Beyond the Block In recent weeks, the Washington, DC area has been a pit of subversive behavior. And if you don’t know what that means, it means that DC has been a hot place for crime. What’s sad about this crime streak is that the perpetrators are young. From kidnapping other children to rob banks, to random acts of violence that stem from carjacking to murder, our young people are allowing themselves to get sucked up into this vicious crime cycle with their only end to this cycle is either jail or the grave. As I sit with close sister friends of mine, contemplating this rising epidemic of young Bonnies and Clydes in this new Wild West, we ponder on the reasons why these children are compelled to commit such heinous crimes. Could it be the media’s fault? No, that’s not it although they play a part indirectly. How about the entertainer’s fault? No, not really although they play a part indirectly. So what is it? Well, in my opinion, all issues start at home. That’s right I said it. Let’s take a look at where these children are coming from. Now, I know that the family dynamics have changed a great deal in the past several decades but how long will we use the “single parent” argument as a crutch? I’m a single parent and I know my child is not always an angel but I know that he has the right foundation and he knows right from wrong. So what makes him different than any other kid being raised by a single parent? Here is the key: I’ve made an effort to show my son life beyond the block we live on. We are our child’s first teacher. Granted, the teachers within the school are paid to educate our children but they are the second line of defense. It is our responsibility as parents to mold our children to become PRODUCTIVE citizens within society. Okay, say that with me again……PRODUCTIVE citizens. This means that we are to show our children that there is life beyond the NBA slam dunk competition and Lil’ Jon running around like he has lost his ding dang mind. Instead of pushing our children on the playing field how about pushing them on the thinking field? Instead of making sure your child has the latest fashion how about ensuring that your child knows who August Wilson is? And if you don’t know who August Wilson is, why not take this as an opportunity to not only learn yourself but see this as an opportunity to bond with your child while you both learn these things together. It saddens me to see our children go through life with a mentality that they have nothing to lose therefore they have no remorse when it comes to living a life of crime. What saddens me even more is to see the parents of these children not laying a foundation for their kids. Be a guide to your children. Guide them past the corner of their block. Let them know that there is another side to what they see everyday. Parents, I beg you to take heed to this advice for your children. Their life is dependent upon it.