The latest move to ensure the safety of Chicago kids, returning to school in Fall 2013, is not without its critics. Those who are less than enchanted with the mayoral performance of Rahn Emanuel thus far have been given new ammunition. However, this latest strategy, to enlist Chicago fireman to provide “safe passage” to kids going to and from school for the first three weeks of the school year, may indeed be full of holes.

While the prevalent issue of homicides, gang violence, and sexual assaults on kids has increased nationwide, the city of Chicago has the noted position of being amongst the worse in teen violence and crime in the nation. Chicago school closings have caused concern for many parents whose kids may now have to attend schools that are across or in the line of  known gang territories.  In an attempt to address this issue, Mayor Emanuel and police superintendant, Garry McCarthy have devised “safe  passage routes” for students to travel (walk) along on their way to their new schools starting on August 26th. Chicago fireman will provided the added protection and security students may need.  However, many feel that this is a bad idea and only goes to point out the lack of staffing and resources in the Chicago Police Department; why else would there be a need to use fireman as, basically, security guards?  Some have pointed out that fireman may not (probably are not) skilled in handling gang violence and/or direct attacks from And, some fireman are not too thrilled at this newly appointed duty either. (see http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/chicago-fire-department-school-closures-safe-passage-207295461.html)

Do you think this idea is simply a “cover up” to the bigger issue of a poorly staffed police department?  Or, do you feel that having skilled fireman out there guarding the way for kids to make it safely to school is innovative and smart?

  Not only do are we dealing with the increase in teens killing other teens OR teens finding sick fulfillment in killing young children (i.e. Sandy Hook or Columbine), but now a new perverse epidemic is arising:  teen rapes being posted online for entertainment and social popularity.

On August 2012, two high school football players, Mailk Richmond and Trent Mays, publically sexually assaulted a 16 year old girl under the influence of alcohol. She was taken from party to party and repeatedly sexually assaulted and humiliated. Others took pictures and posted the sexual assault on social media. In court, it was revealed that hundreds of text messages and cellphone pictures that had been taken by more than a dozen people at the parties. In the words of the judge, this kind of act is “profane and ugly” (Oppel Junior, Richard A. (March 17, 2013). “Ohio Teenagers Guilty in Rape That Social Media Brought to Light”. New York Times. Retrieved March 20, 2013. )

As a result of their actions, Malik Richmond was sentenced to the minimum sentence of one year as he was found guilty of using his fingers to penetrate the victim while she was unconscious. Trent Mays,  who was found guilty of penetrating the victim while she was unconscious and for distributing pornographic pictures of her, was sentenced to a minimum of two years.  Mays was also given one additional year in juvenile detention for child pornography since the victim was a minor.

Many feel that there were at least 12 others who should face charges: those who watched and did nothing. Well, actually they did do”something”; they tweeted and posted the degrading and vile pictures of the attack all over social media.

 Sadly, just one month after the Steubenville incident, Audrie Pott, a California teenager, who was allegedly raped, committed suicide. Three 16 year old boys were arrested and accused of assaulting 15-year-old Pott, taking photos of the assault, sharing the pictures at school and posting the pictures online. Seven days later, Pott took her own life after seeing the pictures being circulated. On her facebook page, she wrote things such as:

“My life is ruined.”

“I don’t want to remember.”

“I have a reputation for a night I don’t even remember.”

(http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/15/justice/california-rape-lawsuit)

Gone are the days of innocence, fun, and simple peer pressure. Now, teens have to school prepared to battle not normal teen pressures, but they are literally in a life and death fight each day. Values and respect for others and for women has hit rock bottom. Yet, we still do not monitor nor take issue with the images and influences young people are being exposed to 24/7 via media, video games, movies, and even other teens. How SICK is it to watch another human being being violated in the worse way: in a way that ruins all self respect, self esteem, and self worth?  Are we teaching young men and women that to rape and conquer another human being is “cool”? Have we poisoned the minds of young people to the point that rape is now commonplace and is even entertaining.

This is the ultimate perversion. And we are raising a whole new generation that revels in it.

What can we do to stop other young women (scratch that….other young GIRLS) from being violated in the worse way by their own friends and classmates. And, when all else fails, leading them to resort to ending their lives in shame and humiliation?

One night after leaving a club in Detroit, Sean Kelley was headed home. However, the last thing he saw was the gun that would take his eyesight, sense of smell, and sense of taste.

