Monday, September 11, 2006

An ode to a parent

During my break at work, I was trawling the Internet aimlessly and came across Yahoo! Answers. For those that don't know: This site let's you ask questions on various subjects which can be answered or discussed. It's very handy for researching for schoolwork, etc.

What got my attention though was a thread with the question of: To what extent should parents be held responsible for the actions of their delinquent teenagers?

The
discussion was quite interesting. Although one interesting fact of how either parents are blamed or when trying to blame anyone else, the blame is dodged. Some has even gone to suggest that, in order for parents to maintain order, they can smack or even (God forbid) hit the teenagers. Such is a travesty of single-mindedness.

What made my blood boil is that there is a demonstration of hate against teenagers. Were they not once a teenager? Isn't it because of their hate that they are teaching the teenagers to do this? What happened to respect?


Here's my contribution to the post:


Unfortunately, parents do seem to be the only suspects in the equation of delinquent teenagers. But it is not entirely the case.

We already know that it is up to the parents to try teach their children manners and other necessary social skills. But it is still society that plays the vital role. Where are the teenagers when they are not at home? They are interacting with society at different levels such as school and meeting friends.

Society is quick at teaching hatred and evil tactics. Look at it from this point of view, I have a 12 year old sister where our father passed away 2 years ago. We no longer have a father figure and I try to fill that void by teaching her manners and to respect others. But am shocked that she has learned of bad words or manners from others' parents or waiting at the bus stop, etc.

Parents will try as they might with not much success as long as society plays that vital role with the parents. Let me give you another example. If I was to call a teenager over to me would I say:
a) "Oi! Come here."
b) "Alright mate. Can you come over for a sec please?"

To earn respect is to give it and I can guarantee you that those who answer b) are a very small minority.

So, no. Parents should only take 50% and the rest of society 50%. It's only fair. Failure to do so, would teach the teenagers that since society is unfair, why should they be fair?


What do you think?

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home