by Robert Bruton

Created on: August 11, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

Teens are barraged with a firestorm of emotions, hormones, drugs, sex and drinking. Is it any wonder some fall into a trap? These troubles are indiscriminate. Teens from good homes, privileged upbringings are not immune to the dangers of delinquent behavior. The worst tragedy of all is gangs and gang influence. These tribes of delinquents are not only extremely dangerous and violent. But kids often times see no other way but to follow.

Parents who do the best job they can to provide a nice home and positive atmosphere. Children can still fall prey to the pressures put upon them. Sounds a bit doom and gloom! It should.

Society has allowed what children are allowed to see on TV, hear on the radio to the point to desensitizing our youth. The gangster lifestyle is glorified. Young boys think it's cool to be a gangsta. Our children have seen murder, drugs and violence on TV to the point it's really nothing to them. Video games and the like, some have terrible violence within them. I am not a proponent of censorship. But I am also a realist to the extent that as parents, we can't be with our kids 24/7 to have them not listen to certain music, play certain video games or watch violent TV programs.

So what is the answer? Since we now live within the society where kids can see murder on TV multiple times in a single program, it's more important than ever to talk with them. Sit them down for a serious talk. They probably will be saying come on Mom, Dad, this is stupid. But a frank discussion over right and wrong no matter how stupid your kids may think is a good thing!

If we intend to live with such an open society, then it is incumbent upon society to protect our youth. Schools, parents and social organizations need to have frank discussions about violence and crime. So much of that is glorified in TV, movies and music. A young impressionable mind could be easily lured into such deviant behavior when coupled with peer pressure.

To segregate kids as inner city at risk only invites trouble. When you pigeonhole kids into these subsets, you are telling them indirectly you are a criminal, or you're poor. Perpetuating the stereotype, thus giving the kids a false sense of themselves. Some children, who live in the projects, refer to it as such. "I live in the projects." Why can we not refer to it as home? Something to take pride in! Just because a family can't afford to live without assistance does not automatically sentence them to a life of crime or destitution. Yet that is what is portrayed on our televisions all the time. The worst crime happens in the projects.

Public debate needs to raise this problem to the forefront of our society. Instead, we discuss whether Brittany had on panties while out partying. Kids deserve a fair chance at the American dream.

Learn more about this author, Robert Bruton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.