In light of the recent (Boston  Marathon Bombing) and not so recent (the Twin Towers on 9/11),  tragedies that have rocked our conscience and put us all on high alert mentally and physically, one has to wonder what is at the root of it all? Why is it that over the last several years, terrorism and terrorist attacks have seemed to escalate to all-time highs?  Are these individuals, who are so ready to sacrifice their lives and the lives of others, being fueled or urged on by some overpowering reason? Maybe so, but the reason(s) may not be what you think.

Back in 1933, Arthur Raper wrote a book titled The Tragedy of Lynching. He wanted to get better understanding of what was at the root of hate crimes. He found that when the economy was doing well, in this case the amount for an acre’s yield of cotton, fewer lynchings occurred in the South.  Many years later, two Yale economists, Sears and Hovland, expanded upon Raper’s findings and concluded the following:  deprivation leads to aggression.  And when that occurs, people take out their aggression on others.

However, in 2001, Donald Green, Laurence McFalls, and Jennifer Smith, through their published paper, challenged Raper’s notion about lynchings and the economy being linked.  Their argument was that even after the Great Depression, when the economy was reaching all-time lows, the number of lynchings also decreased.  So, there went the theory that people resort to horrible acts against others based solely on economic reasons. So, what gives? (See: http://www.american.com/archive/2007/november-december-magazine-contents/what-makes-a-terrorist)

Fast forward to 2004, when surveys and studies were conducted in Palestinian nations. It was found that over 60% of suicide bombers have education beyond high school and at the time of the survey, many strongly felt that their economy was improving by the fall on unemployment rates at that time. But, those who were surveyed who did have higher education, also felt that suicide attacks against the Westerners, in the region, were justified.  In the late 1990’s, after interviews of 250 militants, it was found that these were not people who were uneducated, poor, or depressed. Many were middle class and/or from wealthy backgrounds.

So while economics and education (specifically poverty and lack of education) are not the main motivators for terrorists, it appears that two prevailing issues are:

• Nationalism/Religion:  Many feel justified in resorting to terrorist acts to promote their religious beliefs and/or stand for injustices they feel are against their fellow man
• Geo-specific Politics:  Those of higher educational and/or financial bracket feel motivated to take a strong stand on behalf of their “less fortunate” brethren. The need to “right” a current or past political “wrong”
• Simple Choice:  As “sick” as this may sound too many, younger suicide bombers are lured by cult-like rhetoric from others as well as the promise of “importance” and “celebrity” in carrying out their mission.

Could there be any other motives and influences that drive a person to extreme and deadly behavior? What do you think?

Traci

To get connected to our various projects, visit us at: http://www.traciscampbell.com , www.champcommunityproject.org, and www.beautyinbeautyouttour.com

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Whether you choose to believe it or not, we are truly at a war on more than just the economy, drugs, or even political foes. We are in a much needed battle to reclaim, redefine, and renew the general conceptions of what beauty really is. Why? Because we are creating a new generation of misinformed and self conscious women that will be our future mothers, bosses, wives, and community leaders. We have allowed celebrity obsessions, tabloids, and fashion magazines to infiltrate the minds and spirits of young women. This epidemic has lead to increased bullying, increased suicides, and increased eating disorders. It’s time to take a true stand, folks. Enough really is enough!

Sure, we have heard some of the statistics:  Over 50% of commercials on TV are aimed at some form of image product or ideal we all are suppose to achieve. And according to the National Institute on Media and the Family, the following facts are, unfortunately true

• 40% of girls ages 9 & 10, have tried to lose weight, according to an ongoing study funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
• 10 year old girls and boys have admitted to researchers they were dissatisfied with their own bodies after watching a popular music videos or TV shows.
• And one study reports that at age thirteen, 53% of American girls are “unhappy with their bodies.” By the time they reach age 17, this dissatisfaction grows to 78%.

And let’s not forget our more “mature” women. According to souces such as ANAD and  About-Face,  91 percent of women are unhappy with their bodies. As a result, they try dieting as a way to achieve their ideal body shape.  And, guess what? Only 5 percent of women naturally have the body type often portrayed by Americans in the media.

So, with so much time being spent on how to get to a size 0 or how to achieve the perfect nose, how can we possibly spend the time needed to nurture and groom our future mothers, wives and leaders?  Have we become so obsessed witjh looks that we could care less about the fuiture of our communities and societies? Are we raising a generation of self-absorbed and shallow women who do not strive to focus more on brain power as oppose to womanly wiles? 

