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No doubt, the parents do have some part in this whole fiasco. Parents are responsible for their children's actions until they are 18 years of age...then they must fend for themselves. Up to that time, it is crucial that parents instill in their child a sense of self: having goals, respect for others, self esteem, self identity, etc. Today, young people receive such visual stimulation in the classroom and through various media that serve as interference in the parents instructional plan (for those who are trying to parent). Destiny's Child, Brittany Spears, MTV, their peers are influencing them in a different direction. (Let me digress for a sec and say: THIS IS NOT NEW...it was going on when I was a teenager...the era of the "daisy dukes" and "poom-poom shots"--not shorts)
What is critical to remember is that kids are influenced...and even if they dress a certain way...and try to act grown...the foundation laid by their parents and their own moral development will keep them from doing "the dirty" and other misdeeds. Do I believe that the kids are wrong? Its not an easy issue...because as the old saying goes...CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE. And, at the pre-teen and teenage years...they are still learning and are still living. Who's job is it to ensure that they make good decisions?Everyone.
The African Proverb is so true: it takes a village to raise a child. And, as much as Hillary may have overused my ancestors saying...it is a true statement. Grandma, grandpa, "Uncle" Joe, Sister Smith....er'body must be involved. And, guess what? The "adult" men must help out...teach these young ladies that their value is not in externalities...but their value is in their hearts and minds....that their instruments are not to be misused and widely exposed.
We all have a job to play....its about holistic responsibility. When I see problems such as these arising...it troubles me...not from a "they" standpoint, but a "we" one. I think of where did WE go wrong. How can I work to ensure that young ladies under my influence don't fall into such sex traps? I think about these young boys. I want them to become responsible MEN. I want to see men of their community and home step in and help direct them toward the meaning of TRUE manhood.
You know, I'm thinking about Rra's baby girls. I think about his children and the kind of message they are receiving about Black manhood by watching their dad. Yes, yes, the momma and R. should have thought about them long ago..but they didn't and now what? Who's going to get them going in the right direction?
See, it is my belief that we have to step around this whole accusatory slant that many have been taking here...and find something to do so that cycles of behavior are not repeated. Any suggestions? What are YOU going to do?
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