The ethical ignorance of local youth is epitomized by the recent gang rape of a 16-year-old girl at nearby Richmond High School.
For approximately two and a half hours, at least six young men raped, robbed and beat the victim while several bystanders watched and jeered the attack.
It is appalling that in spite of the witnesses who were present, nobody made the moral decision to contact police authorities.
Not only does this indicate a lack of responsibility, but also it acts as a perfect example of the unspoken street code of conduct: “snitches get stitches.”
If a person was known to report a crime, for example, they would be subject to retaliation.
As a result, it is common for witnesses to remain silent in fear of retribution and victimization by their peers. But by doing so, they are only adding fuel to the fire by enabling the violence that permeates society.
Richmond is notorious for having the highest per-capita murder rate in California in 2008.
The ever-present violence in the city has undoubtedly become an innate trademark when referencing the urban town.
It is a shame that many fail to acknowledge the need for improvement until something incredibly atrocious occurs.
A change in the community is necessary, but it is not possible until the root of the problem is identified.
Prevention is the solution.
If school officials had taken the necessary precautions to install lights at the dark courtyard, perhaps the gang rape would not have occurred.
Growing up in a violence-prone area, the pseudo gangster complex presented in the community seemingly offers two options to young people — kill or be killed.
This mentality promotes unsafe competition and disregard for others.
Long gone are the days when we not only knew our neighbors, but we trusted them to take care of us and vice versa.
While some youth become paralyzed in the midst of romanticizing the thug lifestyle, it is important that the young people of this community be provided with positive options.
More services promoting healthy living, such as Richmond Youth Student Empowerment (RYSE) are needed. Along with providing safe environments for students to network, RYSE offers art, cultural and social activities.
The youth need positive role models that they can empathize and relate with.
Otherwise, all they will see are those who commit crime and those who do nothing about it.
Breaking the trend
Solution to community violence in role models
Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
 "Photo: Cody McFarland")
Cody McFarland
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