Alex Wheatle(2)
The gang and knife culture: the way out
Local author Alex Wheatle refuses to shy away from asking the difficult questions and his latest novel The Dirty South is a devastating indictment of society’s failures to offer an alternative to ghetto culture.
23 people including members of the library reading group joined in discussion at Battersea Park library as part of Black History month.
Problems mentioned were children not knowing their parents, the lack of fear of being found out, resentment towards parents, parents not being honest, individualism, and uncontrolled access to internet, TV and computers. Kids feel abandoned and unsupported without clear guidelines. In society there is a lack of quietness, too much stimulation and kids do not interact with others. Marriage break-up can lead to an eldest son can become a surrogate parent, lack of self-worth. Respect for elders has gone. Black women can be portrayed in hip hop culture as loose.
Some suggestions made by parents: take away privileges for bad behaviour, kids should do chores, discipline is needed, good behaviour should be rewarded. Alex suggested that children should only be given a phone at the age of 15. The “black boys can” sessions are good. Children need good role models and mentors. Schools should invite local businessmen into schools rather than big personalities. Employers should offer work experience to students. Alex stressed the importance of reading. We can all help – “it takes a village to raise a child”.
Local author Alex Wheatle refuses to shy away from asking the difficult questions and his latest novel The Dirty South is a devastating indictment of society’s failures to offer an alternative to ghetto culture.
23 people including members of the library reading group joined in discussion at Battersea Park library as part of Black History month.
Problems mentioned were children not knowing their parents, the lack of fear of being found out, resentment towards parents, parents not being honest, individualism, and uncontrolled access to internet, TV and computers. Kids feel abandoned and unsupported without clear guidelines. In society there is a lack of quietness, too much stimulation and kids do not interact with others. Marriage break-up can lead to an eldest son can become a surrogate parent, lack of self-worth. Respect for elders has gone. Black women can be portrayed in hip hop culture as loose.
Some suggestions made by parents: take away privileges for bad behaviour, kids should do chores, discipline is needed, good behaviour should be rewarded. Alex suggested that children should only be given a phone at the age of 15. The “black boys can” sessions are good. Children need good role models and mentors. Schools should invite local businessmen into schools rather than big personalities. Employers should offer work experience to students. Alex stressed the importance of reading. We can all help – “it takes a village to raise a child”.
Comments