KC Youth need parents, mentors
EDITOR’S COMMENTARY
YOUTH NEED INFUSION OF PARENTAL LOVE NOT MORE VENUES, by Wayne Hodges
KANSAS CITY, Mo – The official tally is in: Kansas City Youth 1, Adults without common sense 0. Please excuse me if I appear a bit sarcastic. It’s just that I find it appalling the fine youth of our community were able to make a case for urban development before a prestigious roster of city administrators, police staff and politicians, and we, the adults, didn’t. No, damn sarcastic. Excuse me if I sound a bit peeved.
On Monday (April 19), a ballsy group of high school students rallied before Kansas City Police Chief Jim Corwin and others to make proposals on effective ways to suppress teenage crime. This coming in the aftermath of the infamous riots that took place at the Country Club Plaza several days ago. “We need something free, so we go to the Plaza,” said Larry Coates, a senior at Central High School. Bingo! And I’m not talking about the game old ladies play at their leisure.
I’m talking about the core of the urban problem. Confused? Allow me to elaborate. Coates’ statement, in a nutshell, summarizes the 2K African-American plight which is: Many blacks honestly believe the world owes them something for free. Pretty sad isn’t it? But it’s true. I would’ve felt better had Coates campaigned for a job. Instead, with a straight face, he did the opposite. Coates, and several others, resorted to the demeaning practice of begging. Not good, especially for our young people.
See, many African-Americans are programmed from birth into believing asking and/or taking is more productive than earning. A paradigm shift, needless to say, is definitely in order. I’ve yet to read anywhere in the U.S. Constitution the community is responsible for entertaining our kids. I’m serious. I’ve never read it. If you happen to stumble across the amendment, please forward it to me.
An increase in teenage hangouts and free community programs is clearly not the answer. But I’ll get back to that point in a moment. For now, let’s stick with the summit. The meeting was obviously long overdue. Nobody’s going to argue that. The problem is it took a debacle comparable to the L.A. Riots to inspire meaningful dialogue.
Despite the motive, the meeting should still be viewed as a positive first step. “This is great. A long time coming,” said Corwin to the people in attendance.“ The Police Chief also urged both parents and students that plenty of activities are available. It’s just a matter of making them visible. “The hot dog man doesn’t know what the bun man is doing,” said Corwin. “We need to get them together.”
Police Chief Jim Corwin addresses students
An estimated 14 or 15 youth organizations were at the summit to lend their much needed support. And many of those in attendance were in complete agreement the solution to abolishing massive teen misconduct was to create more feasible avenues of entertainment. Uh…wrong. The implementation of more skating rinks, malt shops and arcades would simply serve as a band-aid to what has dissolved into a broken leg.
No, we don’t need any more band-aids. Damn that. This crisis warrants full-scale reconstructive surgery. Among the confused souls in attendance was a wise man by the name Rodney Knott. He was, in my humble opinion, the lone voice of wisdom at the rally. Instead of filling the kids’ heads with outlandish hopes of new hangouts, Knott preached the focus should shift to the core of economic obsolescence (i.e. poor education, teen unemployment, fatherless homes, etc. etc.).
“Fifty percent of kids drop out of school,” said Knott. “The last thing they need is more entertainment … because 10 years after they go to midnight basketball, they still are no better prepared for a job than before.” Yahoo! Can I get a ‘whoop whoop?’ Can I get an ‘AMEN?’ In a room filled with city administrators, police staff and youth organizers, Knott was apparently the only rational mind in the house. Now it’s easy to see why progress has been retarded.
I plan to contact Mr. Knott for an interview. I’m dead serious. Knott and I see eye-to-eye on this issue. We both understand the real reason the summit was called in the first place was because merchants and cash-spending patrons at the Plaza demanded answers. In other words, the Police Chief received a memo reading something to the effect of “Get rid of those hoodlums or I’m taking my money and business elsewhere!!!”
