I can't imagine the number of times I've seen an incoherent mother crying on News 12, seeking justice for her 16 year old son who was the vicim of a hit-and-run, or her 13 year old daughter who was caught in the crossfire. I'm sick of it. Partially because I realize that the next kid who was in the wrong place at the wrong time could be one of my friends, but more importantly, and less selfishly, because I see such a sense of community in my city, but their efforts concentrated in all the wrong places. Those with the means and connections need to be aware of the fact that we have such a strong body of young people, but are not helping them reach their full potential, or encouraging them to put a piece of themselves into the world.
I have a proposal, which I don't think is too unreasonable or radical, or will even break the bank (however I do understand funding is not exactly easy to come by in our current state); I believe we need more community outreach programs for inner-city teens, ones which they will actually want to be a part of. And no, throwing a "rager" this Friday night doesn't count. Cultural field trips, sports, mentoring, socials, exhibitions- anything is welcome in my book. We just need something that gives young adults the idea that they have worth as human beings, and encourages them to pursue what they can contribute (positively is the key word here) to society as a whole.
As members of the community, we have a duty, one that we are not fulfilling, to give our youth the tools to become active contributors of individualism and capable of bringing positive change for everyones future. Imagine how different your life would have been, or at least your youth, had you been exposed to culture you wouldn't have otherwise been, or encouraged to reach your full potential. I can guarantee you we would have a more productive, positive, innovative, successful society. I know that if at a younger age I had been given opportunities to participate in my community, and to have been a part of something positive, I would have formed lasting relationships and found my way in life (which I still am realizing) a little earlier.
Furthermore, we need to come up with solutions to get teens off the streets and into a more positive, encouraging enviornment. The mothers sobbing on TV, the candles and balloons lined along street corners, the wholehearted teddybear shrines, the innocent, young lives gone in the blink of an eye, and the communities and families left to cope are exactly what I never want to see, ever again. So rather than waiting to recover from the next tragedy, let's work towards never seeing one again.
Olivia this is AMAZING!!! I really felt that there was more than enough pathos while reading it (which is totally not a bad thing), it sparked a lot of emotions especially for the fact that you emphasized that these were teenagers, like you like me and like our friends who were in danger. You used the perfect amount of pathos; it wasn’t too much or too little. I felt a lot of guilt and sadness there and a bit of anger coming from your side too. It really touched me when you said, "The mothers sobbing on TV, the candles and balloons lined along street corners, the wholehearted teddy bear shrines, the innocent, young lives gone in the blink of an eye, and the communities and families left to cope are exactly what I never want to see, ever again." that's is really powerful. I have a stir of emotions like sadness and pity and longing when i read this sentence. Over all, I really liked your sentence structures and you are really building your strong voice and writing style up. I really love the way you write because it’s so unexpected that these thoughts and ideas would come from such a carefree person like you (not saying I’m surprised at the fact that you’re really smart!). I don’t know how to describe your writing style, I still find it hard to distinguish mine, but i can see yours coming through in this; yet another great entry!
ReplyDeleteI love this, Olivia. I could really felt a lot of guilt, empathy, sadness, determination, and even humor in your writing. I like how you set the reader up with sadness with the little real life news in the first paragraph and then make them feel guilty when you put that it could be one of their friends. Sentences like "And no, throwing a "rager" this Friday night doesn't count," had a little humor in them lighten the mood. I like that you used a lot of "WE". I think it symbolizes that we need to do this as a community and not just yourself. You can't do this all by yourself. Your ending sentence is superb with the right determination and persuasion, "So rather than waiting to recover from the next tragedy, let's work towards never seeing one again." I'm totally "fan girling" over your writing. Great Job!
ReplyDelete