Rick Badie / My Opinion

By Katie

May 8, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Thugs and punks, that’s what I see these days. All self-entitled selfish little spawns. I can’t wait for them to grow up (or not) and have to take care of themselves. They won’t know how because they don’t know what work is. Kids today think they have a right to everything and have to work for nothing. I feel sorry for all their parents.

By Bruce Wilcox

May 8, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

In 1956 when the movie “Blackboard Jungle” came out they were asking the same thing, we survived. We survived Elvis, the Beatles, Hippies, Yuppies, the Me Generation, Generation X, you’re getting old, change happens, it will again.

One idea is bring back the draft, we’ll draft the dumb ones to fight the wars our elected ‘Smart’ ones start.

I agree with they’re too chicken to have a fist fight, shooting someone is a lot easier. Too many guns means the laws are too weak. But remember the right to carry a firearm is protected by the Constitution, kind of looks like being an innocent bystander is not.

By Michael H. Smith

May 8, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

The collapse of society as we once we knew it.

By Nancy

May 8, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with you Katie but unfortunately I don’t think it is just the kids. I think they learn this from the adults/parents. They believe they are entitled to block traffic because they didn’t merge in time or don’t want to wait in line in traffic. They feel entitlted that the government should provide for their families because they want pimped out cars, expensive clothes and of course their bling-bling. They believe they are entitled to special education perks/funds because they are too lazy to make their kids be responsible to study and learn and they want someone else to do it for them. And NO! I am not targeting any one social race or class. I thing Paris Hilton needs a reality check and her parents should be the first ones in line with a switch to let her know that she isn’t above anyone else.

Just my opinion though!!

By Aquagirl

May 8, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

For real, it’s not like these kids were spawned from defective material. They learned to be profane, violent, self-centered idiots from their parents. Just look at the expensive vehicles (like the one the Brookwood QB wrecked) filling the parking lots of high schools. Restaurants and malls are full of kids who are running wild while their parents sit and do nothing.

It’s not the younger generation. Ironically, Rick chose a lyric from Marvin Gaye, an icon of the me-first Baby Boomers. They have done a great job of raising kids that reflect their values—-self-centeredness, “do what you want when you want”, and showy displays of materialism. What did everyone expect?

By Michael H. Smith

May 8, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Are constitutional rights unlimited Mr. Wilcox? Don’t get excited I’m too sleepy and don’t intend to broach thesis off the main issue or go on and on.

By Gwinnett Mom

May 8, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

I was in a Gwinnett County High School yesterday, checking my daughter out for an orthodontist appointment. There were several students “working” in the attendance office - running to get students, or give messages etc. One of the students had his blue jeans half off his butt, and his boxers hanging out. No fewer than 4 teachers/administrators walked by the kid and no one asked him to pull up his pants. His parents obviously don’t care what he wears, the teachers don’t care - why would he care? Its time for adults to act like adults and make the kids toe the line. Quit being afraid of them, or being politically correct and do your damn job.

By Bruce Wilcox

May 8, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

It was a bit of satire aimed the the usual Second Amendment defenders Mr. Smith, no more, no less.

By not blonde

May 8, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

We have failed to teach the younger generation a lot of things: values, morals, MANNERS, responsiblity, integrity and the list goes on. I know corporal punishment is not sanctioned, but it would be a start in getting them where they need to be.

By not blonde

May 8, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

We have failed to teach the younger generation a lot of things: values, morals, MANNERS, responsiblity, integrity and the list goes on. I know corporal punishment is not sanctioned, but it would be a start in getting them where they need to be. Corporal now or capital later, you choose

By Jack B

May 8, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Rick, Good article my friend.. Our society has changed tremendously and unfortunatly to the negative side. I really feel it starts at home. This article like so many other ones I blog on, parents need to step up to the plate and rear their children to grow up being respectful, successful individuals. We in society have really lost touch teaching discipline, respect, love. Unfortunatly the “good” parents are finding it so difficult to raise children in todays world. DFACS says dont whip your children with a belt or discipline to harshly because you might end up getting your children taken away and charges brought forth. The schools are scared to take action or talk to the childrens parents because they must remain politically correct and very careful of what they say or do. Juvenile laws are too lacks, their isnt even accountability for the young generation. Parents need to teach their children with their own actions, be positive role models and find away to teach, show, mold and mentor their children, in this difficult society to become successful kids and adults. Far to many parents are not doing their job…

Also we need to bring back religion in the home. So many homes now adays are Godless, which is sad. Church and religion will not change everything but it helps more than one can realize. With parents being Godly parents it moves the children in positive directions. A family that prays together, stays together. It warms my heart and touches me in a very special way to see kids put on a play or short skit in church on sunday morning. Seeing the children going after God and living life in a positive manner is awesome. Biblicial teaching can enstill so many helpful and positive attributes. The bible can teach so many good qualities for a young person such as morals, respect, loving thy neighbor, ect..ect.. We as a society need to bring religion back and start raising our families in church. It can only help…

Our world/society is moving in a negative direction. It’s going to hell in a hand basket. I believe their are three things that will help change it. Parents need to start being parents, laws need to be changed and harsher accountability for those that do not abide by them and bringing back religion. And also hold people such as movie stars, musicians, sports players to a higher standard because they are or could be role models for younger generations. The rap artists doing drugs, alcohol and singing degrating, cursing lyrics, they way they dress, needs to stop. The movie stars drinking alcohol, partying, doing drugs needs to stop.. We have to clean up the hollywood crap…

By Michael H. Smith

May 8, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Oh I realize that, but these defenders, usually called conservatives, are actually liberals, point in fact. No different from people who think irresponsible parenting is a constitutionally protected right and should forevermore remain such. No different from people who think the constitutional right of free speech in what ever form of expression displayed, protects them from all legal consequence.

Well, no doubt this topic will go on as it should. Kids today and adults, certainly including politicians, need to look at standards (not necessarily religious boundaries) verses liberties. Or we may have said of us: How is mighty Rome fallen?

By Jack B

May 8, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Also one more thing: I really do believe we should make it mandatory for every young person after high school to join the military for one to two years. Myself being a ex US Marine knows that the military really does enstill discipline and has rules, regulations and certain guidlines that you must follow. I do not believe we should do this because we are in a time of war. I feel we should do this to try to straighten out the kids that need to learn structure, disipline adn rules. Also it will teach that your rich parents cannot buy you out of going and that you need a strong work ethic.

By jj

May 8, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

I try very hard to rear my child to be respectful, tolerant, etc. She basically does a good job around MY friends, adults. However, as soon as kids her age are around, everything I have worked so hard to instill into her, flys right out the window. Her friends are allowed to do whatever they want, whenever they want. I am sick and tired of parents bowing down to their kids. NOT THIS MOM!!!!!

My daughter also knows that I cannot afford designer cloths. A few here and there, but not a closet full.
I insisted that she get a job, and start paying for all these fancy designer things she wants, with her own money. A funny thing happened, she didn’t want the fancy designer cloths, as soon as she had to pay for them. Instead, an off brand was acceptable to her.

I have heard the way her friends talk to their parents, and I don’t know why this is allowed? I know some parents don’t want to make their kid mad, but I don’t care. I’ll make my kid cry if I have to.

I hate pansy parenting. I hate lazy parents. It is our responsibility to raise our kids to do the right thing!!

By Eyez

May 8, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

I am a young man, 26 to be exact and I find the acts of my fellow young people deplorable. What upsets me is the fact that I had no serious parenting, nor was there someone always around making sure I kept out of trouble yet I kept my eyes on the prize. I had my moments of rebellion, like we all do but I continued to strive for that next step up in life. I have respect and manners, which is something most young people don’t hold dear these days, especially anyone under the age of 21. I think this issue has to do with several factors: apathetic parents, laws against corporal punishment and a generally poor disposition for their fellow man. In essence…no love.

By DT

May 8, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Hi Rick,

Nice blog, although a bit discouraging.

Re Scene II, don’t make eye contact. You’re right about the shooting part. It’s not worth it.