Well, in an attempt to stop the madness that is poisoning the minds of young and older women, the Beauty In/Beauty Out Tour aims to not only provide useful and positive beauty advice and how-tos to women, but it strives to do much more: celebrate, honor, and award those women who already understand that REAL beauty is more than a pretty face and a thin body. REAL beauty is a healthy mind, a real purpose in life, and the courage to step out and make a positive impact on society and on others.

This positive and inspring tour will provide beauty education for the exterior and interior (minds and attitudes). And, on this tour, we will truly award and celebrate women in leadership via two special awards:

The C.H.A.M.P. Within Award (ages 12-18) valued at $1,000, this award celebrates young women who are already showing leadership promise

A Woman’s Work Award (ages 21 and older) valued at $2,000, this award honors women who are doing amazing work in their local communities each and every day

Now that, ladies (and gentlemen) is truly beautiful.

What do you think?

Traci

To get connected to our various projects, visit us at: http://www.traciscampbell.com , www.champcommunityproject.org, and www.beautyinbeautyouttour.com

And, to stay connected to this blog where we bring social issues facing us all to light, SUBSCRIBE! (Click on the orange RSS feed button (wavy lines) in the upper right corner of www.traciscampbell.com OR go directly to: http://traciscampbell.com/feed/

President Obama has been working hard to include a “Preschool for ALL” in his 2014 federal budget. (see http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/10/preschool-for-all-obama_n_3056577.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000016#038;ir=Black%20Voices) If this initiative were approved, it would result in one of the largest educational expansions in this century. However, in order to cover the 77 billion dollar price tag associated with this expansion, a 94% tax increase on cigarettes is needed. The result: Well, let’s not start celebrating this educational expansion just yet.

First, not all states may support this educational expansion. The federal government cannot “force” states to expand preschools according the to the Constitution. And even if there were attractive “incentives” for states to consider this expansion, since there is no federal mandate attached to the incentive, some states may not want to bother taking on the extra manpower and resources needed to faciliate the expansion.

Second, there is a general “protest” from Republicans regarding the proposed tax hike. Their argument is that it is a tax increase that will moreso affect poor populations. And, convenience stores may absolutely oppose such a tax increase as it may hurt their cigarette sales.

Should we consider these counter arguments to expanding preschool education via raising taxes on cigarettes? Is the benefit of making preschool available for ALL (despite income level) not enough to weather the storms of those who seem to value the revenue cigarette sales bring?

What do you think?

Traci

To get connected to our various projects, visit us at: www.traciscampbell.com , www.champcommunityproject.org, and www.beautyinbeautyouttour.com

And, to stay connected to this blog where we bring social issues facing us all to light, SUBSCRIBE! (Click on the orange RSS feed button (wavy lines) in the upper right corner of www.traciscampbell.com OR go directly to: http://traciscampbell.com/feed/

 Ahhh.  A positive and uplifting story to end the week upon.  Times are hard right now as we all know: violence, homicides, economic uncertainty, and school closings just to name a few. However, a seemingly simple act of a 14 year old teen changed the life of an unemployed, almost homeless woman for the better!

Artem Smao is a 14 year old boy who started selling newspapers to raise some money to take a trip to Lake Tahoe (I could end the story right there….so refreshing  to see teens doing positive and responsible things instead of the usual negativity we see and hear about).  When he came to the home of Robynn Fried, his goal was to sell her a newspaper. Robynn Fried, who had lost her job and was close to losing her home, could not afford to buy a paper from the teen.  Artem, unselfishly, offered to give Fried all of the money he had raised that day selling papers to help the financially troubled woman. While Fried declined to take his generous offer, Artem, unknowingly, did something else very profound for the woman…he gave her hope when she had, mentally, given up all hope.

With a renewed, positive mental change, Fried  was even more overjoyed when she then received a call from a friend about a job opening at a local pharmacy. The story has a happy ending as Fried did acquire employment at that pharmacy, after being unemployed for more than a year!

While some may say, “So what? She declined the boy’s offer and then she got a job. What’s the big deal?”  But, it is a big deal! This teen’s act triggered a new and different thought process and attitude in the previously defeated woman. As a result (because I DO NOT believe in coincidence), she attracted a new job into her life almost immediately.

This story underscores three very important things:  1) That we can and may never fully understand the impact of our actions upon others 2) We cannot give up hope on the next generation despite all of the negativity and drama that seems to surround teens and young adults; this young man is proof that all is not lost 3) The mind is a very powerful tool that when fed the RIGHT things, can produce and attract miraculous things into our life.

