oldsoul
Gold Member
While I think you opening could use some... work (it seems somewhat offensive on it's face), I do agree that your idea is worth looking into.I know you did not direct this at me, however, I do have a couple of ideas. Just not sure how to implement them, or even if they make sense. Maybe you, or others here, can help with that.Its difficult to solve the problems in our ghetto's.
Got any ideas?
Here are my ideas. As I understand it (not being in, or from, a ghetto) one of the biggest issues people face is a societal feeling of what I call "hopelessness". The feeling that there just are not sufficient opportunities. So:
I am sure that there are other things to try. Just throwing more money at the problem doesn't seem to be working, and just walking away is not a viable option in my opinion. Therefore, something new must be tried before it gets even worse.
- Provide more, and better job opportunities through:
- Encouraging businesses to locate near (preferably in) these areas.
- Better schools. Not just for the kids, for the adults, especially parents, too.
- Encouraging mentorship. Especially by those most likely to be relatable. (ie. people who have "gotten out")
- Encouraging apprenticeships. While a trade may not be glamorous, it can be a "way out".
- Real, lasting prison reform. Prison does not need to be just a way to "keep them off the streets". It can be used as a tool to help people change their outlook so they can change their lives.
- Real, meaningful sentencing reform. There is no reason to lock a person up for 10 years for possession, unless there is evidence that this is either a) a recurring problem, or b) they intent do do harm(ie. intent to distribute, trafficking, etc.).
- Encouraging BOTH parents to raise their children. Even if they are not (and will never) be married. Heck they don't even have to live together, just get both the father and the mother to be involved.
- Encouraging famous people to get involved, "give back", show them that they have options. This means athletes, music stars, actors/actresses, etc. This one (and one or two others), I know, is already happening, I just don't know how much.
I think the best thing that should be done and something that could be done for Africans is to stop trying to teach them subjects in school they cannot grasp and are not interested in anyway. Now this goes for a lot of white kids also--in other words anyone who is not geared for a higher education or has no interest in academics aka english literature, history or the hard sciences..............set up a vocational program for them instead of forcing them to take just academic subject matter....aka....teach them basic reading and writing but place the emphasis on teaching them a skill...such as computer repair, plumbing, carpentry auto mechanics etc. aka skills they can actually use to earn a living. Too many kids...black and white are having years of their lives essentially wasted by a public school system not giving them the sort of training they need to earn a living.
These vocational classes to be set up in our public schools should be linked as closely as possible to employers that need skilled workers....so that the students might get some real job experience and on the job training....while they are still in school....like in the summer and even after the school day is over...let them work a couple of hrs. after school or perhaps even have them work a couple of days a week instead of going to school for the full week... everything should be geared to teaching them actual work skills and also the habits a good worker needs...like showing up on time, good attitude and how to get along with people...all the things needed to be a good worker.
However, first we must figure out how to get people to a)"buy-in" to the idea, and b) actually show up and participate. The first is likely the hardest, simply because the teacher's union will lose a lot of power, and other powerful folks will lose influence. The second will require a dramatic shift in culture, at least in many areas referred to as "ghettos".