Yesterday, I went out with two co-workers and we were discussion how many of our students lack what we would consider to be fundamental values.  As we were talking, one of them said a lot of her students don't realize that vaious situations require them to behave in a different manner and when she says something to them about it, they think because she is white, she is wrong.  I told her, they think the same about me and I look like them.   For example, if they are at a sporting event or concert, it is totally acceptable of appropriate to yell and scream; however when they are in the classroom or school, that is unacceptable.  The sad reality is their parents don't always know what's acceptable and this is who they've learned from. 

Here are a few things we can do as a community to try and steer our children on the right path. (These suggesstions are not just for your own personal children, but for any child you know or may encounter.) I know we can't solve the issues of the world overnight, but maybe if we start working on these things, our young children won't be flashing themselves and taking inappropriate and potentially self-incriminating photos of themselves.

..Love yourself first even if no one else is/does.  When it comes to relationships and what's acceptable, many of them expect a young man to get physical with them.  If he doesn't, they think he is weak or something is wrong with him.  Last year, a boy asked me if my man had ever "you know".  Now I didn't know and asked him to explain further but he kept saying "you know".  I don't remember if he or someone else finally told me he wanted to know if my man had ever hit me.  I politely explained to him and the rest of the class that in no shape, form or fashion that could have ever happened because I don't think you can teach in Illinois with a felony conviction.  If man ever put his hands on me, after my sisters and I got through with him, we'd all be requesting a jury trial.  So many of them don't see anything wrong with domestic violence because it is the norm in their lives.

... Believe in yourself when it seems like all hope is lost.  So many young people are not taught to believe in themselves.  I think so many kids feel like there is something wrong with trying to be successful.  I try to explain to them that if they are the only person who is successful in their family, maybe they can/will inspire others to do the same.  I also try to get them to see that the same people who talked about them in a negative manner will be the first ones trying to latch on to their coat tail. 

... Have integrity and self-respect.  So many young people lack integrity and self-respect it is sad.  They don't realize that integrity is everything and without it you are nothing.  A lot of young people don't have anyone to hold them to a higher standard.  They often make unscrupulous decisions because no one has taught them or reinforced character education.  Let's teach our children how to select the right clothes for their body and how to properly groom themselves for jobs.  So many young people don't know what to wear to a job interview and how they should act.  When they are asked to dress up for potential employers or colleges, many of them lack a good pair of slacks or skirt, so they resort to wearing jeans.  A lot of them don't think it is important to have a good pair of slacks or dress shoes to wear to an interview.

I know we can't fix all the youth  in America, but let's start one child at a time.  Let's bring back the village to assist in rearing children.  When I was younger, the entire block could and would correct you when you were doing wrong (and then go tell your mom or dad).  Now, so many people don't want anyone saying anything to their children so the children grow up being rebellious and not respecting authority.