YOUTH UNDER PRESSURE

Growing up has never been easy, but the challenges are often even
greater for those who come from new immigrant families, where
language, culture and religion add to what can is overwhelming mix of
complex issues.

In the 21st century, the pressure to be rich has never been greater,
with an easy but often lethal route being within arm's reach for many.

Drugs, whether its crystal meth, ecstasy or marijuana, are ubiquitous
in the Lower Mainland, and their availability, both for use and as a
means of income through distribution, is a temptation youth
definitely don't need.

It's understandable why some stray from the straight and narrow. Just
look at the fine examples some youth are exposed to. Far too often,
police find marijuana grow ops tended to by young families with
children who are just as much victims as the rest of the community.
Talk about being immersed in a drug culture.

Meanwhile, society's seeming obsession with materialistic
satisfaction--the never-ending pursuit of fast cars, cool clothes,
jewelry, plasma televisions or expansive houses--keeps on hammering
home a dysfunctional message. Bling bling equals happiness.

If we all want to put an end to the violence that permeates our
streets, changes need to be made from the ground up. Parents need to
spend more time with their children, being positive role models
through their actions as well as their words. Community leaders need
to step forward to champion the cause.

Children need to realize that the seemingly trivial decisions they
make as young adults can lead to bigger mistakes and dire
consequences. One day, a kid is a school yard bully. A few years
later, he's behind bars for stomping on someone's head.

Local leaders of the Indo-Canadian community this week continued to
take strides in battling the violence that has claimed too many of
their youngest members.

But this is a societal problem that demands a community solution.
Remember, it does take a village to raise a child. If you want to see
where the solution lies, look in the mirror.

Every good example helps.