Re Scene III, those clothes cost that much, but they don’t pay that much for them. Those clothes and associated bling are either purchased hot, are knockoffs from china, or are just plain hot. Nobody pays retail for that stuff.

By Michael H. Smith

May 8, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

I’m not far from agreement with you Jack B on compulsory military service, for a number of reasons. Though more so under a national service excluding them from any possible foreign engagement, without their voluntary option and consent to join the regular military.

By Mom2boys

May 8, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

re: aquagirl’s comments - I agree with you about today’s kids being spoiled, i.e., expensive cars filling the parking lots. However, fyi, the Brookwood qb was driving a 1998 Jeep Cherokee, not exactly on the same par with the bmw and lexus that you see kids driving. Distasteful to even use that as an example when the kid is fighting for his life right now.

By Bruce Wilcox

May 8, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Gee, I wonder who reared this generation of parents?

Get a grip folks, when you always look for the bad, you miss an awlful lot of the good kids out there, they are the majority.

But it is nice to know we have so many perfect people in Gwinnett.

By Crystal

May 8, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Aquagirl,

I read that the QB wrecked a 1998 jeep cherokee. How expensive do you think a 9 year jeep is?

On another note, my kids “work” (i.e. take recycables from kitchen to tub in garage or even read a book) for any “extras” like toys they want and it started at 5 years of age. I learned real fast that if I buy them something they play with it for about two days. If I make them pay for it, they forget about wanting it after about two days. There are numerous was to ‘abuse’ your child and not teaching them how to survive on their own is one of them.

By Tom

May 8, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

I grew up in the 70’s & 80’s. I can look back at the clothes we wore and think how silly we looked. I’m sure ‘old folks’ thought we looked silly too. BUT… I don’t remember wearing anything that suggested I was unable to dress myself. (unable to actually wear clothing.) My 3 year old can actually pull his pants all the way up.

If it weren’t for the possible violence, I’d suggest that everyone over the age of 30 start laughing uncontrollably at someone showing their underpants. Maybe even with a rousing rendition of “I see London…”

I think the biggest problem is that there is no embarrassment anymore. Both Scene I and II should have ended in some embarrassment for the offender. Neither did. And we are all diminished by it.

By Michael

May 8, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Nice comments Eyez. In the end, it comes down to what is inside of each of us.

By Aquagirl

May 8, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

A Jeep has a high center of gravity, they’re more prone to flip, like in this accident. NOT a vehicle you allow for an impulsive teenager. Also, this same quarterback was recently suspended for breaking rules at an off-campus party. Yet he was still driving around, most likely drinking, Saturday night.

Adults need to ask themselves why they allowed this situation. Way too many teenagers have cars when they can’t handle them. And it’s because parents can’t say no, or can’t be bothered. Harsh or not, that needs to be mentioned when everyone is standing around looking at this boy in the hospital. He was just acting like an impulsive kid. The adults involved have no excuse for acting stupid.

By Elizabeth

May 8, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

This all boils down to parenting and what parents deem acceptable from their children. I am a widowed mom who raised a now 19-year old college student daughter on limited means. My daughter does not talk, dress, or behave with such ignorance. My mother did not raise me that way and I wasn’t about to bring my daughter up to be disrespectful of herself and others.

By former gville timeser!

May 8, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Hi Rick! We worked together at The Times. Now I teach college classes, and one of my colleagues made a really astute observation recently that relates to your musings. My colleague noted that our college students are starved for positive feedback. I agree with him. My guess is that many of them have been ignored by busy, overwhelmed or self-indulgent parents for most of their lives. Therefore, they resort to terminology and behavior that gets them noticed — although, sadly, for the wrong reasons.

By Penguinmom

May 8, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I often use those baggy pants as an object lesson for my son that teenagers do really stupid things. When you can’t walk without holding up your pants, you’re not cool, you’re foolish. I don’t shake my head when I see that kind of dress, I laugh.

Some of these kinds of scenarios are actually one reason we decided to homeschool our kids. Being at home, they are not immersed in the culture of foul language and peer pressure that exists in some of our local schools. It’s hard enough to teach our children to respect themselves and others without having to counteract the barrage of messages they receive in today’s pop culture.

As parents, we have to work very hard to counteract the messages that are constantly presented to our children. We have to teach them that being themselves is more important than going along with the crowd. And that spending large sums of money on clothes is just silly.

By optimist

May 8, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

I can’t get past the vision of two divorced men sitting in a bar on a Saturday afternoon grimacing about kids these days That’s sad. Get off the barstool Rick and go outside. It’s spring. Things may not seem so dark and depressing when you get some air and light.

By steve-o

May 8, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Older folks always like to point fingers and seem perplexed. While I won’t defend public profanity and sagging pants, I would also say that the Boomers and now-parents need to look in the mirror. Crime was way worse back in the 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s—especially during the crack epidemic. The whole “Me Decade” excesses of drugs and sex in the 70s was perpetrated by those who are now parents and grandparents.

Also, please note that youth today represent the smartest generation. These kids learn things today in high school that we wouldn’t even cover until college over 15 years ago.

Let’s not be hypocrites and learn to fear our own youth.

By Diogenes

May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid we’re a society destined to become increasingly segregated … not by race, but by culture and values. You see the increasing tendency for responsible parents — those of ANY race who can afford it — moving their kids out of public schools and into private schools, where they’re not afraid of discipline and values. You see middle-class flight out of “those” neighborhoods and into class-homogenous (often gated) communities where covenants are enforced and abberant behavior is less-tolerated.

And those kids who are left on the wrong side of this segregation? They’re increasingly (percentage-wise) growing up with no job skills, no language skills, no social skills, no confict-resolution skills … all of which is exacerbated by spending 7 hours a day in public schools with (a) other kids with the same issues, and (b) no disipline to try to fix it, lest we be accused of all sorts of horrible “isms.”

The result is a rapidly growing, somewhat pathetic underclass, spiraling further downward with each generation. In MY mind, the greatest cause of this spiral is the social programs of the “Great Society” which killed the incentive to work, or to maintain family structures (face it, the government is the “daddy,” not the absent biological father, who is rendered superfluous).

What does the future hold? A rise in “walled cities” to keep the riff-raff out, while the successful and productive minority pays “ransom” to the majority underclass in return for some semblance of peace? Kinda bleak, I think.

By Tom

May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Optimist - Sounds like Rick was outside when he was hearing the foul language and seeing the fool’s underwear. Fresh air may improve your mood, but not the situation. We, as parents, need to do something to change this…

By Mi Gung Ho

May 8, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I just have to say it…You know, Willie Lynch might have been a fictional person, yet the effect of the “syndrome” has been very real and visible in our community. Sometimes I think a large majority of black folk are straight WHACKED OUT. As much as it pains me to say this, especially given the fact that so many racist bigots frequent these blogs.

I get so sick and tired of seeing so many of us walking around with nowhere to “be” (especially us “men”) basically looking like slaves. Raggedy clothes, nappy hair, smelling like weed, be bopping and bouncing like a fool. “Tatted” up…Big @ss fake chains around our necks)… Yet we so despise once being slaves. Who in the hell is going to hire you??? All profane, uneducated and loud in the streets with everything that comes out of their mouthes.. These racists aren’t at all lying about that. The problem is, they use that as an excuse to condemn ALL of us.

It’s just too bad you can’t literally knock one out of a stupor, because trust me I would whenever I see this garbage. And don’t get me wrong, I come from the ghetto, however I realized early on that that life was not for me and in spite of the circumstances all around me I was determined to transcend my situation. IT CAN AND HAS BEEN DONE.

By LJ

May 8, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Why is there any wonder the young people are killing each other? Have you ever wondered, as I have, what this world will look like by the time those who survive reach “maturity”? I have to say those who wear their clothes between their legs, their hats akilter, and hold on to themselves as they schlepp down the sidewalk talking trash do not instill a great deal of confidence in me as to the actual survival of this Country.

