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Dear Dr. Vasquez,
I’m not sure where you reside, or if you are burdened with the lack of moral principles seen by citizens within our communities. I certainly hope not, but there’s no doubt crime is on the rise where I reside. Statistics are not only rising, but startling. According to recent statistics, in our cities there is an increase of violent crime rate of 12 percent. Do you know the crime-rate statistics in your specific area? If not, you may want to investigate, and then share with your audience, Dr. Vasquez. I just wanted to share a little FYI.
~ A Little FYI ~
Dear A little fyi,
Before I begin my response to your probe concerning moral principles, I want readers to know that I am commenting in gender neutral terms, so that the words ‘he’ and ‘man’, for example, do not confer one gender over the other, rather, they pertain to all genders. So here goes: The realization for Dr. Cherrye is that these events have become increasingly distracting, and quite fearful. Like you, I’ve noticed this more recently due to listening to the morning news. I am accustomed to watching the morning news as part of my normal routine. My intent is to capture the weather to prepare for proper dress, but I also take notice of other events taking place about us. News reporters spurt out the latest happenings and overnight updates of one criminal act after another. This is quite disturbing, to say the very least.
I have learned, through necessity, to map my course when I venture outside to run errands, be it to appointments, the grocery store or to gas up the car. Due to the escalating crime rate, I am consummately aware of my surroundings and must watch my every move and of course, my back and keep my purse out of sight. In earlier years, when my child was in tow, I made it a point to instruct her to respond to my directions in order to keep her safe. The increasing incidence of child apprehension is a red flag to constantly monitor our surroundings and never take our eyes off of our children. Now isn’t that a sad state of affairs?!
Yes, I realize crime isn’t new to any of us, but as of late it appears our communities are inundated with corruption and deceit. Seemingly, these criminals have no care, or regard for the lives of others, and lack a sense of remorsefulness, and moral principles. I must wonder about the mind-set of the men who choose to go this route. I have to wonder about ethics and morals of such individuals and why they feel the right, and privilege to take from others rather than work for the goods they desire. Whatever happened to men “working by the sweat of one’s brow?” Wouldn’t they value and cherish their personal items more? To take it a step further, how can a man feel good about one-self enjoying possessions that aren’t his, but belong to another man? Where did this sense of entitlement come from?
As I reflect on this topic and the questions that constantly race through my mind recently, I ponder about ethics, morals, and moral principles. I realize, perhaps, most people may use these two words interchangeably, but they have two distinct meanings, so I’ll define them.
Definitions:
Ethics: A set of principles of right behaviors or manners. The rules or standards that lead or regulate the conduct of a person
Morals: Relates to what a person thinks as right/wrong or good/bad
When I think about the differences in these two definitions, I must conclude that a person is morally good according to their personal worldview, or perception of what is believed to be just or right for them. Still, I must ask, how does one get to this point? What is it that drives one to rob, kill, and cause bodily harm to another? Why would a man commit home invasions–kicking his brotherly neighbor’s front door in, holding the owner’s hostage, and taking all their worldly possessions? What happened to his ethics, or did he ever acquire ethics?
Moral issues are the business of all and we have obligation and debt to one another to ensure they are observed and upheld. Just and fair treatment must always be at the forefront of the way we treat others. It appears some of us “get it” while others do not.
Although it may be too late for some, perhaps we can start afresh with our young, teaching them to become ethically and morally stellar citizens in our society/communities.
It is my judgment that we should be about the business of teaching our children how to conduct themselves, and this begins at the cradle (as I’ve written before). I’d like to pose a few tips of how to embed a sense of moral principles within the hearts/minds of our children. It is my hope to make a difference, if only a smidgen.
Tips for Teaching Effective Moral Principles
- Parents should begin by explaining what morals entail. Afterwards, outline targeted principles. These can be taught in age-appropriate phases so that children can have time to practice and take ownership of the lessons.
- Teach children how to become in-tune to their feelings and the feelings of family members and playmates. Parents can create imaginary situations, so children will have the opportunities to get their feelings “in-check.” This will also allow children to recognize and grasp their feelings and emotions.
- During interactions with others is a great time to teach how to play fair and recognize the feelings of others. This is a great time to teach how to share, take turns, and work on potential bullying behaviors.
- Be sure to implement a plan for accepting consequences for actions. There are rules (laws of the land), and everyone is responsible for abiding by the regulations put in place by lawmakers.
Am I “preaching to the choir” here?” If so, how can we reach the neighborhoods and families we know need to hear and learn these lessons, or will we have to rely and depend on our teachers to help reach and instill within our children — these moral principles?
These tips and messages can be used for anyone who lives in a city plagued with crime and contention, but not just that — parents can take heed to these tips as well. Remember teaching and learning can and should begin at home (I have said this often). According to Orchids the International School (2020) in the article, “8 Ways You Can Teach the Importance of Moral Values to Kids), parents have a moral obligation for the life they’ve brought into the world, and it’s not just physical, but every aspect of the child’s life whether spiritual, social, psychological and emotional, too.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young children in our desperate attempt to end crime sprees, and vicious crime cycles in our communities. With well thought-out teachings, our children will harbor moral principles as we instill lifetime principles. When time permits, check out this book, “The Family Virtues Guide: Simple Ways to Bring Out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves“. It can’t hurt!
It is my hope that through effective, deliberate teachings and role modeling, we can decrease crime rate statistics in our cities.
OPEN FOR COMMENTS
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
IMPORTANT
I have made it my mission to assist parents and educators in resolving the bullying issues children suffer. Offering your feedback and suggestions in the comment section could facilitate meaningful dialogue on this critical issue among ourselves and I encourage this. I will respond to each comment in a timely way. Should you wish to speak privately with me, please email me at cherryeVasquez@gmail.com and I will reply promptly.
Please take advantage of my 3 Free resources by downloading them today. One of them includes my FREE Bullying Checklist. If you feel that your child has been bullied, please use the checklist to determine if your ‘gut feelings’ are accurate.
