There are times when even though something is not unexpected, it leaves you disappointed. This has happened to me and others here in Greensboro. Some time back, a couple years ago, a committee was formed. These citizens launched Project Playground. Through grants, fundraising and volunteer help they gave the town a wonderful new playground. The cost in dollars was over three hundred thousand . It was open to the public just two weeks ago. Offering something for all age groups, including adults, it is a wonderful thing.
The disappointment cones from unruly children,destructive behaviors and the complaints of some citizens. Already some equipment has been broken. Some adults have been to the playground and left appalled at the language being used. There have been reports of bullying. Certain citizens are demanding to know why the police are not patrolling this playground more frequently. There is talk of forming a Park Watch organization. At this point in that discussion it sounds more like a vigilante group ! Many are complaining about children being there unsupervised. Some say, " the playground is not a baby sitter, and you shouldn't just let your kids go to the park or drop them off there. " All of this has created quite the outcry. As I said, I am not surprised by it, but still disappointed.
This is not my first experience with this sort of thing. I worked for the town of Ridgely when they built a skateboard park. The results were very similar. An initial outcry of disappointment, then anger and eventually resignation. I can see that pattern taking place here. The interesting thing is those parents doing the complaining always make the same claims, it isn't my children, they never see the police, and only certain groups get attention. These same parents are always too busy to volunteer or even attend meetings to discuss the issues. They are the ones writing e-mails or complaining on social media. Oh, and they are the only ones paying taxes ! There tax money alone pays for every service in the town.
I have no answers to this problem. This sort of thing has always happened. I grow annoyed with those that want to deny that. I get tired of hearing, when we were children this stuff didn't happen. It did. Little changes in childrens' behaviors. The only thing changing is what society accepts as acceptable behaviors and how to enforce those behaviors. The big change I see is that children are not being taught to respect their elders. Parents are too hasty to defend their chidrens' actions. I remember when I was a child, if an adult told you to do something, you pretty much did. If another adult told your parents you did something, you were guilty. My parents didn't immediately question the reporting adult and accuse them of interfering ! No, they thanked that person and dealt with the problem. As a child I worried about other peoples parents reporting my actions to my Mom or Dad. If there was Police involvement, well that never happened, and I can't even imagine the response.
I just don't know what the answer is. I do know that until each person accepts personal responsibility little will change. Is it possible to get an entire town on the same page ? Now that takes a leader. Problem is we are teaching that we shouldn't follow anymore, we should lead. The sentiment is a noble one but ignores an uncomfortable reality. Not all of us are leaders ! Without guidance there are those that stray. That issue is another whole discussion.
The disappointment cones from unruly children,destructive behaviors and the complaints of some citizens. Already some equipment has been broken. Some adults have been to the playground and left appalled at the language being used. There have been reports of bullying. Certain citizens are demanding to know why the police are not patrolling this playground more frequently. There is talk of forming a Park Watch organization. At this point in that discussion it sounds more like a vigilante group ! Many are complaining about children being there unsupervised. Some say, " the playground is not a baby sitter, and you shouldn't just let your kids go to the park or drop them off there. " All of this has created quite the outcry. As I said, I am not surprised by it, but still disappointed.
This is not my first experience with this sort of thing. I worked for the town of Ridgely when they built a skateboard park. The results were very similar. An initial outcry of disappointment, then anger and eventually resignation. I can see that pattern taking place here. The interesting thing is those parents doing the complaining always make the same claims, it isn't my children, they never see the police, and only certain groups get attention. These same parents are always too busy to volunteer or even attend meetings to discuss the issues. They are the ones writing e-mails or complaining on social media. Oh, and they are the only ones paying taxes ! There tax money alone pays for every service in the town.
I have no answers to this problem. This sort of thing has always happened. I grow annoyed with those that want to deny that. I get tired of hearing, when we were children this stuff didn't happen. It did. Little changes in childrens' behaviors. The only thing changing is what society accepts as acceptable behaviors and how to enforce those behaviors. The big change I see is that children are not being taught to respect their elders. Parents are too hasty to defend their chidrens' actions. I remember when I was a child, if an adult told you to do something, you pretty much did. If another adult told your parents you did something, you were guilty. My parents didn't immediately question the reporting adult and accuse them of interfering ! No, they thanked that person and dealt with the problem. As a child I worried about other peoples parents reporting my actions to my Mom or Dad. If there was Police involvement, well that never happened, and I can't even imagine the response.
I just don't know what the answer is. I do know that until each person accepts personal responsibility little will change. Is it possible to get an entire town on the same page ? Now that takes a leader. Problem is we are teaching that we shouldn't follow anymore, we should lead. The sentiment is a noble one but ignores an uncomfortable reality. Not all of us are leaders ! Without guidance there are those that stray. That issue is another whole discussion.
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