Fiddle, I was boggled out of my mind yesterday as I stood in line like the rest of the cattle at Wally-World. Here was a tall drink of water young man whose age I am assuming would put him in the high school range. He goes to purchase a set of headphones, hands the checkout person a “gift card”. She looks at it and looks at it and looks at it. Finally the mother sees there is a problem. Do you want to know what this mental giant was trying to use as a “gift card”? The TOP that held the real gift card at one time. You know, the hole by which to hang it and everything.

I don’t know which was worse, the fact this kid was not very bright…or the fact that momma (dressed in her polo shirt complete with number on the sleeve - real polo, not the brand)didn’t seem to think too much of it and paid for the item.

Michael you are correct, we are indeed witnessing the collapse of society as we once knew it. Does anyone remember what happened to the late, great “super” powers in ancient history? You know, Greece and Rome?

I agree with the sentiment that the parents are responsible for the upbringing of their children. There are a couple of problems with that nowadays: 1) too many “authorities” (i.e. “teachers”, “professors”, etc.) and “do gooders” - let’s not correct the little darlings, it will forever damage their physic if we do; 2) the younger parents haven’t a CLUE how to raise a child. They were not raised by their parents…day care centers raised them.

Once we all realise and accept the fact that this society has taken “political correctness” so far out into space it’s destroying our very core values and needs to be STOPPED, it will only further deteriorate into obvlivion.

And I’m not even a pessimist! Perhaps realist is the best description.

By Michael H. Smith

May 8, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

I do have to agree with your comment @ 10:41 AM Mr. Wilcox or at least I want to think it so. When we were growing up, at least speaking to my own halo, it was fashioned more from devil’s horn than angel’s glow.

By Charles

May 8, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Rick Badie,

Let me show you what’s going on.

I had a similar discussion with a friend last Saturday. We decided to be critical of our grandmothers and the great grandfathers who made terrible decisions, one being integration, which has caused all of our children to stumble and fall. Shrewd people have sealed some of our fool-hearted decision with money. In other words, we are being paid to destroy ourselves in every area of life, unawares. That is the price we have to pay if African Americans refuse to be responsible for our basic needs as a group, food, clothing, shelter, education, jobs.

Let me give you an example of people who made a wise decision and a person who did not. On American Idol, people vote for the best performance. On this occasion, people voted for William Hung as the best performer, “she bangs, she bangs, she bangs.”

In his mind, he thought he was a good performer. In his mind, he deserved the top billing. In his people’s mind, it was a cruel game being played on him. They rejected it. They choose reality over fantasy.

When other people have power over you, like others have power over us, it becomes critical that we make the right choices as a group. What would have happened if William Hung’s people thought he could sing and was a great star? It would have detached young boys, girls, and their community from reality, i.e., African Americans. He and his people would have experienced untold suffering. They would be living a lie; it matters.

When people allowed African American to work in the department stores in the South, 1969, and in the North earlier, our community expected the best of our group would be employed. Our best were summarily rejected by the employers. One employer said, “You can’t tell us which one of you to hire. This is our company, we hire who we want.” Through their selection process, the worst of us becomes the best of us. We can’t solve any of our problems because our strongest people have been made to be weak. Our weak have been made to appear strong. When your worst becomes your best through education and other means, you’ve become disconnected from reality. All African Americans are a living lie. It’s all down hill from that point.

We have been completely disconnected from reality by way of integration. I hope you understand the process. I’m prayerful that you understand the serious challenges placed before our children. Many of our children do a good job considering the circumstances.

That is what’s going on.

By LJ

May 8, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I neglected to include one more comment. Does anyone else see the correlation between the alarming number of students…and “adults”…who resort to guns to solve their problems? Could it be because there’s this twisted belief nowadays that no one should “lose”…they all must be “winners”??? That, to my common sense, is a recipe for a very messed-up adult (if they live that long). How can they learn to handle disappointment if they are never subjected to it?

Aaaah, one more thing. I’ve noticed that just about every car commercial features vehicles being thrown through the streets, over hills, around curves - the Mustang commercial comes to mind. Add to that the thoroughly stupid new series called, what, “The Great Race” or something like that - I refuse to watch it…anyone want to make a bet as to how soon we will be hearing about a bunch of so-called adults doing this for real? I know some do not believe that what is on TV or video games really impacts people - I think it’s time we all woke up and smelled that old coffee, it does make a very deep impact. How else can you explain the cold-blooded killers stalking the schools, colleges and shopping malls today. Killers who totally any semblance of remorse. Hey, it’s a video game…we can just “reset” and “replay”!

Now that is what I find scary beyond words…

By Jack B

May 8, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

This comment is for Charles: Charles I will pray for you my good man. Segregation was one of the most positive steps we have taken in America. Nobody opresses the black man or African Americans if you will.

People that take every subject or chance to be racist or use color as an “excuse” I feel sorry for.

Charles, PARENTS are the primary cause of what Mr. Brodie as choose to write about today. Then DFACS, our weak laws and no accountability to “role Models” is the secondary cause…

I have NO tolerance for racism, hate or using color, nationality or creed as an “excuse”. I know in my heart that heaven has no color or nationality and I think we in America should be the same way…..

By steve-o

May 8, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Charles,

You are a nut.

I am not a living lie and I thank God everyday for integration.

By Rickster

May 8, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

When you look at each of the individual scenes that are described here, there is one common thread prevalent in each and every one of them - Hint: noticee what each of these kids are doing. Just hanging out. Standing around. Just sitting or standing there doing nothing. Why? No purpose, no goals, no dreams, no aspirations. Nothing. So where am I headed with this? When people (and this includes young people espescially) have no purpose, expect what you’re seeing as the inevitable. Just symptoms of the disease or problem. I want to stand out. I want to be noticed. I want to be seen. And whatever it takes, and by any means necessary, I’m gonna make it happen. So why this mentality? How did it get to this point?

Wake up parents! Get out of your bed of do nothing and become the responsible adult you are supposed to be and raise that child! Let him or her know that he or she is loved and that you are going to be there for him or her. After all, you there enjoying making him or her!!! Get up out of that chair of irresponsibility and take your child to the grocery store and show him or her what things cost so they eat. Take him or her to work with you and let them know what it takes to buy that food they’re throwing away after half eating it! Sit them down with you when you write out your bills for the month. Show him or her what it takes for them to just exist. Take them to the mail box and show them what it feels like to open up a bill in the mail with their name on it and they have to pay it! And above all, take him or her to church with you. How can I expect my child to live and do right when I’m not living and doing right myself!!! It’s called Responsibility!!!! Better yet, it’s called being a Responsible Parent!!! “It’s better to mold a boy than to mend a man!” S. Truett Cathy

Think about it.

Just a comment.

By Jack B

May 8, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Charles: I am a white male who is 36yrs old and I LOVE the black people/African Americans. Go to Trinity church in Powder Springs or New Life Worship in Canton GA maybe then you will realize that color, nationality or racism is not condoned. My eyes see no color and I love being color blind… I am PROUD of black people…..

By Cletus Snow

May 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Rick I wonder everyday,I spend most days in total amazement. The clothes are insane and the prices they pay for them, makes me wonder where they get the money.The language they use is worse than a drunken sailor. Respect and responsibility are out the window and gone with the wind. I’m sure that single parent homes and the lack of proper role models contribute in some way,but the problemis much deeper than that because it exists in homes that are normal and proper in appearance. The music they listen to condones and suggests bad behavour. In the end I like you cannot understand exactly what is the root cause. I believe that we are at this moment witnessing the total collapse of our society.

By Charles

May 8, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

I think commenting on what I wrote instead of being offended by truth and attacking me would serve us well. I don’t you think we can allow others to take care of us without serious consequences. No one is going to take care of African Americans for nothing. What are we sacrificing?

Don’t pray for me. Pray for your children and your children’s’ children…

I take reality head on. I hope churches do too.

By Jack B

May 8, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

RICKSTER, i love that qoute you gave.. “It’s better to mold a boy than to mend a man!” S. Truett Cathy

Heres one I think is appropriate:

Walk a little plainer daddy said a little boy so frail, for I am walking in your footsteps and I dont want to fail. Sometimes they are plain to see, sometimes they are hard to see, so walk a little plainer daddy for you are leading me……….

