violence in our city

[Kon Bouzikos]

We have all read and heard the stories concerning the rise of violence in the streets of our city and how unsafe it is becoming for people to go out especially on the weekend. The causes of violence are many and I do not wish to outline them however what I do strongly believe is that the levels of self esteem amongst youth are not very high and falling. The question remains how do we empower our youth to want to succeed in life , to be confident, to be civil when we are living in an unorthodox world where violence, corruption and self interest prevail? How many people do you know from the top of your head are genuinely concerned about another person? The fast pace of modern society, our lifestyle and heavy focus on overconsumption has created a society where most (not all) people choose to be indifferent, cold, selfish and unfortunately hard hearted. The mere fact that Australia has one of the highest levels of suicide amongst young men is a cause for concern. When I go back to school next week I will ask my Year 2 students to write down what does it mean to love somebody. Perhaps we can all learn from what they have to say !

[Mike Poluk]

Hi Kon,

Wow, you have created a very "deep" post about a massive issue in our world right now. Although I appreciate and respect your opinions, and the healthy discussion that your post can create, I am going to respectfully disagree with some of what you say. I don't believe that most people choose to be indifferent, cold, selfish, or hard-hearted. There is no doubt that some people choose to be this way, but I would argue that many people (who seem like they don't care) are compassionate and warm-hearted but they don't realize that they have the ability to truly make a difference in the world through their actions. It's the age-old attitude of "I am only one person, what I do wouldn't really matter anyways."
This is why it is so important for us as educators to model this for our students. We need our students to realize that each of us has the power to make the world a more compassionate, warm, and selfless place to live. In my opinion, our example is our most effective teaching method. Does this make sense?
Anyway, it will be interesting to hear what your students have to say about this issue. Please let us know!

[Angela]

I have the same concerns that Kon does about the violence that exists in our world, but in all honesty, the older I get the more hope I have and the more I am able to see (or perhaps seek out!) those who are equipped to be caring and compassionate. When I look at the generation of young people that I get to work with today, I see a level of consideration and respect and humanity in them that I feel they don't get enough credit for. I'm really interested to hear what your students' responses are, Kon.

Mike Poluk said:

Hi Kon,

Wow, you have created a very "deep" post about a massive issue in our world right now. Although I appreciate and respect your opinions, and the healthy discussion that your post can create, I am going to respectfully disagree with some of what you say. I don't believe that most people choose to be indifferent, cold, selfish, or hard-hearted. There is no doubt that some people choose to be this way, but I would argue that many people (who seem like they don't care) are compassionate and warm-hearted but they don't realize that they have the ability to truly make a difference in the world through their actions. It's the age-old attitude of "I am only one person, what I do wouldn't really matter anyways."
This is why it is so important for us as educators to model this for our students. We need our students to realize that each of us has the power to make the world a more compassionate, warm, and selfless place to live. In my opinion, our example is our most effective teaching method. Does this make sense?
Anyway, it will be interesting to hear what your students have to say about this issue. Please let us know!

[NinaD]

Reply to Mike! You make total sense! My young students see themselves as 'able to make a difference' . This new generation are so much more aware of global issues and want to see change. I have great confidence for the future in the hands of our young people.
Mike Poluk said:

Hi Kon,

Wow, you have created a very "deep" post about a massive issue in our world right now. Although I appreciate and respect your opinions, and the healthy discussion that your post can create, I am going to respectfully disagree with some of what you say. I don't believe that most people choose to be indifferent, cold, selfish, or hard-hearted. There is no doubt that some people choose to be this way, but I would argue that many people (who seem like they don't care) are compassionate and warm-hearted but they don't realize that they have the ability to truly make a difference in the world through their actions. It's the age-old attitude of "I am only one person, what I do wouldn't really matter anyways."
This is why it is so important for us as educators to model this for our students. We need our students to realize that each of us has the power to make the world a more compassionate, warm, and selfless place to live. In my opinion, our example is our most effective teaching method. Does this make sense?
Anyway, it will be interesting to hear what your students have to say about this issue. Please let us know!

[Kon Bouzikos]

Hello Mike,
Thanks for your reply. I see your point which is a valid one. The first educators who can teach students to make a difference are the parents. Yes we as teachers also have a role but remember we are only teachers. Parents have a huge responsibility to instill in their kids the values of compassion and honesty when their kids are very young. Again I reiterate my point that parents are the first educators , what kids learn at home will affect them . This is a huge topic for discussion and I do not claim to have all the answers but one thing is for certain human beings are unpredictable

Mike Poluk said:

Hi Kon,

Wow, you have created a very "deep" post about a massive issue in our world right now. Although I appreciate and respect your opinions, and the healthy discussion that your post can create, I am going to respectfully disagree with some of what you say. I don't believe that most people choose to be indifferent, cold, selfish, or hard-hearted. There is no doubt that some people choose to be this way, but I would argue that many people (who seem like they don't care) are compassionate and warm-hearted but they don't realize that they have the ability to truly make a difference in the world through their actions. It's the age-old attitude of "I am only one person, what I do wouldn't really matter anyways."
This is why it is so important for us as educators to model this for our students. We need our students to realize that each of us has the power to make the world a more compassionate, warm, and selfless place to live. In my opinion, our example is our most effective teaching method. Does this make sense?
Anyway, it will be interesting to hear what your students have to say about this issue. Please let us know!