Over Labor Day weekend, three children were killed by gun violence in Chicago. Where is the outrage? I don't mean marches and I don't mean vigils. I mean parents and family members who know damn well what's going on. That their child, nephew, uncle or cousin thinks he's a badass with a gun. Yes, I said "he" because the overwhelming majority of gun violence in my city is at the hands of males. Or if they don't know, if it because they choose to look the other way? Do they wash their hands of a problem child (or problem teen, or problem young adult) and then say it's not their problem?
Just as infant abandonments are OUR problem, so is this tide of violence that's sweeping up OUR children here in the city.
Does anyone remember my post about my own ten year old son, crying because he hears about all the shootings, and worrying it could happen to him?
Why are we so quick to shield someone we know to be dangerous? Why do people look the other way until they lose someone they love? Do other school districts keep a yearly tally of how many of their students are killed, as Chicago Public Schools does? How sad.
Sadness can turn into something stronger though. The will to be a part of your community and involve the police, and the community watch groups, and the alderman...... Walk the streets in your own area and see where there's trouble. Is there a certain corner where unquestionables are hanging out? Call the police. See or hear a fight? Call the police. Empty buildings just calling out to kids? Call your alderman, if you don't have one in your area, call your state rep.
Talk to the young people in your family. Be an active part of your children's lives. Let me tell you, if you parents are on you about where you are all the time, you won't have TIME to get involved with this mess. If your parents have stressed to you that every life is sacred and vital, you will be far less likely to pick up a gun and point it at your fellow humans.
Ah yes, another lighthearted and joyous post from yours truly. Where's the outrage? Right here.
5 comments:
It is so sad when the gun violence against children is so common in big cities that some people are just numb to it and not shocked anymore. These poor kids, I just feel for them. Parents have to stay informed about what is going on and help.
we are livin in a crazy time my friend. I worry sometimes about bringing my daughter up, but what can you do, just gotta keep moving forward and pray that Gods got your back, which of course he does. Hope your doing well. I updated, come and see:)
The world is such a violent place these days. Living in the country has a lot of drawbacks but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love my peace and quiet and feeling of security.
We were watching the news once and a friend laughed at a woman who lost her son (or maybe nephew...it was several years back) because of her very physical response to her grief. His response was that she was overreacting for the sake of the TV cameras. I couldn't believe his callousness over this woman's loss...and it's scary to think that there are more people out there who are so jaded, so cruel as to not only look the other way, but to point and laugh.
Good for you for being outraged, because this is totally worthwhile. And you're right...parents need to get involved in their own kids, and if necessary, with others' kids.
I know exactly what you mean.
my brother's girlfriend is a teacher out in Maywood and one of those children that were shot-one of those young boys that weren't involved with gangs but possibly a sibling was--was a bright promising student who's live was taken from him.
It really really upsets me as well! but you said it better than I.
E~
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