MEN STAND UP AND BE FATHERS.. REPRESENT YOUR CHILDREN IN A POSITIVE WAY.. BE A GODLY FATHER, YOUR CHILDREN ARE WALKING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS, YOU NEED TO LEAD THEM TO SUCCESS…….

By John

May 8, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

I know a single demographic is not guilty completely of this. However, the black hip hop crowd are some of the most selfish and socially ignorant people I have ever come into contact with. They have a problem presenting themselves in public like an upstanding citizen. Instead, they act like a pack of animals. They yell at the top of their lungs to one another, and refuse to respect the space of others around them.

Laziness is also a problem. Ask any member of this group if they have a bank account and I promise less than 2% will say yes. They spend more time finding the nearest check cashing place instead of planning for their future. What jobs they do work usually require little cognitive abilities.

By Sri

May 8, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Hello Rick,

I have read so many of your columns and all I have to say is, why did they give that Pulitzer to that oaf, Cynthia?

I firmly believe you deserve to be recognized for your commments that directly reflect what’s happening in our communities. You ooze common sense and you speak to us (unlike Ms Tucker who’s always emphasizing her race and gender) as one of us — someone whom we can have a civil conversation with, somone who shares our concerns and more importantly, voices them. It is you who should get the Pulitzer and not some agenda driven nut.

Peace and keep the hope alive. We may be getting old but some values are ageless.

By Akagi

May 8, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

steve-o:

This generation may indeed be the smartest generation, but they (Americans) are far behind their peers in other industrialized nations like Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Slovenia, etc.

Remember the World is flat and these are the students that “our smartest generation” will be competing against and as far as I can tell, will be losing to.

By RODJUAN

May 8, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

SYMPTOMS

That’s all you’re talking about Badie, now the fact that YOU DON’T KNOW THE CAUSE is another symtom, so you are no better off than the folks you are writing about.

You may not wear your pants exposing the area every man should protect, you may not holla at your friends using the same terms hurled at our Ancestors followed by a whip or hanging, which is now engrained in the collective consciousness, BUT YOU ARE BY YOUR OWN ADMISSION JUST AS DISCONNECTED, DISILLUSIONED, AND DISGUSTED. Because of your upbringing and educational level, and perhaps the area you live and the people you frequent, YOUR SYMPTOM SIMPLY MANIFESTS ITSELF IN A DIFFERENT WAY.

My suggestion to you is that you spend more time looking for the cause and doing whatever you can to address it so that the subsequent generations can have a better chance, and spend less time pushing the sore spots of a people for the sake of what?

By Sandy_G

May 8, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Are enfluences from TV, music and movies to blame? Only partially. The way I see it, the apple does not fall far from the tree and a lot of these kids have parents who are not stepping up and being parents. When a kid has parents who are more concerned about being the kid’s “friend” than laying down rules, placing expectations for behavior on the kid and handing out tough consequences, then basically, that kid has a huge vacuum in their lives that needs to be filled. There are many, many influences that will come rushing in to fill that vacuum left by a “non-parenting parent” including gang members, media figures and other “non-parented children”.

Children are begging for limits and boundaries from their parents in addition to a parent who is a role model of how to live their life. When a parent is afraid or too weak to set limits and stick to them or a parent does not set a good example of what an adult should act like, then the child is left to figure it out on their own.

It’s easy to blame rap music or rap videos for the regression of our young people, it’s a little harder for parents to look in the mirror. I can guarantee you that every parent in this country has the ability to stand up and say, “NO, you’re not wearing that, and I’m not buying it for you” or “No, you will not use that language in my home and if I catch you talking that way, you will be punished.” But sadly, many parents do not have the “huevos” to say that to their own children. They are shortchanging their kids, abdicating their responsibility as parents and damaging an entire generation.

By CW

May 8, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Several thoughts: 1) Be careful of taking observations and generalizing too broadly; 2) Each generation usually views the next upcoming generation as lazy, disrespectful, irresponsible, lacking “taste”, etc., so to some extent your reaction might reflect the aging process; 3)There is evidence to suggest that this generation might not be so hopeless, for example many are doing well in academics (evident in competition for college, SAT scores etc.), and performing community work; 4) Religion is not an issue as the U.S. remains among the highest countries in regular church attendance; 5) Do not underestimate the affect of increased population growth, leading to larger and less humane learning environments, combined with a deterioration in services for the growing public; 6) Look to the role models in Don Imus, Hip Hop music, TV and movies and their affect on views/behavior regarding sex, violence, language; and 7) Government (all levels) policies that favor the wealthy and apparently are leading to a class structure that is leading to a permanent underclass. I would submit that 2 years mandatory service (military or community) might help avoid the apparent class structure that seems to be hardening; better role models; and more compassion by policy makers and the general population might ease some of the more concerning behaviors we are witnessing.

By steve-o

May 8, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Akagi,

You’re right. Not only do today’s youngsters have to compete with their foreign counterparts, they have to live with the fact that they won’t have the luxuries of older folks—i.e. a sure job after college, no pensions, etc. Believe me, they know this.

We have to ask ourselves whether or not we are doing enough to prepare them for the future. I just think that we need to worry more about cultivating a generation of intelligent and creative Americans rather than worrying about rebellious slang and fashion.

By JJ

May 8, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

This single parent, parents her kid. My child is the most important thing in my life. I don’t date very much as I am trying to concentrate on her, I don’t drag men in and out of our home, and I don’t go out clubbing/drinking. I am home every night, usually by 4:30. There are chores she has to do before I get home (she is in HS and home at 2:30). She has two hours to get her homework and housework finished.
I have taught her morals, tolerance, and respect. And she WILL NOT dress like a hoochy mama. One of her 13 year old friends dressed like a hoochy mama, with a push up bra and very low cut shirts, and very short shorts (I cannot believe her Mom paid for, or even allowed her to dress that way). That kid is now 14, and just had a baby. 14 YEARS OLD.

I believe in parenting and I parent my kid. I am open and honest with her, and if I see bad behavior in her friends, I point it out to her. On they way to school today, we just had the discussion AGAIN about drinking and driving and talking about the Brookwood QB in the hospital. I told her if she is ever in that position, either the driver is drunk or she is (god forbid) to call me, and I will come and get her. I told her her friends would proably call her names, but I would rather get the phone call from her, other than two cops at my door wanting me to identify her body. She has seen me end a few of my friendships, based on my friends’ actions. I don’t want a friend who is doing drugs while I am trying to teach my kid about them.

I’m not bragging or having a pity party as some will be quick to point out, I am just being the parent. My parents raised me the same way.

She is my child, and it is MY responsibility to make sure she is a productive member of society when she leaves my home.

By Joe

May 8, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, the bad kids will always stick out like a sore thumb. The good kids, dress differently, act mature, aren’t loitering around.

By Future?

May 8, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Steve-O, you are right also. By the time this up and coming generation of children graduate from college, there won’t be any jobs in America where you can make a decent living. Why is this? OUTSOURCING! Only because the generation of men and women that are supposed to be raising our future leaders are more concerned about the bottom line figures. The corporations are the ones that are ruining the future for our children. I have one too many friends with college degrees that can’t get decent jobs because they are all in another country now. If it is this bad now, imagine 10-20 years down the line. No more middle class, just the haves and have nots. This is truly sad and dishearting.

By Future?

May 8, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Sorry, disheartening

By Mi Gung Ho

May 8, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

In response to RODJUAN.

I would say your logic is TIRED at best and extremely detrimental to Black people’s forward progress at worst. Young aspiring Black people such as myself are sick and tired of deflecting the argument to social factors and with rhetoric. How about standing up and taking responsibility for ourselves and each other?

I fortunately (and unfortunately) am not disconnected and disillusioned. I am and we are simply fed up and don’t have time to worry about what “massa” did or is tryn’na do. Pull your head out of your butt and let’s get it movin’!!!

