Good Day ANR please post on your portal. Thanks much!

Dear Editor

Frankly speaking, I am not in agreement that the lack of parental guidance and poverty are responsible for the downfall of our young people, whose behavior of violence & crimes are causing havoc in our communities today.

Until statistics prove otherwise, I strongly believe that most of the crimes of today are committed by our very own youngsters who come from here.

It is my view that our young people’s downfall is simply caused by the ” status quo ” they’ve yearned themselves into

The use of cannabis, the focus of fashion along with the rough neck look, the association with the gangster style dancehall music, the attraction towards technological gadgets creates high value for them and give them a sense of belonging..

Undoubtedly, the young people of today are much more different than those of yesterday. Today, they are aggressive, reckless, radical and very hyped thus creating a culture of identity.

As young people they are no longer adhering to the norms of our society, hence they are finding ways to rebel and create their own “status quo ” for pleasure, communication & social relations.

Gone are those days where young people see themselves as second class in our society and accept being look down on in a condescending manner. They see themselves on the same social plateau as us the adults. Perhaps the exposure to the internet is a factor that has contributed to their inflated ego & making them think that they are smart.

Some young people are now resorting to stealing, prostituting, violence, gambling and other ills, and using such practices as a gateway to acquire the amenities so they can fit into that status quo of their peers.

Sadly, they fail to realize that these ill practices come with a price. A price of risking their lives & simultaneously, placing others’ lives at risk.

Unfortunately, over the years our society has accepted these practices from the young people as a norm and as a freedom of expression. Now, these practices have transformed the young people’s lives and are now haunting our communities where we have found ourselves trying to correct a situation where the horse has already bolted out of the stable.

Today the young people’s behavior is certainly a disease plaguing our society. This disease of ” gangsterism” has become a serious epidemic among young people.

The young people have now created their own identity and even gone further to introduce their own language. ” Hey Dawg, a wha ya say Dawg” Of course the term Dawg is not used derogatively, but as a word to give respect or honor to their peer.

To solve these crimes & violent behaviors of our young people, will not be an easy task. They are already set & comfortable in their ways. To take them out from that comfort zone will no doubt be met with resistance & aggression as to what is happening today..

We will definitely have to go back to the days where a village raise a child

Alex

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: LETTER: Fitting into a "status quo of gangsterism" is now plaguing our nation.