I’ll admit it.  This past year I have been looking at certain things in society and have been absolutely horrified by our lack of social graces and consideration for others.  I see pockets of society of grown 5 year olds, where it is still ‘all about ME’ and passing of the blame.  As a result, I have long considered starting a column, which I am sure will piss off some, reminding people of societal graces and what it means to grow up past the age of 5. Last night’s riot in London, Ontario was the final straw for me. It’s time and yes, I’m a little more than annoyed this morning.

Scenes shared on twitter of St. Patrick's Day violence in London, Ontario. 2012

Back in June when the rioting happened in Vancouver, I was asked what my opinion was.  I said nothing (aside from to my close friends), as I wasn’t there and was going through my only personal Hell at the time.  When riots then broke out in England, I thought, ” it’s time, I really should share my opinion”, but I didn’t, I got busy instead.  Well enough is enough, and I am sure as Hell going to share my opinion this morning.

As the fireman said on the CBC News this morning, “Grow Up”.  This kind of behavior wasn’t acceptable when you were 5 and terroized the neighbour’s dog and your younger siblings, breaking things and throwing a fit, and it sure as Hell isn’t now that you’ve graduated to turning over vehicles, lighting them on fire and throwing beer bottles (at other people, no less).  If you weren’t given a swat on the bum when you were a kid, you probably should have been.  You need to understand that there are repercussions to your actions.  I encourage the police to show you this by charging you and Fanshaw College to show those of you that attend this by suspending or kicking you out.  This sort of behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. It should not be something that youth in this country continue to brag about.

A Screenshot Shared on Twitter of Facebook bragging about the St. Patrick's Day riots in London., Ontario.

Parents – there is no excuse for your child’s behavior in this circumstance. Don’t protect them, let them hide behind you and make excuses and lie for them. Sit them down, tell them they’ve screwed up and help them find a way to make up for what they’ve done, starting by taking responsibility and owning up to their mistakes. Just watch this video.  These College Students are treating this as a party.

“The rioting was started by another group.” “The police didn’t do enough to stop us.” “I was drunk.” “My friends were doing it.” ARE NOT EXCUSES FOR YOUR ACTIONS.  You hurt and scared others and damaged property. Take responsibility and start to become a positive member of society, helping others, not hurting them for your gain or amusement.  This is real life, not a movie or a video game. If that means recognizing that your friends are not good for you and moving on from them, then so be it, that’s part of growing up and being an adult.

Future Parents – Learn from what we’ve seen as of late in society, and be a parent, not your child’s best buddy.  I know you are proud of them, but if you really want to be proud of them later on then they need a bit of tough love from time to time.  You need to teach them to respect and be considerate of others. That mistakes happen, but they need to take responsibility for them and right them. And yes, sometimes it is their fault ~ don’t pass the blame. They need to learn to work hard and be a productive member of society.  I know we like to think of them as perfect, but they’re not (none of us are), and telling them they are does them no good. And they need to learn that there are real reprecussions to their actions. You don’t want this to be the kids you raised:

A Screenshot Shared on Twitter of Facebook photos posted from the St. Patrick's Day riots in London., Ontario.

As a society, we’ve made mistakes with no fail policies and protecting our young too much. We’ve seen how destructive too much hand holding can be and passing the blame on others for our child’s failures, now it’s time to stop, and fix the mistakes we’ve made. Be aware and respectful of those around you, work hard, take pride in your work, and take responsibility for your actions.

~ Emme