By lovejones

May 8, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

To John

Now I will agree there is a very big problem with the generation that is coming up now. I’m happy to say that I am 23 and still childless! I basically had a single mother and went to daycare as a child. I had a very good upbringing and was taught to call people by Mrs. and Mr.

Most problems can be associated with what happens on the home front. Very few of those with poor upbringing ascend to a productive citizen. When kids raise kids what do you think will happen. When adults do not have their priorities in order, what happens to their children? When there is no order and very little to no disciplinary action for bad behavior, what should the effects on society be?

I am originally from the ghetto and for me it was not the place I wanted to live out my days. Some people have gotten so comfortable where they’re at, that they have no conceivable reason to want to leave. WHERE ARE THE ROLE MODELS FOR THESE CHILDREN????

If the current generation of children have no respect for adults, no values, no morals, no self respect or respect for anyone else, who was there to show them the way? Who was there for their parents? It’s a vicious cycle. No one can really say when it will stop but quick to point the finger and play the blame game. What are you doing to fix the problem(to everyone)?

By Future?

May 8, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Lovejones, I applaud you for the things that you just said.

By Old Physics Teacher

May 8, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Rick, I sympathize. I see this every day too. A number of people blame this on teachers and society. This is what got us into the situation in the first place. It’s not the school’s responsibility to teach ethics - that’s the parents’ and churches’ jobs. The first principal who instructed his/her teachers to teach those values should have crossed his/her arms and told the politicians “That’s not my job!! We have enough problems just educating the students.” I didn’t give birth to them, and I should not be held accountable for their actions.

As far as dress codes, I know I’m not supposed to allow ‘bustin slacks,’ but if that becomes a point of contention (i.e., if they don’t pull the pants up, they’ll get sent home or to In School Suspension), they won’t be in my class to learn what little they attempt to learn. When society said that public schools had to educate everybody, this is what happens. If you want it differently, contact your legislator and have him present a bill that says that getting educated in public schools is a privilege not a right. That will fix the problem.

The easiest solution is to punish the parents who let them come to school that way. Get your legislator to present a bill to that effect.

In short, the problem is that there is little parenting going on. Remember, these are the children of the children of the 1980’s. Daddy was only a sperm donor. He left and Mother raised the child by herself on welfare. Hopefully, this generation will do better.

By Mi Gung Ho

May 8, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

I think one of the first things that must happen is that more accomplished, upstanding and educated Blacks have to step out there and have some conversations with these individuals; take some time one day and go stand on the corner and have some dialogue, to educate. Step out, challenge and educate some of these young people on their behavior and mindset. Bridge the gap so to speak. Without fear or intimidation. I mean..approach has a whole lot to do with it anyway. Here is a link to something local:

www.letusmakeman.net

Right here in Atlanta there are a lot of good things going on at the grassroots level. There is a mentoring function coming up real soon. Problems are presented, solutions discussed and developed.

By Jack B

May 8, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Well said lovejones……….. You brought up a good point, kids rarely say yes maam and no maam, yes sir and no sir in todays generation. Just anouther example of parents not doing their job……

I do not care what color, nationality or creed you are. PARENTS are responsible for their childrens behavior and actions until they are 18. It would be nice if we could go back to a up to date version of leave it to beaver days….

Exactly where are the parents and role models? lets see we have britney spears being a worthless example, paris hilton being a worthless example, the actor that just recently left that horrible voice mail to his daughter being a worthless role model, hasselholf being a worthless role model, snoop dog being a worthless role model…ect..ect.. the list goes on and on…

The old sayings: you lie down with a dog, you wake up with fleas… You are who you associate with…

Children and kids will do whatever the parent or guardian lets them do. They associate with the type of friends that their parents or guardians let them hang around. They speak the way their parents or guardians let them get away with. Their school grades are what their parents or guardians allow them to get. ect…ect.. I think everyone knows where I am going with this.

By mb

May 8, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Funny thing… being a 30 yr old white teacher in a northern atl county, I thought I might add my two cents… I find it interesting that most people on here seem to be focusing on one particular race and class of people. I attended public school as a child and most schools I attended had a larger black than white population. IMHO I have found more issue with the rich white kids than any other grouping. These kids feel so entitled and have learned from their folks to look down their own noses at everyone around them. After reprimanding a middle schooler about the holes in her jeans (dress code violation)- she proudly exclaimed that her jeans cost more than I make in a day!! Just because a kid is well dressed, makes great grades, and comes from a “good family” does not mean they can’t be an even bigger criminal than any other young person. After all, how do you think the rich keep getting richer?

By Future?

May 8, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

mb, that was an excellent point.

By Charles

May 8, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

I wish Mi Gung Ho would reveal who is an upstanding and educated black person. Name one in the black community. Most black children have rejected in their hearts many of the upstanding and educated bootlicking, butt licking, buck dancing, bamboozled, some half baked, and half fried, punkified, sissified, pasteurized, homogenized, N****.

I am glad they have rebelled against them. They can only produce copies of themselves. I just wish more black children understood what they were up against, mainly spiritual wickedness and raw evil.

By Michelle

May 8, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Jack B, I know you mean well, but not everyone belongs in the Military. Lynnie England sure didn’t, lives would just be lost, needlessly.

By mb

May 8, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Charles- you must be one of those white folks I was talking about… I think I taught your granddaughter last year… sweet girl…

By Mi Gung Ho

May 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

@Charles

Your 2:56p post is the biggest piece of bullssss I have read all day. And I would not have a problem AT ALL if one of our fine upstanding “thugs” being spoken of happened upon you and knocked you over your head!! You deserve it!

Having said that, I deeply resent your comment as most Black people I know and associate with are highly educated, well accomplished, financially responsible and stable, retired, degreed and the like. So can gon’ head on with all that garbage. As for what can be “put out”, you have already given us a very good idea of what you have “put out” into this world. I feel sorry for your kids. That is, if someone was desperate enough to lay down with you and make some.

By blkexec

May 8, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

MB say it again..i dont think they heard you! Paris Hilton has more money than the Franklin Mint and comes from a siccess family with a good name…yet has NO CLASS, self respect, or moral compass. Rich, poor, black, white has no bearing on how a child is raised. It costs nothing to teach kids self respect, manners, respect for others. What ever happened to looking presentable and acting right for the sake of not shaming your family.

By blkexec

May 8, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

MB say it again..i dont think they heard you! Paris Hilton has more money than the Franklin Mint and comes from a successful family with a good name…yet has NO CLASS, self respect, or moral compass. Rich, poor, black, white has no bearing on how a child is raised. It costs nothing to teach kids self respect, manners, respect for others. What ever happened to looking presentable and acting right for the sake of not shaming your family.

By Akagi

May 8, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

How the rich keep getting richer? Let’s see. Probably by doing things that got them rich in the first place. You know working hard, wise investments, etc. Same goes for the poor, they stay poor for the same reasons—making bad decision after bad decision.

By Future?

May 8, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Is Charles serious????

By Charles

May 8, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Now Mb and Mi Gung Ho,

To think on this level, and to say the things I say, 1224 pm, I must have overcome this world. No person can say what I have said and do the things which our organization has done except God be with us.

You must know by now that the integrationist Negro complicity against the masses of black people is over. Praise God!

By mb

May 8, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Charles… has your home health aide come by to check on you today? …”integrationalist Negro complicity”…what??!… by “our organization” are you talking about the klan??! I don’t even think your posts are in English anymore!

Akagi…as a teacher please understand that I will NEVER be rich. I am a good person that does the right thing day in and day out. I will likely never be able to buy a home on my own. Investments!? HA! If I’m lucky I might have a tiny retirement check after 35 years of teaching. Working hard has nothing at all to do with being rich!!

By Future?

May 8, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

I didn’t think about getting rich from a teacher’s perspective, but that is a very good point. I was trying to think of a comment on that, but you said it for me. Don’t be discouraged, there are plenty of things in life besides money. You sound to me like you are already rich, rich in character and that is what should count.

