How do we save Jamaica’s young men?
It is tragic that most bad boys I have heard of have similar background stories.
Grew up in a single parent house, father ran off after he was unable or in many cases unwilling to meet the financial demands of the family. In some instances the father was not there because the mommy got pregnant by some man she was in love with who only wanted to have recreational sex and left at the first sign of responsibilities. In other situations, daddy is dead or in prison.
By time the boy becomes a teenager and begins to watch television whether at home or at the corner shop, he realizes that this life, his “livety” is something to be embarrassed about. He is ashamed of the zinc fence and the one room house that mama lives in. He wants a life like the one he sees on T.V. Now he does not even need television, he only needs social media like Facebook where people make posts about their perfect lives and force ordinary people to question the legitimacy of their own banal existence.
Mama begs him to keep out of trouble but mama knows little about grooming a good man for she probably has never met one and as Tupac said it is hard for a woman to raise a man. The boy stop take “talk” from mommy and albeit mommy will want him to become a better man. She is unable to effectively teach the difference between ambition and desires. There is nothing wrong with wanting “the good life” but it is not solely money that maintains luxury but hard work and perseverance.
These notions were raised when I had a discussion last night at a memorial for a cousin of mine who was killed last year. I said to a group of boys, hoping that my words would not fall on deaf ears.
“You cannot get something simply by wanting it. Not because you feel entitled to something or you want it, it does not mean you should get it or people should facilitate it for you. We must learn that our life is our responsibility, yes we can blame our parents for never having it or politicians for never giving a damn, but at the end of the day people will measure your life and without care for the circumstances you were born into. You will be held accountable for your life.”
They appeared disinterested. Who was I to talk to them when I could not even get my own to listen?
My cousin’s death haunts me because I somehow feel responsible. I know it was not my fault but everyone knows reading about something and finding it on your own doorstep is an entirely different experience. I did not just lose the little boy I grew up with, I lost friends and the respect of people for being related by blood to someone killed by the police. They assumed he must have done something wrong and he somehow deserved to die.
They criticized my family,’ soo soo’ behind my back and questioned my integrity for having “people like that in my family”, something I believe I have no control over. I think they would have had me deny any relations to this boy like some people do. Other people got to choose their families but unfortunately I was born into one. So I was left with the burden of being blamed for the disaffected young men in my”breed”and if they were wrongdoers and a part of my kindred then it meant I was a criminal sympathizer,that I somehow must have known and upheld with whatever they did.
Now I know how some parents who believe they raised good children feel when one child falls by the wayside. I am human and it pricked at my conscience. I was vouching for the boy I knew, not the man it was rumored he had become. All I remembered was the kind boy who “wramp” too much, he was too trusting, not judgmental enough and never really took life seriously. He embraced everybody and it was this ” keep all kinda friends” attitude to life that got him killed.
I cannot adequately emphasize how difficult it is to speak to one of these young men and have them listen to a female. I often think how difficult their mothers must have it. They apparently only listen to other males, men who they want to emulate, men with power, money and guns. His story is epic; single mother, father ran off, mommy sell clothes pon roadside fe buy the chicken back and rice to send him and his several siblings to school.
I sometimes think that maybe if I “reasoned” with him instead of shunning him in the last months of his life because I did not approve of his companions then maybe I could have saved him. I often think if only I had reached out to him instead of “malicing him”. I alienated him because I believed he would come to his senses and if he really valued my opinion, then he would shake up his folly grounds and steer clear of bad company. He was only twenty three years old.
I feel responsible somehow. So I have taken it upon myself to encourage young men whenever I get a chance even though half the time they probably won’t listen. I have come to a conclusion that our young men have serious identity and self esteem issues. Our young men want money, they believe having a lot of money will make them a man. “They want to be like the Don or the Politician, who drive big vehicle and have a lots of girls”.
They have not heard of ordinary men with success stories only ordinary men who work all them life and never get further than the two room board house. Ordinary men getting killed everyday.Ordinary men whose women left them for men with supposedly more money. Ordinary men who are called dead beat fathers. Ordinary men who the people I went to school with call ” Old Neygahs!”
