gun crime in the cities of uk? what are we doing wrong?

@ESKARENA1 (18261)
April 21, 2007 6:01pm CST
it seems few days go by without reports of a shooting taking place in British cities, what are we doing wrong?
7 people like this
5 responses
22 Apr 07
I have known 2 people in the last couple of years who have lost a loved one to a gang related shooting. It is just madness and I don't see what can be done. Sadly some parents today do not seem to take care of their kids properly. My daughters circle of friends have been put into care or kicked out of their family home and left to fend for themselves. I have had a few of her firends stay here when things have been tough. They are so young and alone and so vunerable to those who will manipulate them and get them into their gang. As a society we are not caring and often believe kids to be a danger. Its like an 'us and them' attitude, which I can understand when the media has us living in fear, but we as a society need to take responsibility and help these kids instead of just excluding them from school, leaving them on their own when they reach 16 yrs. My daughter knows many boys who have ended up in Feltham. What good is this when they are just let out again to repeat the same crimes. The real issues do not ever seem to be dealt with. Sticking an ASBO on a child is not going to bother them, actually now they see it as a status symbol. Working with children in a deprived borough of London, I can see for myself what is going on and it is very sad and scary to think what the future holds for these kids. Early intervention has been the word by the government for ages, but this is it, the government makes all the rules now. They need to give the power back to local authorities and the community so we can work together instead of ticking different boxes to reach government targets. This has been the ruin of this country and the evidence is so clearly being displayed now. I really don't know the answer to this problem, but helping kids and families as early as possible to take responsibility has to be a key factor. We have given kids so many rights now, but have failed to make them understand the consequences of their actions as we pussyfoot around so many issues, as we do not want to upset anyone. Some of the parents I work with need a good shake and made aware that they have to do the job of rearing their children instead of looking to blame someone else. Here is a brilliant charity in London that helps these kids. They support kids who have been through the most awful experiences. http://www.kidsco.org.uk/ Thanks for a good discussion +
2 people like this
22 Apr 07
I agree with what was said in your other response, that we have become a selfish society. Those who have will prosper and those without-who cares? I see it in education, the division between the kids who's parents can send them to the best schools and those who end up going to estate schools. There is no social interaction between different groups. For example in Hackney rich parents send their kids to the schools in Islington and when its time for secondary school, they either move or their kids travel far out to attend a school away from the riff raff of where they live. It makes me sick. I believe every kid should be sent to their local school like years ago and then there would be more equality. Communities would be made and everyone would look out for each other. I remember when I was a kid, if I did anything wrong it was soon reported back to my mum. However, as long as there are different rules for different people it will never happen and sadly the working class do not stick together like the middle class, so I cannot see anything changing. I am training at the moment to be a teacher and I have always made it my aim to help those less fortunate. Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to do well.
2 people like this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
22 Apr 07
i am also a teacher, have been now for 25 years or such. I agree strongly that it is our duty to do the best we can do for all those we are charged with looking after. A big plus for your response from me blessed be
2 people like this
22 Apr 07
Its good to hear there are caring teachers like yourself. Respect to you!!!
2 people like this
@yanjiaren (9031)
22 Apr 07
Unfortunately family values are dwindling and the individualism and selfishness is what is being bombarded to the youth of today. How many of the younger generation know about making sacrifices? Unless they are making sacrifices from deprivation or are brought up in very kind and considerate homes, not many. I see the teenagers and their atitudes of I WANT I WANT I WANT, BUT I DON'T WANT TO GIVE, I EXPECT BUT DON'T EXPECT FROM ME. This is the consumerism attitude that is pasted all over billboards and television. It is a very hard illness to fight. Great topic my Friend.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Apr 07
I really do not know EsKaren but I think it is all over the world now I just wish it would stop What makes those People have the Urge to take someone elses Life away what gives them the right I really do not understand anymore Hugs to you
2 people like this
@Mickie30 (2626)
21 Apr 07
We are not inviting God into our lives. If we go back to the Bible then we will see less crimes and more love for one another.
1 person likes this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
22 Apr 07
i must admit, im a little confused how reading the bible, or any other religious text for that matter, helps to prevent such obscenity. However, i do think it is something we need to be looking at if we are not to go down the same road as America
2 people like this
• United States
21 Apr 07
It's probably a result of the Virginia Tech shootings. Brutal killings that get a lot of publicity seem to bring all of the crazy people out. Nobody is doing anything wrong except for the people who are doing these shootings.
2 people like this