By Mi Gung Ho

May 8, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

I would challenge anyone who would say that there are not obstacles placed in the way of Black people especially but the underclass as a whole to look at people like Charles and know there are real mentalilties and forces out here who desire to sustain this path of destruction in our society. But with that I say that I refuse to allow myself to be defined by, hindered or sabotaged by this fool. It’s almost a bad thing that our people are not exposed more to people like Charles, it really is. Becasue if we were, like in the days of old I’m sure we would get ourselves in gear and pursue radical change.

By RODJUAN

May 8, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

‘Our conversation turns to this old world. He, like me, doesn’t know what to make of it. He’s discouraged, disconnected and disillusioned. I tell him the story from Scene I, about the young woman’s term of endearment for her friend’

Gung Ho, the above is Badie’s comments about himself, my comments were directed to him, the ART OF DEBATING requires that you know your subject matter before responding, I won’t return your form of bantering for as you stated ‘people such as myself are sick and tired’ those are your words not mine.

When you go to the doctor the first question the doctor asks you is ‘WHAT’S WRONG’ he/she expects you to tell them your problem, in most cases you can’t because you JUST DON’T KNOW so you start telling them YOUR SYMPTOMS, which is not the same as YOUR CAUSE.

What Badie is engaing in is his usual ‘push the button and watch them respond’, this gets him ratings on his opine, he is not interested in SOLUTIONS, that is evident. He is raising issues about the EFFECT, but to every EFFECT there is corresponding CAUSE. When we know the CAUSE we can articulate to the doctor WHAT IS WRONG by so doing you will know if the doctor is PRESCRIBING THE RIGHT CURE and not just placating the PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES( they don’t do that right?)

Now most don’t like to raise the issues of the cause because it challenges deep rooted activity, such as eating foods heavy in trans fats, living at Mickee dees and poop-eyes, ya get me. It’s easier to just take a pill and mute the symptom, BUT YOU NEVER ADDRESSED THE CAUSE, so guess what, IT KEEPS ON COMING BACK AT YOU in one form another. Hope this helps you along the way.

By John

May 8, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

lovejones,

I agree with you. I wasn’t trying to generalize, but it’s hard when an overpowering number of people in that demographic fit that profile. That’s great that you moved beyond the lifestyle described.

The problem is, how do you get the word out to the rest of the people in that demographic that it’s NOT alright to live like that. I know exactly the response to this….”well thats the life they want to lead.” That’s the problem right there. They don’t want to live like that, they’re too lazy to fix it. I find it hard to believe that people actually enjoy living in the ghetto.

By Future?

May 8, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

John, I don’t think the youth in the ghetto want to lead that life, but most have been told one way or another that they won’t amount to anything. Most youth in the ghetto only see 3 ways of getting out, that’s rapping, playing a sport or selling drugs. When you hear that you are going to amount to nothing enough, guess what happens, you start to act that way. As someone said before, successful people need to get out into the community and tell these young men and women that they can be something and should strive to be something. That’s step one.

By Mi Gung Ho

May 8, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

@RODJUAN

All well and good, but I think you misunderstood that I did not make my “disillusioned” statement with the impression that you directed your comments toward me and not the writer. Rather I made the statement to say that unlike those who may be disillusioned and disconnected I am not becuase I am right on top of it all the time. So I think it allows me to speak firsthand. Read the context of my post again and you will see. So I would say the banter is from you and not me. I’m well capable of managing a debate.

As for your comment and analogy. I will put it to you this way. A doctor can know the CAUSE all day long, but if that cause can’t be CURED, what in the heck can the doctor do? He knows the treatment for the symptom so that’s what he does. There is no cure for CANCER, but does that mean that you should not treat it in an attempt to eradicate it or place it in remission??

We refuse to even try to “treat” our siituation. We’d rather slowly die because we are far too concerned with and see the CAUSE as unconquerable. And that’s the problem I have with it.

Hope this helps you along the way.

By Jack B

May 8, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

By Future: You said that youth in the getto do not want to lead that life but have been told that they will never amount to anything, so it sort of hinders them from succeding and getting out of that life.

Two ways to overcome: - manadatory one to two year stint in the military after graduation or upon dropping out if they drop out. So what if we are in a war time, if we were not in war would anyone truly object to this? - Second, bring back religion, put faith and God in their lives and send out the successful Americans to that area to educate the children on how to succeed and too be positive role models. Someone they can see in person and strive to be like

By Future?

May 8, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Jack B, I won’t comment on the military part because I am pretty close minded when it comes to that, but I agree with you on putting God in their lives and sending out people to the community with positive messages on being successful in life.

By Charles

May 8, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

I’m back everybody. I had other pressing duties.

I see how some white people get their superiority complexes. Examine this for yourself. Look at my blogs beginning at 1224 pm and compare it to the blogs of those who oppose me.

Elton Maddox and Ron Lowe, I know you teach on the radio that we should not rejoice over such an occurrence. But we should rejoice that our names are written in the book of life.

After reading opposing views, I feel like a god over those who oppose me. Their comments borders on retardation. Examine the evidence for yourself.

By Rodjuan

May 8, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

…treatment for the symptom so that’s what he does. There is no cure for CANCER…’

I appreciate your passion Gung, seriosly I do, and thanks for engaging a discussion worthy of response, NOW YOU’VE GOT TO KNOW THAT CANCER IS BEING TREATED EVERYDAY, but not by those who are tied to BIG PHARM.

Anything that goes out of balance (which is what all dis-eases are mentally/physically/spiritually)can be brought back into balance by natural remedies, THE ONLY REASON YOUR DOCTOR WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO IS BECAUSE HE/SHE IS NOT A HEALER. Ahealer takes the entire being into consideration, BUT BECAUSE OF THIS GREEDY CAPITALISTIC SYSTEM HEALING HAS BEEN SUBDIVIDED INTO FOOT-DOCTOR, HEAD-DOCTOR, HEART-DOCTOR…etc MORE MONEY MORE MONEY MORE MONEY.

So the only thing being done is Society is being over-medicated, apill to go to sleep, apill to wake up, a pill to get it up..etc.

My overall point is that Rick Badie does not appear to interested in solutions or cures, his interest is in stirring up the pain and frustrations by targeting the symptoms, and it’s not like he doesn’t know that there is a deeper cause, for he wrote ‘…They’re degrading, symptoms of issues that run deeper than a love for what’s new, hip and popular’. So he knows that he is only talking about SYMPTOMS OF ISSUES, but he is not brave enough to broach the issues, HIS FAN BASE MAY LIKE HIM AS MUCH AS THEY LIKE CYNTHIA TUCKER who tackles the issues, not the symptoms.

Keep ur head up, I like your reasonings.

By barbara

May 8, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Rick, I love reading your columns. In my opinion we, as a society (not just as parents) have allowed behavior to degrade to this level by being “tolerant”. When someone needed a good kick in the pants (hopefully to correct the action and to boost them back up to the waistline :-) ), instead, we just smiled and looked away. After all, it’s not our business…… And the parents of that child don’t appreciate it when someone else comments on their child’s behavior.

We’ve lost our sense of “the village”. We don’t value each other, and each other’s opinions anymore. It’s all about “me” and what feels good. Of course I’m lamenting this current state of affairs, not saying it’s right.

We won’t recover until we start holding each other accountable, which would include agreeing, as a society, on what actions are acceptable and what actions are not. I would bet my paycheck that you’ll find some folks out there who think there’s nothing wrong with cursing in public, or wearing your pants around your knees, or bragging about how much more money you have versus others. Today we’re more worried about hurting each other’s feelings than we are about the direction of society. Sweet Jesus please come back soon……

By JustMe

May 8, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

I agree with a lot of what has been said here today - I just want to add a couple of thoughts:

Having children today has become more of yet another “status symbol”…people have children for the sake of saying they have them, not to be a proper parent and raise them to be a mature, responsible adult who becomes a fully functional, law-abiding, mainstream member of society. Sure, these people want to go to the soccer games, the piano recitals, the fill-in-the-blank….but when it comes to the discipline, the teaching of values, the placement of expectations and limits upon the children, the parent(s) is/are in la-la land in their self-absorbed narcissistic universe.

