By Stephanie L. Mann
October 1, 2024
For decades, politicians and community leaders have perpetuated myths as the cycle of drug abuse, child abuse, crime, gangs, and violence continue from one generation to the next. These myths include:
Myth #1 – Police can keep us safe.
Police have a limited role. Additional police on the streets increase response time, but their job is to react to crime. Citizens can PREVENT crime! The national average is 2.1 police for every 1000 citizens. It is not realistic to assume the police can keep us safe.
Myth #2 – More money will stop crime.
In the past 40 years, taxpayers have spent billions of dollars on home security, guards, swat teams, training, scanning equipment, shot spotter, and surveillance cameras. Money does not stop domestic violence or youth from being abused at home or bullied at school. It does not put a responsible father back home or increase time spent with children. Only strong families, good schools and neighborhoods can keep children safe.
Myth #3 – Hitting and verbal abuse will not harm children!
Abused children struggle to be accepted. They often learn to bully, or they become victims. They don’t trust their instincts or intuition or develop a healthy conscience, which can protect them. Children grow strong and resilient when they have love and neighbors who offer support and help each other.
Myth #4 – Laws control criminal behavior.
Politicians write laws to keep the public safe. Laws have limitations. Most citizens obey rules, but criminals, gangs, pimps, and drug dealers ignore laws.
Myth #5 – Racism keeps the community oppressed.
The blame game divides and distracts from real solutions. Blaming police or society perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent and become self-destructive, which is a false sense of power.
Myth #6 – Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power by creating an illusion of compassion. For decades, politicians have spent billions of taxpayer dollars on programs, including the “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs.” Some programs helped, but others destroyed self-confidence, self-determination, and motivation.
Myths have some truth, but they don’t change behavior. Every criminal is living in a neighborhood and don’t want to be noticed. Connected and involved citizens have the power to reduce fear and create positive change to restore community trust, safety, and confidence.
America is at a crossroads.
Will security in the U.S. require more laws and less freedom, or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthening families?
The largest group of crime victims are children. They are “canaries in the mine.”
Three major shifts are needed to create peaceful cities.
- An awakening to raise resilient, spiritually centered children with
a self-protective conscience. - America’s 350,000 churches can promote “Love thy Neighbor.” They can support and get youth involved to reach out into neighborhoods and offer help. They can provide meetings to bring people together.
- Community involvement creates safe neighborhoods and, ultimately,
safer, friendlier cities.
Our national goal must be to strengthen families. Freedom is an inner journey with supportive families and a network of connected neighbors who create a strong sense of community.
A CALL TO ACTION – Go to safekidsnow.com and download a FREE guide on How to create a safe neighborhood.
For more info, contact, Safe Kids Now. We will answer your questions and help you create community change. www.safekidsnow.com/contact
© 2024 Stephanie L. Mann – All Rights Reserved
E-Mail Stephanie Mann: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
Website: http://www.safekidsnow.com/
