Gang Violence: Roots and Responses

Some years ago I wrote an editorial in a local newspaper that addressed gang violence in a nearby community.  This was done because one of my students was killed by gunfire and I knew many more students whose lives were impacted by the pervasive violence and shootings in their neighborhoods.  Following is my article.  Unfortunately, not much has changed over the years. 

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Get to the Root of the Problem

In every area of human concern there is a hierarchy of response: 

First we take care of the ‘urgent;’ next the ‘important;’ next the ‘nice to;’ and finally, the back-burner issues.

Wise leadership assesses the issues, identifies the urgent, then mobilizes ALL relevant resources to meet and overcome the problem.  A half-way response by those who hold the resources cannot hope to solve the problems.  Neither will wise leadership overlook resources that have been unused or underused.

We have underused some resources.

Violence in our community is an urgent concern.  Our response must be equal to the challenge.  We need a collective community response.  Every resource we have must be mobilized.  Police cannot do it alone.  Schools cannot do it alone.  Parents cannot do it alone.  And yet each of these, plus others, and the youth themselves need to be involved.  

Every segment of the community with an interest in getting things under control must respond.  And that response must be unified, committed, forceful and sustained.  And, most important, the response must be focused at the problem. 

The problem is the distorted thought processes of the youth committing these mindless acts of violence.  There is a missing dimension in the personalities of the shooters and gang members and fighters.  That missing dimension is a spiritual and moral sense that has not been developed.  It is a flaw of character that we are seeing on the streets.

Character is taught or caught from close association with those who have it.  One catches what one is exposed to.  Where are our youth getting their character development?  What are they exposed to?  Who is teaching them undistorted concepts of decency, honor and respect, the value of human life and of property, and the necessity of law and community order? 

American philosopher Henry David Thoreau said, “For every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil there is one striking at the root.”  We have not addressed the root problem.  Until we do, we must, of course, continue to respond to symptoms and keep hacking at the leaves. 

But the noxious plant will keep sending out new branches and leaves, and people will die and innocent lives will be ruined in the interim.

Responses: Here are a few thoughts on what we can do:

·        The Young People:  You must understand that there is nothing more cowardly than the offensive use of a weapon.  It is a show of great weakness.  It says that the person using a gun or knife does not have the intelligence, skill or wits to solve problems and prove themselves and achieve respect in other more appropriate ways.

There ARE ways to prove yourself to others in an honorable way that will bring you lasting respect: weightlifting, boxing, wrestling, one-on-one basketball, billiards, chess, team sports, music.  In these ways and others one can show mastery, skill, bravery and talent without destroying life and property or ruining lives, including one’s own.  If you want real, lasting respect, these are ways to achieve it. 

Young people must understand that their actions reflect on many more people than just themselves.  Young criminals have no idea of the shame, sadness and heartache their deeds bring upon their parents, relatives, and friends and those of innocent victims and their families. 

Shooters and gang members have no idea that what they do reflects very negatively on themselves, their families and neighborhoods.  Any honor and respect they think they have achieved is a complete delusion.  The community is disgusted and outraged . . . and not the least impressed with those who think they are so brave.

·        The Schools:  Hold assemblies and have the courageous individuals from other communities who have broken free from being used by gang leadership talk to students about these issues. Teach good citizenship and fundamental values of decency and respect for others on an ongoing basis.  Weave values education into all that is taught.  Expect, enforce and reward good citizenship. 

·        The Parents:  Understand the tremendous negative influence many of today’s TV programs and movies have on your children.  Provide guidance in your home without a double standard.  If you have screened a movie (and they should be screened) and said “no,” provide an alternative.  If you can, go to view acceptable movies together as a family.  Let your youngster invite a friend to also see them with you. 

Get harmful substances and influences out of the home.  If you have fire-arms, alcohol, tobacco, drugs or pornography, your children will get them one day and use them.  If you expect responsible moral behavior from your children, become the example of responsible moral behavior yourself. 

Involve your children in wholesome sports and activities.

·        The Church: And most importantly, get spiritual support and instruction for your family by regularly worshipping together.  Find a place of worship that stresses family solidarity and that has a strong youth program.  Attend together. 

Resources are out there.  Let’s start using them.  Strike at the root and save our young.