As for those of you who are so baffled by the parents who “…allow their children out of the house dressed like that…”(sic) - here’s a news flash for you. A lot of them don’t. Come on, wake up! Kids (teenagers) have been sneaking clothing that their parents wouldn’t approve of into and out of the house in purses, book bags, or underneath the more appropriate clothing for YEARS! Once good ol’ mom and dad are out of the line of sight, the kid is a quick change artist. I’m not saying that is the case 100% of the time, or even a majority - but it happens…probably significantly more now than when I was that age.

By Charles

May 8, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Barbara,

This is a great struggle between good and evil and ignorance. I can guarantee you that the ignorant and evil regardless of color don’t give a damn about anyone, especially black children. They are not going to agree on anything that threatens their bottom line; money, fame, prestige, etc.

They create as much controversy as they can through the media in an effort to deceive the masses as well as bloggers.

Jesus, the Christ, gives us a two edge sword to stop these people in their tracks.

By M10030

May 8, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

“I look directly at the one showing his boxers, and shake my head.” Young people are not unintelligent. It seems to me Mr. Badie, that you were shaking your head as if you were looking down on him. I might have the same reaction to you also, and it seems you are teaching your son the same “I’m better than you” attitude. I am a 37-year old black male, college graduate, from the fraternity of MLK Jr. and Thurgood Marshall, gainfully employed American. I live on the SE side of town and many of my neighbors might not meet your approval. However, I know that I am no better than any of them. I give positive eye contact, I chill with, I volunteer, I support when I am able. From me my neighbors get, “I may be different from you, but I am not better than you”. I think we as a community need to stop looking down on behavior we don’t “approve” of and speak, respectfully to the individuals. And I have never had a negative reaction from any young people, because they know that I’m speaking as a concerned brother, not just some old “you won’t amount to anything” adult. And then Mr. Badie you quote Marvin Gaye as if all his songs and behavior were beacons of morality.

By Jonny

May 8, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

I admit, I’ve been guilty of cursing in public. I make a concerted effort not to do it around women and children but I’ve done it in front of them. I try hard not to but it’s difficult. The language that me and my friends use around each other is heavy with f this and f that, etc. After this article, I’m going to make a better effort to clean up my mouth. It’s classless on my part and I thank you, Ricky, for this piece of inspiration. I hope it encourages other people to take heart and try to improve themselves.

By LJ

May 8, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Steve-0 wrote: “Also, please note that youth today represent the smartest generation. These kids learn things today in high school that we wouldn’t even cover until college over 15 years ago.

Let’s not be hypocrites and learn to fear our own youth.”

So then my question is this. Indeed the youth learn things today in high school that we wouldn’t even cover until college over 15 years ago…but obviously though they are “book smart”, they totally lack common sense. Explain how a top student still cannot figure out that certain behavior will cause either them or someone else great danger. I find it unfortunate to bring this up right now because of the young man who is fighting for his life, but how do you explain our young people’s tendancy, for all their “education”, to drink and drive, carry guns to school, etc., race their cars through streets and harass the general public in the meantime.

There’s no “fearing” our own youth. It’s more a matter of “fearing” the kind of country these youth are going to make for themselves. The “Good Ol Days” were far from perfect, but there were atleast a couple of things that were prevalent back then that are almost totally gone today. Two very important values which are 1) common sense and 2) respect for each other. Not saying it was “Polyanna”, there were definitely problems back then but these are two values we do not see a lot of today. You certainly did not see kids dissing their parents and totally disregarding the authorities. There really was a time when people actually feared being taken to jail. Now it’s more like a stupid badge of honor.

By Bruce Wilcox

May 8, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Lets tell young people the best books are yet to written; the best painting, the best government the best of everything is yet to be done by them.
Author: John Erskine 1878-1951, American Poet, Essayist, Novelist, Musician

By LJ

May 8, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

“…In my opinion we, as a society (not just as parents) have allowed behavior to degrade to this level by being “tolerant”. When someone needed a good kick in the pants (hopefully to correct the action and to boost them back up to the waistline :-) ), instead, we just smiled and looked away. After all, it’s not our business…… And the parents of that child don’t appreciate it when someone else comments on their child’s behavior.”

Hi Barbara, you bring up a very good point except you’ve left out the real problem. Sure, parents get all huffy because someone tells them that you don’t tell the child “no no no no no” only to then turn around and give them what they want. That is a HUGE problem but there is one that is even bigger! Yes, that is the fact that your child can SUE YOU if he/she feels they have been “mistreated” (i.e. didn’t get their latest XBox, sports car, etc.). I feel if the youths are allowed to sue their parents then the State can raise them in their own facilities. All control has been taken away from the parents yet they are required to have to fork out for and put up with ill behavior or they go to jail.

“We’ve lost our sense of “the village”. We don’t value each other, and each other’s opinions anymore. It’s all about “me” and what feels good. Of course I’m lamenting this current state of affairs, not saying it’s right.”

Honestly? I don’t want my child to be raised by “the village”. That’s the problem now…

Before you get the idea that I think there are no good youth out there, oh contrar. There is a HUGE number of really great, intelligent and caring young people everywhere! Actually, there just may be some hope for the future of this Country, as long as the youth who are the “good guys/gals” aren’t “done in” by those who’s lives were screwed up.

By Bruce Wilcox

May 8, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Youth, abundant wealth, high birth, and inexperience, are, each of them a source of ruin. What then must be the fate of those in whom all four are combined.
Author: Hitopadesa 600?-1100? AD, Sanskrit Fable From Panchatantra

Anyone bother to check the dates?

By LJ

May 9, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Mi Gung Ho…”. .I would challenge anyone who would say that there are not obstacles placed in the way of Black people…”

Perhaps, but I keep having Black people tell me over and over and over again…”I can do things you cannot, because I am Black and you are not.”

Well-educated, not-so-well educated, whatever the status, I’ve been told by them all. Really makes one sympathetic to the cause you know?

As I have stated many times, I was basically raised all over the Country and my parents did not bring up color/race/etc. I continue to understand and respect that though there are differences, we are all still Homo Sapiens. But when one is reminded now and then that “I can do/say some things that YOU cannot.” helps me to understand why some folks do not hold others in any kind of high regard. Those who like to remind us of the difference…really, deep down, want to keep it that way. Otherwise, why bring it up and why take any pride in the fact.

By fakeout

May 9, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Charles, No offense, but are your posts serious? If they aren’t then congratulations! It’s the funniest stuff i’ve read in awhile.

If you are serious well….it’s just mumbo jumbo.

By alice

May 9, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this

Let’s look at two of our three lowest performing school systems in the ATL— DeKalb and Clayton. They have school boards that are majority black and black school supers. However, all are poorly managed and produce a pretty crummy product.

One upon a time, children (and their parents) believed that education was the only way up and out of poverty — now, pathetically, the people who need a decent education the most, even with hard work, often can’t get it. Why? In part because the culture of the community creeps in to the schools, and decent teachers make other choices. Also, this whole BS about black kids shouldn’t be smart.

Do you all know that the Chamblee High Magnet program is mostly compriseds of black students from South DeKalb, who travel hours each day to go to the school. What those kids find there is a core group of smart black kids — being smart is expected and cool there.

Shame they have to leave their hoods to get that opportunity.

By LG

May 9, 2007 6:43 AM | Link to this

I just went to a 8th grade and high school concert last night at Central Gwinnett. I got to see over 400 OUTSTANDING kids.

Reality is nothing but perception. I think there’s more good people than bad. Things will all work out for the best.

By Charles

May 9, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this

Good morning Fakeout,

Anytime I talk to Negroes, I feel like the grinch who stole Christmas.

Negroes usually are having a foolish good time. They are talking out of their heads and they usually are having a brainless otherworldly discussion.

Every who down in who-ville liked Christmas a lot but the grinch who lived just north of who-ville did not…

And they would sing sing sing sing. They would feast feast feast feast. And God, the noise noise noise noise.

I understand Negroes can only understand mental exploitation. I’m not going to exploit you. You will be spoken to as if you are a decent, thinking, sane human being; and not some lower species.

