dr. Smethers’ informative work are both detailed psychological breakdowns of behaviors commonly deemed “deviant” by greater society, as well as enlightening anecdotes highlighting just how these behaviors play themselves out in the lives of those that we often avoid – but instead should seek to understand. By presenting such practical examples, Dr. Smethers ensures that readers are filled more with understanding and compassion and less with scorn and disdain for the subculture that, in some way or form, we are all responsible for helping to create.
Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of Scumbag Sewer Rats is the ease with which readers will relate to the various points that Dr. Smethers raises. Rather than bombard you with complex academic terms and concepts, Smethers introduces the more sophisticated elements of his analysis while at the same time buttressing them with true-life accounts that frame them in the light of common humanity. In so doing, he allows readers to see the realistic applications of his quite compelling arguments, which enhances their overall understanding of the material.
Coming in at just under 150 pages, Scumbag Sewer Rats is nonetheless a powerful, edifying presentation of a topic with which we all must become increasingly comfortable discussing. Anyone with even the slightest interest in understanding just why criminals and addicts behave the ways that they do would be remiss to bypass this highly enlightening teaching tool. Strongly recommended.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: John Smethers, Ph.D. (Scumbag Sewer Rats)
Apex Reviews: Dr. Smethers, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking very much forward to learning more about your work.
In the book, you're quite up front and honest about your own extensive criminal past. How were you finally able to turn away from such a delinquent lifestyle?
John Smethers: In my first life, there was scarcely a time over a period of more than 30 years when I was either on the lam, serving jail time, on probation or parole, pending court, paying fines, doing community service, or suffering the loss of my drivers license. I thought of all that as dues I had to pay to continue to live the way I was accustomed to living. I was knocking on the door of state prison for a long time, then at the age of 45, they finally let me in. While in prison, they started a residential substance-abuse education program, so I applied and was accepted. My intention was to learn how to stay clean for 13 months so I could terminate parole early; instead, I internalized what I was being taught, and, upon my release, I started my second life.
AR: Was it difficult for you to expose some of the more intimate details of your past for public view?
JS: No, my life is an open book.
AR: Please explain for our readers the significance of the "shadow" aspect of human nature.
JS: Many books have been written on the shadow archetype. The shadow, being the dark side of human nature, like many aspects of humanity, is on a spectrum. On one end of the spectrum is the driver who scowls and spews epithets at another driver for an error in judgment--then five minutes later turns around and makes the same error, but refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing. Somewhere in the center of the spectrum are those who will go to any lengths to bilk people out of money, whether through con games or fraudulent business practices. At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who don’t value human life and are capable of murder. The shadow isn’t meaningful, however, unless one has the ability to first recognize, then work on eliminating the dark aspects of their personality. Somewhere in the center of that spectrum are drug addicts going to various lengths to supply their habits.
AR: What underlying factors cause police officers to have high rates of alcoholism and drug addiction?
JS: Police officers make their jobs personal, devoting their lives to it; therefore, the shady side of their jobs they view as exculpatory--they do it with impunity. Cops and gangs are very similar: each have uniforms, each have their own codes they talk in, each have belief systems about right and wrong--both being very rigid, each tends to be uneducated--most street cops are high school graduates or GEDs, and both of them are closed societies--viewing people that are not a part of it as outsiders. With all that pressure, besides the dangerous aspect of their jobs, plus an easy access to drugs and alcohol, it’s probably a wonder that more of them aren’t being targeted for drug and alcohol use.
AR: Please share with our readers what a "puer" is.
JS: Puer Aeternus is Latin for “eternal boy.” Also known as the Peter Pan syndrome, the negative pole of the puer is characterized by a poor adjustment to daily demands, a failure to set realistic goals and to make lasting achievements in accord with these goals, and a habit of intense and short-term relationships with women. The positive pole of the puer is characterized by noble idealism, creative imagination, spiritual sensitivity, and often by extraordinary talent. Ironically, sometimes these positive and negative attributes emerge simultaneously. The puer is another archetype commonly personified by addicts. Drug addicts are generally thought of as adolescent in behavior and attitude--they refuse to grow up.
AR: What is the primary difference between a puer and a trickster?
JS: The trickster archetype is associated more with criminality than the puer is. The development of addiction and criminality are concomitant with the development of the puer and trickster archetypes in drug addicts--the trickster usually doesn’t emerge until a psychological dependence on chemical substances has developed.
AR: When it comes to heredity vs. environment, is one element more influential than the other in shaping our lives and personalities?
JS: This is the nature/nurture controversy. When it comes to addiction, I am a firm believer that environment has more influence in shaping our lives, and I believe the influences start at a very early age. I do not subscribe to biological heredity when it comes to addiction, but I do in other areas.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your publisher, CheckPoint Press.
JS: CheckPoint Press, located in the Republic of Ireland, is a quality publishing and author services operation with printing and distribution outlets worldwide. Their goal is to help authors achieve publishing goals in a cost effective, friendly and efficient manner. They offer ‘no fees’ traditional publishing contracts as well as comprehensive self publishing packages. Focusing primarily on non fiction books, CheckPoint produces academic, research, instruction & education works; as well as inspirational, philosophical, poetry, religious, autobiographical, or any work that we feel 'has something to say'.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing plans?
JS: At this time, I am finishing up a memoir entitled Scumbag to Ph.D.: 30 Years of Drug Addiction. CheckPoint Press, because of being new to the industry, wasn’t financially able to print thousands of copies and distribute them to stores throughout the country, so it was published as a ‘print on demand’ book. Although I am happy with CheckPoint Press, I will first try to get a traditional publisher for Scumbag to Ph.D. who can afford to distribute them to book stores.
AR: Do you have a website where people can learn more about you and your writing efforts?
JS: www.ScumbagSewerRats.com
AR: Also, how can they contact you directly?
JS: scumbagsewerrats@verizon.net or 760-256-8266
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
JS: I raised a daughter who has given me to great grandkids. Fortunately, my grandkids will never see me the way my daughter did. They'll never have to watch the police take me out of the house in handcuffs like my daughter did. They'll never have to control their behavior according to what drug I was taking like my daughter did. And they'll never have to endure being embarrassed in public like my daughter did. Fortunately I haven't taken a drink or put a needle in my arm since May 7, 1990 (my last relapse date), and for that I am most assuredly grateful.
AR: Thanks again, Dr. Smethers, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!