Loss of revenue for area business, uncontrollable rioting and criminal activity are hardly new to the urban experience. Yet, I’ve not seen one damn summit called by city administrators and police staff. Not one. You don’t fix a half century of social and economic deficiencies by building a ‘Skateland.’ You just don’t. Whether we accept it or not, the only viable solution resides within the home. These kids, to be candid, need parents who give a damn. Or, at the very least, a mentor to emulate. Legally, I would like to see a law holding irresponsible parents and guardians accountable for the vile actions of their children. Why not levy a $500 fine against mom and dad for lazy parenting?
Look, the core of teen misconduct is not a lack of venues. Many “so called” hangouts and shopping malls have closed as a byproduct of misbehaving kids. The real problem starts at home. Besides, by caving in to the students’ demands, city administrators run the risk of sending the following disturbing message to children: “If you act a fool, we’ll succumb to the pressure and grant your wishes.” Knott knew the deal. It’s a shame nobody else in the room did.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also an adjunct professor, MPA at Kansas University, and intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
April 20th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Hodges, I am in agreement with you wholeheartedly on this issue. I read the article in the Kansas City Star and I saw the story on the news last night and I could not get past the kids begging for things to do. I wanted to see more from the parents but unfortunately we did not see it. Like you said, we need more parents to be held accountable or these problems will continue.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Preach brotha Hodges! PREACH!!!!!!
April 20th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
I agree Wayne the problem is why are we taking advise on the youth on how to raise them we all know what they want however it isn’t what they need! Adults need to be in control why are they giving parental control to our children? Ms.E
April 20th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
SIMPLY A MASTERPIECE! I would leave a more detailed response but i would be echo’ing your words. We are letting the inmates run the asylum.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
hey hodge you know how i think. WHY DO BLACK PEOPLE ALWAYS FEEL LIKE THEY GOT TO ASK THE WHITE MAN TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS????????? these kids are on TV giving orders like they running something. Most of them cant spell or read. where are the parents???? and since when do we start taking orders from kids??? i agree with you hodge. these parents are a joke
April 20th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
hi wayne…just want to say i really appreciate your articles. you do a nice job spreading positive messages.
April 20th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
This is what I been telling you for a minute wayne. Prime Minister stop it because it is not running to a white man to solve OUR problems. They are the ones who stop things because people like most of us, sit back and try to figure out where to put the blame. THE WHITE MAN STILL IS IN CONTROL “FOOL” UNTIL PEOPLE LIKE WAYNE PULL TOGETHER!!! They are taking dollars from the school district and we are screaming for a better education system in the hood, I guess that is begging for help too, SO I will beg for a better education for our children. Okay some parents are DEAD, IN JAIL, ON DRUGS, AT WORK, and WHO KNOWS WHAT. Now that you got your answers, what can you help them with. We gave you the problem now how are you going to solve it? YOU AINT, you are just going to continuing COMPLAINING and KEEPING MESS GOING.
They are not running things, they are CRYING OUT FOR HELP and ASS–USUAL people are stupid azz adults. If they cant spell or read where are prime minister going to set up some tutoring places for them to learn? Im in for that. Oh you are not smart to understand that are you???
Parent are mostly lost or something and there is no need trying to always talk about the parents because if they were there we would not be having this discussion. Let talk about how we are going to help the children instead of being stupid and blind.
You are a BLACk man I think, I’m coming to you for help instead of the white man.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT BROTHER???? STAND UP OR SHUT UP!!!!
Lady Lynette
April 20th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Lady Lynette, this is easily the best response of the day. I can’t speak for Prime Minister. But I honestly believe ‘accountability’ is missing inside Urban America. Somehow, some way, we must figure out a way to get parents more involved in child development. I , along with a group of colleagues, started an organization titled “Project CLIMB’ to help bridge the parent-student gap. I plan to meet with the executive board in May. By rebuilding parental confidence, we stand a much stronger chance of revitalizing the urban community; which ultimately translates into better living conditions for our children.