By JB

May 9, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

I’ve read several posts in here with people saying I’ve raised my kids to be “tolerant”. Well guess what Einsteins? You’re the problem. This so-called “tolerance” is what has made our kids into the brats they are.

By bronco

May 9, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

There has to be a country somewhere that everyone is dressed in jeans and listens to Herman Hermits and Jerry Lewis and the Playboys all the time. I’m tired of it here. Rick if you find this place we’ll leave tonite.

By duluth

May 9, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with you. I am so worried about the future of our country. I am far from a prude, but kids learn the most from parents. I know multiple parents, all of higher income that involve themselves in illegal activity…….involving sex, drugs and alcohol. Some of their kids have paid the price and lived by their parents example, now they are in jail. Some are in college and making good grades, but when you speak with them their view of right and wrong are skewed. Parents are the example kids live by…….the world is a scary place. Its one thing when kids go through their teen years doing “rebellious things” but when the parents do it……well thats just pathetic.

By CE

May 9, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

Responding to Gwinnett County Mom. Those Teachers and Administers would have to look at that child’s butt. And then someone, a higher up administrators or the parent would want to know WHY you are looking at the child’s butt. Let’s just say lawsuit waiting to happen. Because these “kids” have “rights” everyone is running scared.

By AW

May 9, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Last Friday I left work early to go home to get some equipment for a fundraiser. As I was loading my car I saw probably a relative of the gentleman you described seen at the Walmart. He was clearly a “gang-banger”. Hispanic, white tank top and jeans around the knees. He was talking to himself and proceeded to walk right into my yard, attempt to climb over a fence and when he couldn’t, he turned around and went back the same way he came, still talking to himself. I was going to yell at him about trespassing but I was alone and was afraid he might be carrying a weapon, so I said nothing. Pretty sad when someone can’t feel comfortable in their own yard.

By Isabella

May 9, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

My husband and I actually had a good discussion about this the other day after being at a friends house. We are expecting and our main concern is how we are going to raise this child and I am worried if I will be a good mom and my husband worries the same if he will be a good dad.

While at a friends house our friends high-school aged nephew came over with his parents. After an hour I realized something… these kids today are just like how I was back in the early 90’s, just more access to the internet and there is also more on the internet too. So my husband tells me that their parents don’t have the experience with the internet as the kids do and the kids take advantage of that. With all that you hear about the internet you would think that parents would want to learn more about the internet to protect their children. Nope. They just tell you that it is “what kids do today” as an excuse to do NOTHING. Very few parents out there REALLY care. Just look at MySpace… I cannot tell you how many girls look like hookers at 12 and older, as my cousin “bragged” (he told him about his “hot” classmates at his school)to my husband the other day. I just looked at my cousin with a look of discuss and her answer was “oh, that is what kids do today, you cannot do anything.” Oh, YES YOU CAN! SAY NO WAY!! Is that REALLY that hard?! My husband just tells me that parents just don’t understand all that kids are doing and they are just accepting it as “normal behaviour” and let the whole “all my friends are doing it” line fly (that back in our days, didn’t… you got a line we are ALL familiar with - lol!) All I know is that I plan to know what is going on and not believe that my child is perfect because I KNOW NO ONE IS! (I cannot tell you how many parents today think their kids don’t do alot that you hear warnings about because it is now almost an epidemic - an EPIDEMIC, you would think that would grab parents attention, nope… their kids would never do that! What a JOKE!)

By Bruce Wilcox

May 9, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Funny how any topic can turn magically into a black-white issue on this blog. The bigots that slither out from whatever rock they hide under is what still makes the South the laughing stock of the country.

I offered up a few quotes from times long past, like 600AD stating the same thing that people are whining about today. It is an endless blame game, every generation is different, every generation was reared by a generation that allowed it to happan…it never ends. It too will pass, get a grip and stop finger pointing, praise the good and for the others imagine what people were saying about you.

One more quote and timely… Blessed are the young for they shall inherit the national debt.
Author: Herbert Clark Hoover 1874-1964, American - 31st American President

By harold

May 9, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

haha are you serious? you are a living breathing stereotype of an old man! damn kids!

By Bruce Wilcox

May 9, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

haha, you better have someone explain it to you. Another reason why the South is the laughing stock.

By Mark

May 9, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

People, watch the movie “idiocracy”. It will explain the dumbing down of America.

By TT

May 9, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

The problem with disaffected youth is everyone’s problem. My own experience with my teenager has shown me that what I would consider to be a private family matter can quickly turn into a situation involving DFACS and law enforcement. Children are told in schools today to report any abuse. Well, some kids (including mine) use this “system” to their advantage to manipulate their way into what they want. Once DFACS is involved, any parent who raises their voice to their child, shuts the kid in their room for “time out”, or lays hands on them in any way is subject to arrest and/or an intrusive investigation. My daughter used the system to get what she wanted - away from home to be with her boyfriend. And unless my husband and I were willing to risk losing our other child to foster care (who, by the way is a straight-A student who gives no problems), we were coerced into allowing our daughter, with the “blessing” of DFACS and the sheriff’s department, to stay with the boyfriend in his house with his mother to “supervise”. I must say that my daughter claimed to be pregnant (a claim which proved to be false) and we were told that we couldn’t make her stay away from her “baby daddy”, neither could be take her to end her pregnancy. A girl under the age of 16 is legally too young to give consent for sex, but she is deemed by the law to be old enough to decide whether or not she wants to have a baby! My feeling is, if she’s too young to give consent, then she should be too young to have the baby. I was not willing to be responsible for an unwanted pregnancy by my 15 year-old, so I told her to live with the other grandmother. According to all I’ve been able to research, no parent can force a girl to end a pregnancy, no matter what her age is, because that is considered to be child abuse. What about allowing an immature, ill-prepared child to bring another child into the world? I love my daughter dearly, but I am not about to condone or support her behavior in this instance. Our chance to straighten out our daughter was taken out of our hands by the “village”. Now what are we supposed to do?

I guess my point is, after this rambling, is that I agree that parents are where the buck stops. Unless the “village” gets in the way. I would rather have dealt with my daughter in my own way, instead of having social agencies butt in and allow my daughter to manipulate the system to her “advantage”. I fear now that she will never be a productive member of society, because she won’t finish school or learn to take responsibility for her own actions. She’ll just sit around and wait for someone to bail her out. I’m afraid it won’t be me.

By Mark

May 9, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Here is an idea I came up with many yrs ago. Anyone wishing to procreate must take an IQ test first. If your IQ is not up to the range set, then you get fixed. An easy solution to a never ending problem.

By LJ

May 9, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Mark: “Here is an idea I came up with many yrs ago. Anyone wishing to procreate must take an IQ test first. If your IQ is not up to the range set, then you get fixed. An easy solution to a never ending problem.”

First I think this is not a good idea. Second, this would just get bogged down like everything else. There would have to be a special test for each group…you know…sort of like it is now.

But I think that’s a terrible suggestion to begin with. I will have to respectfully disagree.

By LJ

May 9, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

TT…”And unless my husband and I were willing to risk losing our other child to foster care (who, by the way is a straight-A student who gives no problems), we were coerced into allowing our daughter, with the “blessing” of DFACS and the sheriff’s department, to stay with the boyfriend in his house with his mother to “supervise”.”

Prime example of a “village” gone wrong!!! I believe that if the State is going to start getting involved and the child is egging things on then the State can just take the kid and raise it themselves.

If there is any consolation you can always patiently wait until her children grow up…guess what she’s in for? I would not wish that on anyone but, as it says in the Bible…you will reap what you sow, more than you sow and longer than you sow.

Sad but very, very true.

By Momoftwo

May 9, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Kids aren’t held accountable for anything nowadays. Parents don’t get upset when kids get caught acting improperly or caught doing something wrong, they just get upset that they were caught. Another thing, felons and underage thugs don’t have the right to carry a gun. More gun laws still won’t prevent the criminals from getting a gun. But allowing citizens to carry a gun might enable one good guy to stop a bad guy.