By now, most of you have probably seen the video of the group of girls beating the other girl in the house. (Turn to CNN if you haven't) Alot of people are shocked but the reality is that this type of thing happens every single day. There are so many angles that I could analyze this from that my head is just spinning. Instead of getting on my "racial coverage in the media" soapbox, I'll stick to the most important issue at hand.I spoke to Leslie Denman, of Girls Living Life on Purpose this afternoon about our shared passion for empowering teen girls. We briefly spoke about violence, since it is apparently an issue in both of our cities. Leslie is in Dallas, and I'm in Philadelphia, but violence is obviously a nationwide issue.I have to admit that I'm kind of torn about my feelings regarding this video, and this is the topic I want to post for discussion. I want to get feedback, because although the video was more than disturbing, I can't help feel terrible for the girls who committed the act. Let me explain. My husband says that I should think about how I would feel if it were my daughter on the tape, and I get that. This was a reprehensible act and they should be punished for it...to the fullest extent of the law. But...what does that help?I look at this situation from everyone's perspective. I cannot stress enough how sorry I feel for the victim, but in my opinion everyone is a victim in this situation. This is such a powerful testimony to the fact that our girls need our help to make positive choices for their lives. Because when you get right down to it, each and every one of those girls made the concrete choice to be involved in that scene. They need guidance. In my work with teens, choices and ACCOUNTABILITY are two of the key areas on which I spend a lot of time. I constantly preach that once they make a choice to do something, they must be able to fully own the consequences, in this case, possible jail time. I try my best to develop a mutually respectful relationship that leads them to trust that the work that we do together is for thier benefit. I hope and pray that if one of my girls were ever in a situation like this, they would be able to think of one of our sessions and walk away.I had to talk about this, but I also want to post a question.Do you think these girls can be reached and empowered, or are they a lost cause?Can everyone be reached, or are there some people who cannot be helped?Thanks for listening.
Courtney,
In response to your questions, yes those young ladies can be reached. I work everyday in a high school with troubled youth. They are looking for a way out as well as guidance. It's all about breaking through the barriers in their hearts. They are angry and misguided but want to change. Often times these young ladies have been raised to do what they do and their loyalty to family is strong. I've been able to cirlce with young ladies and break through the barriers because I keep it real, I'm honest and I model for them another side that they haven't seen up close and personal. They are still children and want love just like everyone else. When I et to the meat and potatoes I begin to ask people if they've ever been sold to grown men so their mother can get a fix. These young ladies have encountered so much that their only means of escape is rage, anger and hatred.
God gave me the assignment to restore the women and the children will follow. That's where A Woman of Worth was born from. What I learned over the years is that helping the youth is fine but they have to return to the same household and environment after they leave my presence.
God Bless You in your efforts. My heart goes out for all the young people of this world.
Erica
Comments
In response to your questions, yes those young ladies can be reached. I work everyday in a high school with troubled youth. They are looking for a way out as well as guidance. It's all about breaking through the barriers in their hearts. They are angry and misguided but want to change. Often times these young ladies have been raised to do what they do and their loyalty to family is strong. I've been able to cirlce with young ladies and break through the barriers because I keep it real, I'm honest and I model for them another side that they haven't seen up close and personal. They are still children and want love just like everyone else. When I et to the meat and potatoes I begin to ask people if they've ever been sold to grown men so their mother can get a fix. These young ladies have encountered so much that their only means of escape is rage, anger and hatred.
God gave me the assignment to restore the women and the children will follow. That's where A Woman of Worth was born from. What I learned over the years is that helping the youth is fine but they have to return to the same household and environment after they leave my presence.
God Bless You in your efforts. My heart goes out for all the young people of this world.
Erica