They do not read and I doubt they watch Profile on Sundays with Ian Boyne. They do not think that ordinary people like themselves of unborn opportunities can offer anything to this world. They cannot be like the “big boys” because they did not finish school and cannot get a “neck tie job”. I feel guilty about my little cousin’s death and so I encourage, educate and reason with young men every chance I get to see if I can save even one and save some other family from this tragedy.
And so tell them. :” Badness don’t pay and all gangsters must die. Most bad men we heard of in our lifetime died in their youths and that supposedly should be a lesson enough for you. So if you love your life, you steer clear of badness and guns”
Other times I try appeal to their morality by using analogies and references. ” Life is a cycle, you cannot expect to hurt someone else’s sister, brother, father and mother, and cause other people family grief and pain and not expect that some day your family will mourn over you too. What goes around comes back around. People have family and people who love them just like you do. Just like how you would be very upset if a boy come take your things a same way people ago vex if you take theirs”
I invite the men in my extended family, enticing them with the occasional cook out and rum. Sometimes I sit and listen for I get great material from their conversations for my stories. Other times I engage them in some “conscious reasoning” and they listen, nod with pensive stares, gazing out in space. Gone to another place, I wonder at times what they are thinking about and when they smile, I see the boys I have known all my life.
A friend of mine once said. “Crystal stop post up pictures with them bwoy bwoy deh a yuh yard. Them look like a some thief.”
I asked her “if is mi family them she a call thief?”. I could not blame her for her observation for I have had the same problems walking on the streets and seeing young men with kerchiefs tied across them face, wearing Hoodies in broad sunlight and stepping like Super Cat. The Boys I grew up with are not an exception, they too think dressing like that is quite fashionable and since Lil Wayne and Tommy Lee are doing it then why not. Everybody wants to look like a bad man to impress whom, I do not know since dressing like that only seems to attract leery looks and Police Harassment.
She told me one day in a heated conversation about how I sympathized too much with Ghetto people when they put up with too much slackness and how she seriously questioned my moral leanings. She went on to say that ” A one a them same youth deh weh me counsel might take my life.” I believe I told her. “It is the same kind of risk the Pastor, the social worker and even our teachers take everyday in this society. Somebody have to do it. We cannot all just sit aside and watch”. She laughed and shook her head calling in the support of her other intellectual friends to show me how much of a fool I was to think I could ever change “people like them”. She said.
“When I go back to my area, I talk to them, I say hi to the boys on the corner but I never make them feel as if they are my equal. I do not know if is fear you fear them or you a try fit in but sometimes you sound like and act like two different persons to me. You have crystal the blogger, intellectual extraordinaire and then you have Diama from down Westmoreland bush bush.” I told her that those of us who are from the gutter, from time to time a piece of us does fall off and float back down to the ground from whence we came.
I cannot blame her for thinking that way. I have found myself staring at little boys even babies whose mothers find funds to buy horse hair and Chinese tights to wear go dance and yet cannot send their sons to schools and wonder if I am staring into the eyes of my own killer. It is unfair for me to judge a child based on the circumstances he was born into. My friends will say. “Make them take up badness and see if them nuh dead”. I always respond. “Well every badman have a bad end. My only issue is how much a we them ago kill before someone gets rid of them.” I understand how my “middle class” friends think. I do not condone wrongdoers but young men die a lot because of badman image. I want them to know that they do not have to act bad, pursue ‘badmandship’ or get into gangs to seek validation.
I will continue to counsel. Anyone with dreams or fantasies of change knows that the work must first start with themselves and their small circles. I-nation (A book distributor) implored me to start a reading club in my parish. I will find out how i can go about doing that. Nelson Mandela said education is the most powerful weapon that can change the world. I grew up in the same circumstances like these boys, i believe the only difference was that i would rather read a book than play ball on the Play field. I am hoping that by encouraging literacy, that i might find an antidote. A commentator wrote on a previous article a quote from John F. Kennedy. ” ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”and it made sense.
