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| Written by PI Editorial Staff | |
| Saturday, 27 October 2007 | |
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Take personal responsibility for making fun activities Since Patterson High School’s Sept. 19 gang brawl, several residents have repeatedly moped, “There’s nothing for kids to do in this town.” It would make sense to hear local young people utter those words. After all, the gripe has served as a teen battle cry for years across the United States. What’s surprising is that many of the people complaining are parents who apparently expect the community to entertain their children. There seems to be a constant blame game: blame the city for a lack of shopping centers and entertainment options; blame the schools for not creating a safe environment; blame the recreation department for not giving kids enough to do. And yet, a recent city survey indicated that most teens have no interest in taking the initiative to start youth activities, though they might be willing to participate. Sure, the city can improve its programming for youth. In fact, it appears to be taking steps right now by starting teen movie nights and activities at Patterson Community Stadium. That’s not to mention programs it already sponsors, including sports, Skate the Circle nights and Patterson Repertory Theatre productions. Still, there comes a point when a person must take initiative to combat boredom. The way people talk, one must wonder how folks survived at all 100 years ago, before the advent of movie theaters, shopping malls and video arcades. If it’s a lack of activities for children and teens that causes Patterson’s gang problem and underage alcoholism, then cities such as Modesto, Oakland and Los Angeles logically should have less crime than Patterson. That’s simply not the case. Poverty and family-related problems seem to be more obvious culprits. Instead of complaining, parents can combat at least one of those factors by doing more with their kids. Play ball with them in a park, challenge them to a board game, have a family outing at a local restaurant, talk to each other. Of course, it might be difficult for parents on the road commuting to jobs in the Bay Area to spend as much time as they would like with their children. But commuters should realize that doing so is a result of personal choices — most often, the decision to live in a bigger house rather than an apartment or smaller house in exchange for working away from the family most of the day. Those who think Patterson is less than ideal should work to improve the community, not merely complain about it. Get involved in youth sporting events. Attend City Council meetings. Set up Neighborhood Watch groups and block parties. It’s time to overcome apathy and a “poor me” attitude and make a positive contribution. After all, we’re all in this together.
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