Gang Violence--It's Tougher to Care
Last week an anti-gang summit was held in Columbia. This was the 2nd in as many months. Communities in our state, like those across the country, are growing increasingly concerned about gang violence and the number of youth who are becoming involved in gang activity. The concern is legitimate. There is a lot to be afraid of, and it seems we really don't know what to do.
The fear and confusion are, to politicians, what blood is to sharks. To build campaign coffers and raise political ratings, there is a lot of rhetoric about "get tough" legislation...legislation that will ensure those who participate in gangs are punished swiftly and severely, and put away quickly. These same politicians reduce the complex issues involving youth and the poor to soundbites and quick fix solutions. "It's not about rich or poor, but about right and wrong." So as we prepare for a new legislative season, we can be assured that there will be an ample supply of this "get tough" legislation on the table in Columbia. As the issues become more complicated and the problems remain unsolved, then the repressive responses are the easiest: more laws, more police, more prisons.
But let's not allow this important debate to be controlled by those who seek to demonize youth and put them away. As Michael Meade reminds us, the problem is not the gang; the problem is the lack of interest in the gang. As we enter this debate, maybe it would be helpful if we reminded ourselves that all our youth (even the most heavily tattooed and the most "homeboy" braided) have something meaningful to contribute to our communities. If we begin our discussion there, the perspective is quite different, and the proposed solutions will be quite different as well. It matters when a community works on the premise that every life has value. It matters when social policy is based on the premise that with proper support a young person can find the self-caring and self-discipline necessary to live full and productive lives.
And maybe it would also be helpful to ask whether we, as a society, have really done all we can for our youth. The answer to that question is very important. As a society, we can hardly fail to properly care for our young people and then blame them for their short comings.
Any society that does not take care of the material, spiritual and educational needs of its children has failed. A community out of balance turns out unbalanced people. When we see more and more violent responses to problems---whether from gangs or politicians---we know society has lost its vision. It's time to regain our vision.
So as we seek to recover our vision and talk meaningfully about the youth in our communities, maybe the conversation needs to include questions such as these:
- Where are the centers and the schools where young people can be creative, respected and safe?
- Where are the empowering, socially charged community improvement projects?
- Where are the sanctuaries and sacred spaces where young people's spiritual quests are attended to and their psychological and social concerns met?
- Where are the safe places where the law, which often works against young people, can be made accessible and understandable so it can work for them?
- Where are the elders and mentors who can inspire all youth to contribute to social change, to work at bettering their homes and community, and who can affirm that their contributions are essential?
Too many churches, recreation centers and employers have closed their doors. Too many people have given up. Too many politicans have gone for the quick and easy "fix." Our communities are, at best, fragmented in our response to the troubled youth in our neighborhoods and on our streets. Our violent and fractured communities are producing violent and lost children.
So let's re-frame the debate.
Do we need policymakers and law enforcement? Of course. But as a part of a much bigger package. Let's remember that all children have intrinsic attributes that can allow them to succeed. Let's remember that all youth have a natural instinct to re-create their world. Let's start to try to imagine how we might develop policy and action around the assets of a community instead of the perceived deficits. Let's recapture our vision. Let's remember that as a society we are bigger than punitive responses to the problems of our troubled youth. Let's find the courage and will to use all our advanced resources to heal and protect the lives of our children.
It doesn't take guts to put money into inhumane, punishment-driven institutions. It's tougher to walk the streets, to listen to the young people, to respect them and fight for their well-being. It's tougher to care.
