When it comes to youth violence, I’m not one to blame the media or television, video games or even music. I think the problem with violence starts at home and then other variables fuel that fire. The parents and family members need to start stepping up.
"The reason why we're so angry...in a way we're mad at ourselves, but our parents, our parents not getting involved in our lives, they are focused on themselves," said Deandre Berry, Simeon student.
Schools, churches, and local law enforcement in all communities set up after school programs, counseling services, and out-reach programs to help those in need but at the end of the day, it’s up to the parents to make things better. Adults tend to be in their own world and at some point you have to step back and listen. Listen to what your children, nieces, nephews, grand children, neighbors, and friends have to say. They are speaking loud and clear.
"My mom, she's deceased. My dad, who knows where he is. So I'm a victim of not having people around you for support all the time," said Dezeree Glover, Fenger student.
Children do what they know. They act out what they see. As adults, our reactions, the way we think, our behavior and what we project is what continues the cycle. It all starts and ends with the home, the environments in which we grow up in. It’s sad when kids can see that their parents are not putting in the time with them. They are crying out for help and not being heard. Who is listening? I’m tired of seeing parents on TV professing their child’s innocence. Your child just killed someone’s son or daughter and WHERE WERE YOU? Take responsibility for your children and step up!
It's easy to have kids, but we need to be able to raise them as well. If the parents can't or won't, the rest of us need to step up and do our part. We can't just look away and say "not my kid, not my problem". Find a way, through the schools, your place of worship, or through community programs.
In 2007 6% of high school students reported taking a gun, knife, or club to school. That’s only the percentage of students who “reported” taking a gun, knife or club to school. What about those who didn’t report? In 2006 5,958 young people between the ages of 10 to 24 were murdered. I’m scared to see the numbers for 2008 and 2009.
An estimated 30% of kids between 6th and 10th grade reported being involved in bullying. That’s a high percentage. That’s too high. That’s anger, depression, and hurt acting out. I’m not ready to give up and say that this can’t be fixed or that we can’t make a difference.
I will be honest and say that Derrion Albert’s death woke me up. When I saw that video I felt my stomach turn and I thought "My God what is this world coming to." I’m searching and praying for more answers, solutions and I won’t stop. Don’t wait for your son, daughter, niece, nephew, friend, neighbor, brother, sister or classmate to be the next victim.
The answer is within us. It starts and ends with us.
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HATRED by T-Boz
Hate is evil
Hate is not good
Hate makes you do things
You never thought you would
Hate gets you nowhere
Hate steals joy
Hate is deep within
The lost hearts of girls and boys
It holds you back
Makes life pass you by
Makes you wonder why
Why did I do this?
How could I let this be?
Allowing evil to control me
Dig deep within
Understand yourself
Know how feelings surface
The root of inner self
Work against hatred
It’s not your friend
Unnecessary baggage
Tie the loose ends
Release evil feelings
Replace them with love
Let your heart stay pure
No hate says the man above
By T-Boz