April 20th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Wayne,
With all due respect, what happened to the “Alvin Brooks” and the “Terry Rileys”? I attended a meeting, very similar to the one discussed here, in 1997, with the KC Chief of Police, at UMKC, to discuss growing crime in the city. At that time, the President of the Urban League wanted to “shut me down” from asking the then-Chief pointed questions (obviously I was too well-informed), relative to Community Policing, etc.
At that same meeting I was approached by Alvin Brooks (and I do have much respect for him), who was overy concerned about my prior residence in Arkansas, which was probably an attempt to gather information to find out more about me. See, I had just relocated to Kansas City in 1997 to work with then, Supt., Henry P. Williams, Jr., Kansas City Public Schools.
Furthermore, I invited Terry Riley, and he accepted, to speak in my 5th grade classroom during Black History Month. His rhetoric at that time (and I have have much respect for Terry, also), was quite similar to the rhetoric at this meeting with all of these community groups. As a result of my attempt to ask questions at that meeting, three days later I received a letter from the Chief of Police inviting me to work with his office to solve some problems – I declined. I am not fond of anyone attempting to “pick my brain.”
Wayne, I’ve “been there, done that.” Frankly, our black youth are being pimped by our own community. We use them and allow others to help us to use them for every “it’s all about the children,” fraud. The youth understand quite well what is taking place and they’re rebelling. You see, they’re speaking out the only way they know how, through rebellion,” because the so-called leaders, parents, etc., in the black community have done an awful job (really have done the job at all), of helping our young people to become “thinkers.” Well, wouldn’t you know it, if they don’t live around or see any “thinkers,” then how could they possibly “think” to ask the right questions? We’re just playing with our children’s lives. So, really, we are killing them just as dead as a “drive-by” shooter would kill them.
Peace,
Hafeeza
April 21st, 2010 at 8:41 am
lady lynette whats up with the abuse???? yes im a black man and proud of it. where do you get off questionin my BLACKNESS??? everybody is entitled to they opinion. the only reason the white man has all the control is because black people stopped believing in themselves. we dont support each other and we always asking the white man to save the day. when are we going to start being responsible for our own success and failures??? this aint slavery. this is the new millenium. we should be past beggin the white man by now.
April 21st, 2010 at 8:56 am
Hey Wayne!
I agree with your assessment.
I’ve heard the old excuse that many of these parents are children themselves.Well,for that matter in some societies you’re considered an adult at 12,so at what point do we hold parents accountable for the actions of our children?
Not only would I agree on a $500.00 fine,I would suggest parenting classes,counseling for the entire familyand if that’s not enough,then maybe so time in the slammer for irresponible parents.
For working parents,I would require employers to allow their employee time off to tackle these issues,separate from those provisions under the Family and Medical Leave Act,anything in an effort to keep these children and possibly even the parents from winding in the unjustice system and otherwise being human blight in our communities.
It might not hurt if we went back to being NEIGHBORS!
Barry Jackson
April 21st, 2010 at 8:59 am
Both sides of this argument lack “perspective” not only do we need to check today’s youth, but Hodges (writer) need a chin check also. I agree with the obvious, that we need better parents, less entertainment and the kids need to stay in their proper place. What I do not agree with is blanket statements like many “African-Americans are programmed from birth into believing asking and/or taking is more productive than earning.” This language should not be allowed by the African American community, oh I forgot there is no African American community. Hodges comes from the typical black middle class mind set….. what is wrong with them. There is no them Mr. Hodges, and this article lets me know there is no we.
I am getting tired of the one sided coin when it comes to people of color from Kansas City to Zimbabwe (by the way life expectancy in Zimbabwe is now 41 years) Hodges need to stop with the emotional tirade. Hodges was more wrong then right in this article, which is a shame because he made a few obvious, but good points. There was a post (comment) from this Colum, that states the problem in the world today, “get them hoodlums out of here or I will take my money and leave” Sorry this is not 1910.