Traci

To get connected to our various projects, visit us at: www.traciscampbell.com , www.champcommunityproject.org, and www.beautyinbeautyouttour.com

And, to stay connected to this blog where we bring social issues facing us all to light, SUBSCRIBE! (Click on the orange RSS feed button (wavy lines) in the upper right corner of www.traciscampbell.com  OR go directly to: http://traciscampbell.com/feed/

 This article provided some really good “food for thought” (http://charlesclymer.blogspot.com/2013/02/why-are-we-so-ashamed-of-our-women.html especially as our team embarks on our 1st Annual Beauty In/Beauty Out Tour (www.beautyinbeautyouttour.com) that celebrates the beauty in women in leadership. While we are definitely living in a day and age where the term “role model” has been greatly skewed (most teens are “looking up” to L’il Wayne or Justin Bieber, or Rihanna, instead of aspiring to be the next great scientist or doctor), there is yet another level of “skewedness” (hmmm…not sure if that is a real word…but I will use it anyway) that is happening:  Are men programmed to be ASHAMED of recognizing a woman as a role model?

Going back to the article above, the young male writer candidly and bravely talks about admiring women such as Hilary Clinton, but she [Hilary Clinton] was often thought of as a “ball-buster” by many of his male counterparts. Some men are even immediately called “gay” if they openly regard and admire women for their works and efforts. Are we back in the 50′s where a woman’s worth and “efforts” were solely tied to how much time she spent in the kitchen or in the laundry room?

However, it is A-OK for women to admire and even want to emulate MALE role models.  To admire Barack Obama or Tim Tebow, or Quentin Tarantino is fine, regardless of gender. What message does this send to men as they view their own wives, daughters, or mothers? Are we doing more damage to the minds of future husbands and fathers and creating a “backwards thinking” generation? Is the work of past trailblazers who fought hard to give some equality to women, at risk?

While it is VERY important (and getting harder and harder to find) for young women to have other POSITIVE women to look up and for young men to have POSITIVE men to look up to, let’s not be short-sighted. In a current society where the minds of young people are being constantly fed that bad behavior is acceptable if you are young, rich, and famous….the real ‘valuable commodity’ is a person — male or female — that still values the mindsets and attitudes of others and understands that their actions influence not just one generation but MANY generations to follow.

What do you think?

Traci

To get connected to our various projects, visit us at: www.traciscampbell.com , www.champcommunityproject.org, and www.beautyinbeautyouttour.com

And, to stay connected to this blog where we bring social issues facing us all to light, SUBSCRIBE! (Click on the orange RSS feed button (wavy lines) in the upper right corner of www.traciscampbell.com  OR go directly to: http://traciscampbell.com/feed/

There was a time when going to school meant learning not only math and history, but you learned other important life skills and lessons: teamwork, the value of hard work, integrity, and responsibility. Teachers and principals were the “surrogate parents” of our kids during the day and took their (our kids) learning as well as character development very seriously. Now, our students, in many schools, are barely learning math and history, they are fearing for their safety almost daily, and now….they are learning to cheat to pass standardized tests.

Last week, Beverly Hall, former Atlanta Public Schools superintendent, and 34 others including top aides, teachers and principals were indicted by a grand jury. The Charge?  It is the encouragement of gaining passing scores on standardized tests “by any means necessary” and fostering an atmosphere where the focus is on achieving a targeted score, by cheating; not on the actual education of our young people. (Read the full story at http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/beverly-hall-34-others-indicted-in-atlanta-schools/nW7mX/ )

What makes this situation even sinister is that those who knew that Hall was behind the cheating scandal did not come forward. Most likely, they did not do so out of a combination of fear and their own financial gain. Hall had executed such controversial decisions including suspending a teacher, accused of cheating, for only 20 days. However, he fired the person who brought the cheating to light.

As it stands, Hall faces 45 years in prison. His charges include racketeering, theft, making false statement, and lying under oath. Others cited in this scandal include 7 principals, 2 assistant principals, 14 teachers, five test coordinators, 1 instructional coach, and a school secretary.

And in the end, the REAL losers in this scandal are the kids.

Would love to know what YOU think.  How shocked (or not) are you at this latest tragedy to affect our school systems.

Traci

To get connected to our various projects, visit us at: www.traciscampbell.com , www.champcommunityproject.org, and www.beautyinbeautyouttour.com

And, to stay connected to this blog where we bring social issues facing us all to light, SUBSCRIBE! (Click on the orange RSS feed button (wavy lines) in the upper right corner of www.traciscampbell.com  OR go directly to: http://traciscampbell.com/feed/