Joliet Central High School

Joliet, Illinois

Teacher: Michael Reilly

 

Social Distortion

by Nigel Graham

Grade 11

 

What has happened to our communities today? People use to strive to build up and become part of the community. Yet today it seems that many have an indifferent view in becoming part of the community. There are many factors involved with the deterioration of our communities. High divorce rates, single parent homes, gangs and drugs. If every individual tried to improve themselves it would in turn better the communities. Because self improvement should include giving something back to the community.

           

One thing I feel is hurting our community is several ways of divorce. It causes damage emotionally in both partners and especially in their children. Divorce also has risen dramatically. Now almost one half of all married couples will divorce. This all relates to the responsibility of the partners. It would seem as though some couples aren’t trying very hard to work through their problems. They may see divorce as the easy way out. Which is why people cannot go out and marry on a whim. Marriage should be built over several years of getting to know and to love your partner. Pre-marital counseling may also help to make people realize what a big step marriage actually is. You must be very mature to handle the responsibilities of marriage.

           

People should really take a step back and realize how much divorce effects the children of our society. It must be very hard for a child to see their parents separated. They also might be deprived of seeing how a healthy relationship should be. Men and woman probably primarily learned the most about relationships from their parents. But I must add that there are several instances where it is better for a child to see his or her parents broken up then to see them constantly fighting and unhappy. But if the parents are going to get a divorce they should both work hard at seeing that their child grows up to be a productive stable person. Another big problem with our communities is all of the children born to un-wed mothers. Without a father figure in their lives it is tough for these children to find a positive male role model. Which can lead to them looking to unsuitable person or persons for guidance. These children may seek refuge in their friends which can be a very serious problem depending on who their friends are. This branches out to larger scale problems such as drugs and gangs.

           

Gangs are a huge problem in our communities today. Gangs are a haven for neglected youth. Under false pretenses a child is formulated into a criminal under the guidance of manipulative people who take them in and give them the family that they never had and longed for. In return the child is to fully obey the other members of their new “family”. This leads to the child turning to an unproductive lifestyle on the streets. So you can see how children without fathers can lead to huge problems in criminal activity and deterioration of our society. Also several members of our society have embraced drugs.  People see in drugs the pleasure that they don’t see on life. Drugs use is common among teens and is destroying several lives. Drugs also kill motivation and cause depression. Without motivation you can’t expect someone to accomplish much during their lifetime. Drugs also hurt the family of the user just as much as the user is hurting themselves.

           

So what can be done for these children in unstable families? For children with two  divorcing parents I think that they will require some counseling. Just to help them realize that it’s not their fault and that their parents will be happier not being together. And for all the children without a father figure there should be larger community outreach programs, such as big brother/ big sister to give these children positive role models to keep them on the right path. Our government should also improve rehab programs and run more efficient anti-drugs campaigns.

           

It seems as though there are too many problems and that our society is too far under for anything to change. This is a horrible attitude. Probably the most important thing that we can do for our communities is mentoring. The best way to help society is to do it one person at a time. We all need to come together to build up strong ties among the communities. We need to support the local government and get involved in city meetings to make the problems in our communities known. Most importantly we cannot turn a blind eye to our society’s problems.  We must get involved now before it is too late.

 

 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

 

How might we decrease current divorce rates?

-We may be able to decrease divorce rates by offering more opportunities for married couples to get counseling

How might we arrange our communities so that one-parent can assume the role of a full time home-maker if he or she desires to do so?

-Workplaces should offer more jobs that can be done at home.

Should government provide social services?  Why or why not?  Can you think of an alternative?

-The government should offer social services but only for a period of time long enough for an individual to get back on their feet. They should also have investigations of people using government services to make sure that they are not taking advantage of the programs. 

How might we get members of the community to trade the antagonism they often feel towards government at all levels into a feeling of cooperation and appreciation?

-They should have an open forum for the leaders in federal and local governments to openly discuss with people problems that arise in the community.

How might we realistically reduce taxes?

-We should cut back on unecessary things such as the space program.

How might we help non-profits target the resources to the real needs in a community?

-They should do more research into what problems need more attention.

How might we help non-profits attract new resources and maximize existing resources?

-Openly discuss as a community which areas need the most help.

How might contributors of time and money maximize their contributions?

-Have the community publish a newsletter about which programs need help.

How might volunteers find jobs that are worthy of their efforts and abilities?

-Again there should be a newsletter concerning non-profits

How might we get non-profits to collaborate rather than compete with one another to stop wasteful duplications?

-Hold meeting to unite the non-profits in a community.

How might we encourage the members of the youngest and oldest generations to participate in efforts to improve the quality of life in their communities?

-By giving them jobs that they can do.

How might we relieve the heavy economic burden of the middle generation who are carrying the government as well as the younger and older generations on their backs?

-By making social security only as much as you earn.

How might we equalize economic opportunities in a society where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer?

-By basing tax solely on income.

How might we infuse character and values and values and our communities?

-By offering classes in the workplace and in school about how to become more outgoing and disciplined.

How might we provide employers and institutions of higher learning with employees and students who do not need thousands of dollars worth of remedial education?

-By having the government give classes in remedial skills.

How might we prepare students for the work place and help the to make good career choices?

-Give a high school class about filling out resumes and finding jobs.

How might we remove the fear and disdain that many members of the oldest and youngest generation feel toward one another?

-Give them activities that they can do together.

How might we give the unemployed and those now employed low skill jobs more opportunities to advance in the workplace?

-Give low cost classes on how to excel in their job.