The goal to advance as a society respectful of all just took another open-hand slap to an already flustered face. Kids, three teens and one young man in his twenties, made national news Friday for kidnapping a “mentally challenged” young man and repeatedly beating him on a live Facebook feed. Fortunately, the teenage victim managed to escape prior to a quite-possible dreadful end.
These vicious acts unfolded in a war zone of this world called — Chicago. Yes. I said it. Chicago’s skyrocketing homicide rate can easily lead anyone without blinders strapped to either side of her face to see the problem. You don’t have to leave U.S. soil to experience a war. Acts of terrorism are being committed on our own country by the youngest within our so-called evolving society. In fact, over 55 percent of the last 90 days of crime in Chicago have led to arrests of people 18 or under.
Filling the Potholes
As an educator, I can’t help but think that somehow we are failing these kids. As a lawyer, I am fearful of where are kids are heading. Thus, the gripping cold chills of Chicago’s diving winter temps has taken a backseat to the criminal minds of mere children.
Law has to fill the potholes left in the aftermath of what has been done so far to teach kids how to be good, conscious citizens knowledgeable of the law — absolutely nothing. Somehow we think we have to teach kids everything from tying their shoe laces to memorizing vocabulary in every subject. But no class focuses on teaching law and how to be a conscious citizen who understands how to legally respect others. Then, we find ourselves jaw-dropping shocked that kids are bullying, hazing, and worst, as in this extreme case — kidnapping and torturing each other.
Start Law at an Impressionable Age
So as we turn a watchful eye to the hateful forces which struck hard, swift, and immediate in Chicago ringing in the new year, we must remember that we all have work to do with our children. Perhaps if these kids were given the pearls of law from a very tender and impressionable age, I can’t help but think — they would have thought twice about committing such evil acts on a fellow human being. Regardless, doing nothing is not an option anymore. Neglecting the law in classrooms is not advancing our kids to the level of simple human kindness.
By Allison Matulli, J.D. (aka Professor Ally)
Writer of the only children’s collection teaching kids law one case at a time.
Visit www.allisonmatulli.com to learn more about Professor Ally’s dedication to educating kids about the law.