Instead of just telling women how to protect themselves from sexual assault, shouldn't we also instruct men it is a CRIME, "Don't do it" and "NO actually means NO"?
Instead of just telling kids who are victims how to avoid or stand up to bullies, shouldn't we also tell the bullies to"Stop it"?
Instead of just telling police officers they need to be nicer to the criminals, shouldn't we also tell the suspects to "Stop committing crimes" and "Follow the instructions of the police when confronted"?
Instead of automatically blaming teachers for a student's poor academic performance, shouldn't parents first look to see what their child is doing or not doing?
Instead of blaming others for our problems, shouldn't we first look at what we are doing?
When I was growing up, in the fifties and sixties, a simple "Knock it off!!" from an adult stopped a lot of poor behavior right in its tracks - whether at school, home or at an event.
No discussion, no excuses. Just stop it.
Harsh? Maybe. But it certainly worked.
Then came the seventies and eighties. A much softer approach, much discussion, etc.
Better? In some ways, but not a complete success.
Perhaps the pendulum needs to swing back a little. Perhaps it's true what they say -
Middle of the road is where it's at.
Perhaps its time to balance "understanding" with a little "tough love."
....end of rant.
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