Help for Kids, Teenagers and Crime-Boys Acting like Wild Animals-Elephants Help Humans Understand
Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2011
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
Reading the local newspaper and watching local television news lately, I’ve noticed that more youngsters have been killing people than in recent memory. One of my favorite local newspaper columnists wrote a column about a neighborhood being held hostage by adolescent gangs that one resident compared to “packs of dogs”. The resident may not have been too far off in his description of the groups of kids who have been beating, robbing, and killing people in his neighborhood. In 1999 social scientist Bruce Gladstone PH.D wrote, "Tale of Adolescent Elephant Rampage Helps Understand Teen Violence". In his noted study, a mature female and several adolescent male elephants were placed in an isolated African park. Videos revealed bands of teenage elephants chasing rhinos, teasing them, pushing them down and goring them with their tusks. Game wardens moved a bull elephant to the area, and the rhino killings stopped.
According to Gladstone’s interpretation, "When fathers are absent, adolescent males become agitated, seem lost and out of control". Noted elephant expert, Jaya Savannah wrote similar articles such as, "The Raging Bulls of Khao Yoi" and "Fathers Day for Elephants: Teens Need Male Parents". She and Gladstone agree that studies done with elephants show that boys need strong, mature male influences, they need to know who is in charge, what the rules are, and who holds them accountable.
These studies articulate facts that many moms and dads have known for years. The fact of the matter is that families have been collapsing for many years in many areas. Dads are absent from the lives of many children in these disintegrated homes—more specifically for this articles theme, absent from the lives of many young boys. In addition, crime is mainly a male thing. Most people do not know that males commit the vast majority of crimes even though this long-standing trend has been changing.
So what can the average man or woman do about this tragedy of youngsters being left alone without direction. Of course, we can make sure we try our best to be responsible in our own actions and not cause more of the same problems but there is more. A little known organization statistically works very well in helping kids who need guidance. The "Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America" have a fantastic record of accomplishment in offering pseudo big brothers and big sisters, people like you and me who volunteer as mentors to needy kids. If someone wants to make a real difference in a kid’s life, I recommend you contact this organization and see if it’s for you.
These studies articulate facts that many moms and dads have known for years. The fact of the matter is that families have been collapsing for many years in many areas. Dads are absent from the lives of many children in these disintegrated homes—more specifically for this articles theme, absent from the lives of many young boys. In addition, crime is mainly a male thing. Most people do not know that males commit the vast majority of crimes even though this long-standing trend has been changing.
So what can the average man or woman do about this tragedy of youngsters being left alone without direction. Of course, we can make sure we try our best to be responsible in our own actions and not cause more of the same problems but there is more. A little known organization statistically works very well in helping kids who need guidance. The "Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America" have a fantastic record of accomplishment in offering pseudo big brothers and big sisters, people like you and me who volunteer as mentors to needy kids. If someone wants to make a real difference in a kid’s life, I recommend you contact this organization and see if it’s for you.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)Very nice Steve. That which we sow shall we reap. I think some wise old guy or something said that.:-) All I can say is Papa Bull better be carrying some serious heat. AmenPass the ammunition and praise the lord kinda thing.....thanks Dave.
Very well-said, there is nothing to add. Great job, sir.Thanks Mike and good to see you offering your views again...
Steve
Very well written Steve, I agree with you. Thanks for writing this article.Thanks Jacob,
Tough problems out there regarding this stuff...thanks for taking the time to write.
Steve
I agree children need role models and if parents can't provide that others can. My daughter became a Big Sister during her first year of university. Upon graduating and moving to a new town to begin her career, she immediately became a Big Sister again. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are very worthwhile organizations for people who want to make a difference in a child's life. Great article!While teaching I see the stats that work--BB and B Sisters seem to have the best record of working--you have a great daughter there...
Thank you,
Steve
Amazing theory, Steve. I know there are exceptions, but this explains the behavior of a lot of teens.Thanks for bringing up that there are exceptions--there are tons of single moms and grandmothers who have done great jobs...important point you brought up--no wonder you're the boss...
Thanks,
Steve
Hi Steve. This is so true! Many people deny it, but that fact is God intended for children to have a Father and Mother. Yes, there are exceptions, but overall this is true. I think about the neighborhoods I lived in until I was 14 years old...and without a father in the home. When the family breaks up, children break. It's a sad fact. Thanks for sharing about the Big brothers and sisters' program.Yes Teresa
Many people have tried to deny this type of reasoning for years, however, I think that has changed. I think most experts and also people who suffer because of it, now agree with the causes and are trying to turn things around.
Thanks for the comment Teresa.
Steve
Thanks for writing about this, Steve. That study of elephants is fascinating. If I think of how we get our how-to's in life from the parent of the same sex, what you say makes a lot of sense.
I thought the same as you did about the study, Glad to have sparked some interest in you and thanks for commenting.
Steve
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