The youth is not the problem and has never been the issue at best they are a easy target. The last time I checked Hitler did not have on jeans hanging of his butt or a baseball cap. If the youth is the problem why are there not enough shelters for battered women, why is the unemployment rate as high as 50 % in some urban areas etc… Next time someone wants to talk about the ills of the black community, please bring more meat to the table so we all can eat.
-B
April 21st, 2010 at 11:01 am
IN RESPONSE TO BRIAN: Brian, I respectively disagree with some of your comments. Please understand, the tone of my editorial is not condescending. The term “many” should not be mistaken for “all.” There’s a huge difference. Also, keep in mind, the statement “many African-Americans are programmed from birth…” doesn’t insinuate other races of people are exempt from this practice. The unfortunate incident that took place at the Country Club Plaza was, according to police officers, instigated by a predominant black crowd of rowdy teenagers. In other words, diversity was not an issue.
Therefore, the subject, in this case, is African-Americans. Nor, did I suggest the youth are our problem. That’s completely false. Actually, I inflicted the lion’s share of blame upon irresponsible parents and lazy adults. I also lamented the efforts of the Police Department for not calling the summit much sooner. Riots and criminal activity have gone on for decades in the urban community. Why wait until the precious Plaza is infected before taking action? Everybody has a small stake in this debacle. Everybody. And it’s certainly not the kids’ fault.
April 21st, 2010 at 11:31 am
hodge gotta agree witcha dogg…the police are wrong for not addressing this stuff sooner. nobody cares about the hood but as soon as the plaza gets hit now the police want to get involved. thats foul
April 21st, 2010 at 5:27 pm
I agree with the need for better parenting. But that takes time. An immediate solution is to find other entertainment for our kids. And yes, I think they need to have things to do in the community. I don’t buy into the argument that they should all stay home. I certainly wasn’t willing to do that when I was a teenager.
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:29 am
No, actually Wayne, I think it would be “more fun” if you work with “the powers that be.” Quoting your words, “get the scum out of office”, isn’t the kind of fun I’m referring to. Our youth, and “the leaders,” must hold the chief of police accountable for his expressed interest. Besides, they don’t give up “the power” easily, and “taking the power” at this particular time would present a distraction.
However, you and the youth can develop a powerful position of your own. How in the world can they afford not to listen when the ideas are “powerful”, coming from the youth and their advocates, the “leaders?” Certainly, “the leaders,” must be held accountable, too.
I felt empowered, having read your statement, “You and I see eye to eye, and I appreciate the compliment. It is my perspective that the “begging,” attributed to the youth speakers at the meeting, simply resembles the conventional “thinking” of far too many of, “the leaders,” some of whom may have been present at the meeting. Haven’t some of our leaders “begged,” and continue to “beg,” for grants, recognition, positions, favor, jobs, etc., etc., etc?
Enough is enough! Our children can, and should be expected to represent themselves, well, in collaboration with the police chief, (since he’s interested – let’s see), and the youths’ advocates, “the leaders!” (I’d be delighted to see which leaders stand “the test of time.” (let’s see)
Let’s talk.
Peace,
Hafeeza
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:20 am
IN RESPONSE TO ANNE PRITCHETT: Anne, I’m in complete agreement. Kids must have a social outlet. The problem is many skating rinks, shopping malls and entertainment venues have closed as a byproduct of teen misconduct and crime. The only way to keep these businesses open is to abolish unruly behavior. This process must start at home.
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:33 pm
aint nothin to do in the hood. they need to find somewhere fo these kids to go. everything in the hood is closed and boarded up. they dont want the kids at the plaza so where can they go?
April 25th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Wayne I want to add one more thing. These kids and parents need Jesus in their life. We can solve all these problems if people made a conscious effort to live right. We keep forgetting that Jesus is the way to happiness and peace.
April 26th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I do agree that parents should be held more accountable. I say issue fines and put them in jail.