Youth
The recent spate of vicious parang attacks by some youths on some other youths in what appeared as gang-related activities with many suffering injuries and one dead is a stark reminder to all of us on the ills of society at large.
I read some folks blaming the police for not having a stronger presence but due to the threat of terrorism and other demanding tasks, an increased police presence will play a small part but will not stop these things from happening as the police cannot be everywhere 24/7.
In any case, when police action is needed, it is often too late, like a surgeon asked to remove a threatening lump of growth. Hacking people to death is a terrible act and in anger most of us can feel only animosity towards such people yet these youths when properly guided can live very meaningful lives and contribute to their families and society. Conversely speaking, many of us could have ended up like them too. In other words, what happened to them could have happened to us or anyone. Take heed.
Parents
Bonding is a key word to glue and is something that is crucial for parents to take note. It is not about breathing down your children's neck. Bonding starts at childbirth and perhaps even before that. All the little things that you leave for your maid to do for the child should have really been done by you. Some parents have no choice but both have to work to make ends meet. Some may have to work over time or even hold two jobs.
Others have very big responsibilities at work that time is a rare commodity. Today's parents reward children with expensive gifts as substitutes for their lack of time and out of guilt. Many parents foster their children out to their grand parents. Many others do only weekend parenting. I never did that by choice. Firstly, parents are responsible only for their own children and not other people's children and that include their children's children. They can help out sometimes but it is not their responsibility. Weekend parenting is worse. It shows a total disregard for parenting. Sorry, I have to tell the truth and not soothe your ego. Alright, grandparents I have spoken out for you and Christmas is near, you know what to do.
Our children can easily turn out the same way. Do not think that these things only happen to others. Think again, longer and harder. Some folks really do not have a choice. If you have a choice do something now. Please also do not compare your children with others like saying things such as your cousins are better than you or even your sister is better. Also, do not judge other people's children.
When I was young, some friend's parents warned them not to be with me not knowing that I have always been a good influence and more. I am the type that your parents warned you about when they know not but when they know they would want their daughters to bring home and want me as son-in-law. I kept long hair when others wore short and short when others went long. I am a fashion guru.
Schools
I keep saying the same things like a broken record. It is good to have high standards and achievements but rushing through syllabus and then setting very tough tests and examinations make no sense. Some will do exceedingly well, many will struggle and others will have very low self-esteem and confidence. We do not give the latter group a chance in life to lift them up. To have self worth and to have a connection and direction in life. Let Linkin Park show you - Somewhere I belong: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcs5PRxEXq4
People are communal by nature and they need to belong. Today's generation are basically lonelier than before as all their classmates have to be home or doing work by order of their parents. Neighbours close their doors and when they get home they are alone and left to their own device. They will seek solace in the company of friends who would stand by them. When they meet some like minded folks at amusement and gaming shops they become acquainted. Suddenly they feel empowered and youngsters can some times like to take things into their own hands. Let Keane share with you Somewhere Only We Know: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGBLiGFaddo
Surely our schools can do something differently in these areas. The passion and energy that these youths have when directed to a proper cause can generate great benefit to them and society. Every death, injury or a youth going to jail is one too many. It could have happened to you and me. May be teachers are overloaded with the non-essentials. Why not shift the focus to building all round character of a person than just academic results. Focus on the process and the results will come not on the results. Sometimes, all people need is self-esteem and self-confidence
Youth
Do you remember when you were young? Remember those days that went, when we were friends and memory has just began? The days of growing up has its pain. There were many wayward youths of our time. I knew many of them some of whom are gangsters. They are normal and can be nice people too. Some are in schools and others are neighbours.
I have on numerous occasions been caught in the middle of horrific gang clashes when eating out alone in coffee shops or hawker centres. The government and police has done a good job and even our prisons actually help in reforming people and giving them a chance for a second life. Our youths need to be engaged appropriately but is is easier said than done. As I have said earlier, when the police has to act it is probably too late.
Youth must know that it is your parents who will cry and feel very hurt when you turned bad. They love you and when you are in trouble they are the ones there for you. Be very careful who you mix with. Your friend may not be a gangster but if he is some one who frequently offends people, just by being with him puts you in equal danger. If you happen to like excitement why not join the police to deal with hoodlums or the army to have a real taste of missions.
So How?
I told many friends that the police will go all out to flush out these rats, so if you like to hang around you may end up being hauled up. The state and the police cannot have such blatant disrespect and lawlessness. It just can't be tolerated. The state will have to work on laws to change the landscape on handling amusement and gaming shops. Powers must be given to the police to get things done ready to deal with any situation.
The community, parents and schools too can do more. The solution to any problem is always to nip it in the bud. So many of the youths of old have come full circle and many are today good family man and successful career or business men. Take this opportunity to create great awareness among young and old on the dangers. Make it plain for all to see the silliness of it all when people get into fights without a good cause and not even knowing what they are fighting for and the consequences of the harsh penalties that await them. Awareness, awareness, awareness.
Awareness as parents, as teachers, as friends, as youths, as educationists. The recent episode is a lesson not to be missed. A great opportunity for us to get into action. All of us are stake holders in this tragedy. As for me, I want to be Forever Young. Alphaville will tell you that.
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