The title of this post may not alarm too many folks today. Sadly, the fact that this title does not immediately cause a rush of anguish and shock simply underscores the challenging and oftentimes horrific environment we are in today. It is a somber sign of the state of mental and emotional turmoil our youth are currently facing.

Brandon McInerney was just 14 years old when, one day three years ago, he decided to exercise his OWN sense of justice and fatally killed a fellow classmate, Lawrence King. To Brandon, it was just to kill Lawrence for one simple fact: Lawrence was openly and admittedly a gay male. Because the jurors, at the time of his trial three years ago, were “hopelessly deadlocked”, a mistrial was declared. Now, three years later and the ripe old age of just seventeen, Brandon has plead guilty to this heinous crime and will be tried as an adult on murder and voluntary manslaughter charges.

Brandon was fueled by enough hate and disdain for Lawrence, that he obtained a firearm and gunned down Lawrence in front of his fellow classmates and teacher in a computer lab. The questions that remain are: Where did this hate come from? Why did Brandon decide HE should administer judgment and his own form of justice over Lawrence? Why did Lawrence’s choice of lifestyle “offend” Brandon to the point of violence?

This quote was taken from the American Psychological Association’s report called ” Hate Crimes Today: An Age-Old Foe in Modern Dress”: “Most hate crimes are carried out by otherwise law-abiding young people who see little wrong with their actions. Alcohol and drugs sometimes help fuel these crimes, but the main determinant appears to be personal prejudice, a situation that colors people’s judgment, blinding the aggressors to the immorality of what they are doing. Such prejudice is most likely rooted in an environment that disdains someone who is “different” or sees that difference as threatening.” It goes on to include a quote by Dr. Karen Franklin of the Washington Institute for Mental Illness Research and Training that “…offenders perceive that they have societal permission to engage in violence against homosexuals.”

Personally, I believe this tragic incident could have been avoided. As a matter of fact, many incidences like this one could be prevented if, in addition to the skills of math, reading, and writing, our young people receive in school, that they are also exposed to “practical and spiritual skills that develop and nurture their psyche and attitudes.” It is simply not enough to provide the “basics” of reading, writing, and arithmetic to young people in today’s apathetic society. The false sense of superiority and/or the threat another person’s lifestyle poses are rooted in a skewed sense of self and a lack of understanding in character and attitudes. The media, which is almost a lifeline to many teens, can be very powerful in fueling skewed opinions and perceptions. And sadly, there are not enough sources to counteract these oftentimes negative perceptions and opinions.

In the case of Brandon McInerney, he felt that Lawrence was a threat or was “lesser than”. His personal repulsion lead him to commit an act that he can never take back. As it stands, Brandon will serve 25 years (for manslaughter and for the use illegal of a firearm) for his actions. It is an unhappy ending. And, yet, it is an ending we see more and more of today. Maybe if we put constructive measures (education, mentoring, at home reinforcement) in place to mitigate and get to the root of the hate and rage in teens, stories like Brandon will become less and less prominent. Maybe, just maybe, the justice of hate will, one day, cease to exist in our young people. What do you think?

Until next time…

Blessings!

Traci
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Just this past week, I read an article that caused some dilemma in my spirit….it stated that researchers, based on recent studies, believe that spanking kids will actually lower their overall IQs. Now, we all have heard the numerous arguments and debates about spanking and its possible link to child abuse. But now, spanking can also impede a child’s mental development, too? While I am not a proponent of excessive spanking to keep a kid in line (that really is crossing over into the area of abuse), I will say that I firmly believe that there are times when a little spanking is warranted. But, that spanking should be coupled with talking and helping the child to understand the error of his/her ways. My mother was very old school. She was a firm believer in the biblical verse “spare the rod, spoil the child”. However, I honestly can not recall more than one spanking from her. Just her voice and/or look was enough to let me know that I was in the wrong… and that I better straighten up FAST! We talked quite a bit as well, so it was a good balance.

We are in a day and age where the pressures on single parents (both single moms and single dads) are enormous. We have seen children being abused, neglected, and abandoned more than ever in recent years. In the midst of this pressure to be perfect and raise perfect children, some parents have released their own frustrations out on their kids and this is unacceptable. However, do you think it is “fair” to associate needed chastisement (i.e. occasional spanking) with an overall lower IQ of kids? If you agree with the notion that a child’s intellect will be adversely affected by spanking, then, what is acceptable chastisement? Is the “spare the rod, spoil the child” proverb not applicable today and if so, why?

In upcoming episodes of “Heroes at Home Radio” we will get into issues such as these and more. Stay tuned!
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