Hardly a day passes that some well-meaning Brother or Sister doesn't complain about the lack of positive role models for young people, especially with regards to their families.
I would be the first to agree... and disagree. Our social system is in crisis. We've raised a generation of young people whose values are defined by all the wrong things... and that generation is raising their own next generation.
We live in a world where being ignorant is cool, conformity is the ideal, and image is everything. The most common question: "Where are these kids parents... particularly their fathers?"
The reality of our world is that in many cases, the father can't or won't provide support for their children, emotionally or financially. Real-life situations (work responsibilities, prison, other relationships, or sometimes simple immaturity) create barriers between parents and their children. When this happens, who will fill their place?
We must. Each free-thinking, clear headed individual must take responsibility not only for his or her own, but also those around them. If we don't, young people will continue to fall to the same vices that have plagued every human civilization since the beginning of time, especially ours. Every one of us knows young people; in fact, most of us know young people who in all likelihood are destined for trouble. What have you done about it?
This is especially true for young men, who will naturally turn to older men for support and acceptance. Even as college students, we have the most potential to set a good example for the young people in our lives. Most importantly, for those without a strong leader in their lives, we must fill that role.
It's tempting to offer an excuse for why we can't... too busy, not enough money, don't want to interfere, waiting to clean up our own lives. But, we must fill the role for those who can't. How much effort would it take to include young people in your life - to hang out a couple times a week, or show up to little Michael's school awards ceremony?
Sometimes, just being there is enough to make a difference. Young people are intelligent - they can tell the difference between someone who focused and went to college to create a future for himself, as compared to "the dudes" on the corner. When they look at you, they see themselves. What would happen if each male student at your college brought a young boy to tour the campus? How many lives would be changed?
Whether you like it or not, you are a father (or mother). Someone you know is watching you, and taking a lesson. How you speak. What you know. Where you're headed. The way you dress. How you treat people. What you do in your spare time.
Are you sending the right message?
Resolve to always be the bigger man in every situation. Someone's life will change because of it... and it could be yours.
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The Leader's Survival Guide is daily insight for young men and women to inspire better living. Provided by Jonathan Carter of The Baltimore Renaissance Foundation, a nonprofit youth leadership organization in Baltimore, MD.
Posted By: Jon C.
Friday, February 9th 2007 at 7:09AM
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