This is a long one...Caught some kids taking mangos off the back porch today. Heard some noise, opened the door, saw them in the yard of the duplex adjacent to our backyard, and waved to let them know I knew they were there. Then I went inside and watched from the cameras as they came in the yard and took a few. I watched a little longer and they came back a second time, so I went out to greet them. They didn’t panic or run. I found that interesting. I asked who had taken the ones on the porch and 3 pointed to the youngest of the group, a boy, 5 or 6. He fessed up, no fear or worry. That was interesting too. I explained that all they had to do was knock on the door and ask for some, and I would gladly give them. I said taking other peoples stuff was the wrong way to live. They looked like they didn’t believe I would just give them up freely. I imagine these 4 black kids might have a reason to think otherwise. Talking further I found that they’re living in the duplex right behind us. 4 kids, ages 5 to 13 in a 3 bedroom duplex. No parents to be seen, though I know an older woman lives there. I’ve seen her sitting out front when I drive by. We talked a little bit, I didn’t want them to go away thinking I was mad, just tried to give them an impression that it’s better to ask than to take. I’m pretty sure I didn’t accomplish that with any of them and it was obvious that any sense of right or wrong that may have existed was gone, which made me sad. They’re poor kids, living in a small duplex, with parents or a parent who are doing little or nothing to help them make a better life for themselves. They’ve got no hope, and they’re being taught or at least led to believe that the only way you’ll get anything you want is to take it. The people who can change that kind of attitude, are the ones that take the time to try. I know some would have gone off on the kids, for multiple reasons. But I think the only way you can change their direction is to have an intelligent, calm conversation. There’s still time at that age and reacting as I know others might only reinforces what they are being fed. They’re a product of their environment. I may not have accomplished anything today, but if one of them walked away thinking that next time I’ll ask instead of take, I did. If everyone did the same, maybe the direction of these kids might change, and in turn, the world we live in.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Aug 2013 23:48:15 +0000