Losing Our Future . . .
"This is a time of high concern about violent behavior by young people. As a nation, we are in a period of reflection as to what can be done to stem this tide. Helping young people avoid or overcome emotional problems in the wake of violence or disaster is one of the most important challenges a parent, teacher, or mental health professional can face. Moreover, children often face violence in their own homes..."
This image is from the Guardian Unlimited and carries this caption: Iraqi boys in a refugee camp in Baghdad play with toy guns.
Since this is still a Season for Non-Violence and since children Are our Future, I want to make a Major Comment. If you're in your teens or twenties, you may not even be aware if it; if you're in your thirties or forties, you may be tuning in to it; if you're in your fifties or sixties, you're probably dealing with it big-time; and, if you're in your seventies or more, I hope you're over the hump and can relax...
Major Comment: The teachings from our parents and the signals from our environment are so powerful an influence in our childhood that most people have never gotten beyond them to discover their True Selves.
Just because most haven't doesn't mean you can't; but, the only sure way to break the bonds of unsuitable upbringing is the Spiritual Path. (Naturally, we can praise God for all the good influences...)
Here are some links for further exploration:
From Case Western Reserve University, an article on a new study, Kids Who Threaten Are Likely to be Violent.
From the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the article, Children and TV Violence, which has further links for exploration.
And, from the National Institute of Mental Health, a page full of valuable links for further study.
Here's a quote from that site:
"Not all children enjoy the "carefree" days of childhood. Unfortunately, when things start to go wrong, people often despair of being able to repair the damage.
1 comment:
I pray for that peace. I am in my twenties and have all tuned out the news I admit for the fact that it breaks my heart. Of course I could read about it sometimes to keep posted on what's going on globally. I am aware though that there is violence and horror out there lurking. The change must start somewhere and I can only pray that a non-violent way will rise up.
Post a Comment