…well its a great sob story…but it in no way justifies youth picking up a gun and killing people…nobody including the gov owes these youth a living…everybodies born the same..even ones born into rich take up guns…you all including me have had to make our own way through life…its not easy..who said it would be.?….evil is as evil does………..any youth with a gun is a lethal force to other people…..when they get shot dead they deserve it because their victims didn’t deserve it….do what you will to council,set example or any of the social means to bring them back but… Read more »
Serious Article Crissy. we want to save as many as our black men as possible. Education is the key and equal access to opportunities. Instill feelings of pride and belonging. We need to get our young men to take education seriously. No more sculling class. It is not just Jamaica, happening all over the world. Yes Nelson Mandela said Education can change the world. Be the change you want to see in the world. One Love…X
Thankfully, this does not apply to every child coming from a broken home, one parent family or whatever. Many are focused on a better way of life and gearing themselves towards it by attaining college education and certificates they need to progress. I too know gun youths, and they are that way because many are in the wrong crowd, poor parenting and lack of finances to see them through secondary school. The government needs to step in and ensure that when every child reaches the stage of entering secondary school, they are not wanting for anything to hinder their progress… Read more »
In history men have never really been around they were hunters and concerned with war. Lack of respect for women and mothers make them unlikely to listen to women. I know a blind couple who have raised good children. Think it has more to do with commercialism and get rich fast mentality. Nothing much to do with being a single parent
lots of poorer kids in the world and they don’t become criminal . These idiots just want riches without any sacrifice. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/us/from-a-rwandan-dump-to-the-halls-of-harvard.html?referrer=&_r=0
Gut wrenching TRUTH
This is a great message for the youths by the youths! The writer being very youthful in age. This article should also be publish in the star that a lot of young youths might read because it is referring directly to them.I have known persons very close to me that have been labeled or stereo-typed just by association and has lead to the even losing their lifes. And if only someone was there to encourage them, maybe the situation would have been different, but the main problem is lot of people sit around and say or do nothing to help… Read more »
Am so impressed and moved by your story. .love and respect always
What this does is make us think. The problem with talking to the yute is they won’t listen if they think they know more than you. Reprimand them against talking about shooting people and they just talk louder. Last week I came across in 2 different communities, the bad man who spoke about killing people based on politics, and the family who’s bad man son was shot possibly by rogue cops or other contracted killer. The son was trying to become a don. I see the anguish in the sisters eyes because they know what people are saying
It’s an awfully bad thing when society perceptions of one’s character can detour an individual the privilege of learning about themselves and what they can do make themselves a better person. Not to mention wanting to have a sense of belonging in a place were you feel alienated because your of certain status. Just the few will venture off into being excellent role models and the majority decides to take up the unlawful attitude.
good story could be used in training of community youths in the inner city and even with the police
I like ur work I think its the beginning of change we have to try and change how young people think,how they view themselves as apart of this nation and recognize that everyone has there part to play in the rebuilding of our own minds and the building of this country
I can sympathize with the status quo but we don’t have to adhere to it, I grew up in Grants Pen and I have seen a plethora of stuff whilst growing up; I had to lay on the ground wild shootings were going on, having men run through my yard and suff! However I knew only I could change my lifestyle and I knew I couldnt attain that by being a “shoota” I played football and people loved that and I was a scholar, went on to go to Jamaica College then from their Providence University College and Theological Seminary… Read more »
Everything she says is true. Many of the boys that she describes are like the boys who grew up in my community, they all knew me, and we played as kids, but I had a grandfather who was a MP who insisted that I attend Munro. When I left for Munro a curtain was drawn between us. I was not Shane, instead I was “Mr Chung big son who gone weh a big school. They would say hi when they walked by the gate if I was sitting on the balcony, but they never invited me to play football on… Read more »
First think parents should be stern with their kids to be respectful. That’s the first step.
