Baltimore Riots

Last night while Frank was with Celidah at drivers school, the kids and I were watching the news about the riots in Baltimore and I asked them what they knew about the Ferguson riots. The older kids all let me know that they were not even allowed to talk about the riots in school and had no idea what really happened. At this I realized that neither nor I had even discussed what happened then.

So I silenced the news, searched a few articles and we began to learn from a variety of perspectives about what happened, the results, and how the Ferguson riots affected the communities.

Naturally, the kids are stunned with the behavior and cannot believe that teens and adults would even allow themselves to hurt people, destroy property, and behave like they have been.

Throughout the discussion, we talked about the 4 differing groups of people involved, varying reasons for the behavior, and possible outcomes.  I had the kids identify the different groups they saw on the news: media, emergency personnel, aggressors, and peace makers. (Their ability to identify made me proud)

According to the kids the media was there to cover the situation, emergency personnel covered several, police to diffuse and stop, paramedics, treat the injured, and firefighters to put out the fires. The peace makers were trying to help diffuse and protect property. The rioters were the angry and out of control ones unwilling to listen.

We talked about how the looting is stealing. The kids could not comprehend how damaging, stealing, hurting, and setting fire were more important to the rioters. As we discussed various possible reasons for the behavior we also began to discuss ways they can use to avoid becoming involved if a similar situation happened close to home. We talked about how the kids have learned to say no to drugs and several other situations and relate these same lessons to the current happenings with the riots.

I am glad to know that I can talk to my kids about stuff like this. We can take past lessons and apply them to new situations. Knowing that the gospel lessons also apply really helps when needing to talk with kids about serious subjects.

Then while listening to a talk radio show today, on the show, the topic of parents talking to their kids about the riots, how to say no, and avoid such situations came up. It was mentioned that the riots first in Ferguson, now in Baltimore are likely not over. We have to prepare our children now to know what to do in the event of peer pressure to participate. My first thought was, "I am so glad I have already started this with my kids." I was even more glad when my oldest came home from high school saying she has heard rumors that there are posts in twitter, facebook, and other places saying the riots need to be brought to Bel Air.

Bel AIr is much closer to us than Baltimore, even though Baltimore is still very close.