words well said we all need to take some time out to help educate those less fortunate of the failure they’re setting up themselves for
Much respect to you Crystal, please keep up the good work, I think your’e doing a wonderful job with the so called ”ghetto youths” .(terrible label) sometimes, all ppl need is a helping hand , encouragement & someone who cares to change their lives/rise above circumstances. SOME ppl are too judgemental & full of themselves. Most of these youths have lost hope, You’re showing them that there’s another alternative, that they don’t have to become products of their environment. You won’t save ALL, but you will save some, a few maybe, but that’s better than none…..May the Creator guide, protect,… Read more »
Much respect to you Crystal, please keep up the good work, I think your’e doing a wonderful job with the so called ”ghetto youths” .(terrible label, SOME ppl are too judgemental & full of themselves)…. Sometimes, all ppl need is a helping hand , encouragement & someone who cares to change their lives & rise above circumstances. Most of these youths have lost hope, You’re showing them that there’s another alternative, that they don’t have to become victims/ products of their environment. You won’t save ALL, but you will save some, a few maybe, but that’s better than none…..May the… Read more »
Much respect to you Crystal, please keep up the good work, I think your’e doing a wonderful job with the so called ”ghetto youths” .(terrible label, SOME ppl are too judgemental & full of themselves)…. Sometimes, all ppl need is a helping hand , encouragement & someone who cares to change their lives & rise above circumstances. Most of these young men have lost hope, You’re showing them that there’s another alternative, that they don’t have to become victims/ products of their environment. You won’t save ALL, but you will save some, a few maybe, but that’s better than none…..May… Read more »
Excellent article!! Keep doing what you do!! Blessings!
Hello Mz. Evans. My name is Peter Campbell. I am the Managing Director of Caribbean East Atlantic Company Limited. First off let me say I am sorry for your loss. No one should have to die from anything except natural causes. No one should feel the need to turn to anything except a life of productivity and self actualization. I am working on a solution for Jamaica and I need honest good writers like you to write about it. I would like to convince you of what my solution is for Jamaica but if I don’t it doesn’t mean we… Read more »
Lovely article Crystal. As my mother was from Westmoreland I can see your concern. However how do these boys know the difference between good and bad when it’s almost impossible for them to access resources to make a comparison?
UPLIFTING PIECE OF ARTICLE. (SOLID) !
SMDH. These boys are not interested in TALK. When will people understand that the only way to cure poverty and violence is through ACTION? If you have the money, find out what interests them. Bring them up at Utech, make then enroll in a course, pay for it. make them know say if them want fi dash dem life away after that its not your business and you are doing your part. You cant tell them the way, you have to show them the way.
AN EXCELLENT ARTICLE CRYSTAL;
WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT IS THE RESULT OF MORAL DECAY
My Like Means; Living In A Society That Makes U Constantly Feels Like Being Poor Is A Crime. Consciously Tells The Person/s In This State Of Being(Poverty) That He/She Are Criminals! The Overwhelming Corrruption Present In All Aspect Of Our System Of Government Responsible For Managing & Distributing The Nations Wealth! Fustrates Our Younger Generation To Such Degrees, Knowing That Most Of The Elders Who Preceded & Presently Functioning Around Them. Has Not Only Mismanage Thier GOD Given Wealth, But Have Participated In Selfish Schemes That Has Deterioted The Opportunities. These Selfish Elders Politics & Economics Promised For Our Productive… Read more »
Well said Crystal. I would like to also add a little to what I think is a big game changer. The mass deportation and the cocaine trade is like gasoline on fire in Jamaica right now. The deportees that still want to continue the life that got them in prison abroad in the first place……..turning to drugs and gun runnings, and influencing the little youths in the Garrisons. Cable TV is another poison to the youths. Having them thinking of get rich schemes, and totally forgetting the core teaching of their parents on how to earn from the sweat of… Read more »
Thankfully, this does not apply to every child coming from a broken home, one parent family or whatever. Many are focused on a better way of life and gearing themselves towards it by attaining college education and certificates they need to progress. I too know gun youths, and they are that way because many are in the wrong crowd, poor parenting and lack of finances to see them through secondary school. The government needs to step in and ensure that when every child reaches the stage of entering secondary school, they are not wanting for anything to hinder their progress… Read more »
It’s an awfully bad thing when society perceptions of one’s character can detour an individual the privilege of learning about themselves and what they can do make themselves a better person. Not to mention wanting to have a sense of belonging in a place were you feel alienated because your of certain status. Just the few will venture off into being excellent role models and the majority decides to take up the unlawful attitude.
This is a great message for the youths by the youths! The writer being very youthful in age. This article should also be publish in the star that a lot of young youths might read because it is referring directly to them.I have known persons very close to me that have been labeled or stereo-typed just by association and has lead to the even losing their lifes. And if only someone was there to encourage them, maybe the situation would have been different, but the main problem is lot of people sit around and say or do nothing to help… Read more »
lots of poorer kids in the world and they don’t become criminal . These idiots just want riches without any sacrifice. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/us/from-a-rwandan-dump-to-the-halls-of-harvard.html?referrer=&_r=0
Gut wrenching TRUTH
Everything she says is true. Many of the boys that she describes are like the boys who grew up in my community, they all knew me, and we played as kids, but I had a grandfather who was a MP who insisted that I attend Munro. When I left for Munro a curtain was drawn between us. I was not Shane, instead I was “Mr Chung big son who gone weh a big school”. They would say hi when they walked by the gate if I was sitting on the balcony, but they never invited me to play football on… Read more »
…well its a great sob story…but it in no way justifies youth picking up a gun and killing people…nobody including the gov owes these youth a living…everybodies born the same..even ones born into rich take up guns…you all including me have had to make our own way through life…its not easy..who said it would be.?….evil is as evil does………..any youth with a gun is a lethal force to other people…..when they get shot dead they deserve it because their victims didn’t deserve it….do what you will to council,set example or any of the social means to bring them back but… Read more »
Excellent article!! Keep doing what you do!! Blessings!
In history men have never really been around they were hunters and concerned with war. Lack of respect for women and mothers make them unlikely to listen to women. I know a blind couple who have raised good children. Think it has more to do with commercialism and get rich fast mentality. Nothing much to do with being a single parent
good story could be used in training of community youths in the inner city and even with the police
Much respect to you Crystal, please keep up the good work, I think your’e doing a wonderful job with the so called ”ghetto youths” .(terrible label, SOME ppl are too judgemental & full of themselves)…. Sometimes, all ppl need is a helping hand , encouragement & someone who cares to change their lives & rise above circumstances. Most of these youths have lost hope, You’re showing them that there’s another alternative, that they don’t have to become victims/ products of their environment. You won’t save ALL, but you will save some, a few maybe, but that’s better than none…..May the… Read more »
I can sympathize with the status quo but we don’t have to adhere to it, I grew up in Grants Pen and I have seen a plethora of stuff whilst growing up; I had to lay on the ground wild shootings were going on, having men run through my yard and suff! However I knew only I could change my lifestyle and I knew I couldnt attain that by being a “shoota” I played football and people loved that and I was a scholar, went on to go to Jamaica College then from their Providence University College and Theological Seminary… Read more »
What this does is make us think. The problem with talking to the yute is they won’t listen if they think they know more than you. Reprimand them against talking about shooting people and they just talk louder. Last week I came across in 2 different communities, the bad man who spoke about killing people based on politics, and the family who’s bad man son was shot possibly by rogue cops or other contracted killer. The son was trying to become a don. I see the anguish in the sisters eyes because they know what people are saying
words well said we all need to take some time out to help educate those less fortunate of the failure they’re setting up themselves for
I like ur work I think its the beginning of change we have to try and change how young people think,how they view themselves as apart of this nation and recognize that everyone has there part to play in the rebuilding of our own minds and the building of this country
First think parents should be stern with their kids to be respectful. That’s the first step.
Serious Article Crissy. we want to save as many as our black men as possible. Education is the key and equal access to opportunities. Instill feelings of pride and belonging. We need to get our young men to take education seriously. No more sculling class. It is not just Jamaica, happening all over the world. Yes Nelson Mandela said Education can change the world. Be the change you want to see in the world. One Love…X
Am so impressed and moved by your story. .love and respect always
Crystal i love the way you think and talk girl. If you can change 1 young man life that’s great. Target young girls too. Keep up the good work girl God bless
Serious Article Crissy. we want to save as many as our black men as possible. Education is the key and equal access to opportunities. Instill feelings of pride and belonging. We need to get our young men to take education seriously. No more sculling class. It is not just Jamaica, happening all over the world. Yes Nelson Mandela said Education can change the world. Be the change you want to see in the world. One Love…X