In reaction to horrific events such as Serena Vermeesch’s murder, there tends to be a hue and cry to get rid of the monsters who live amongst us – regardless of the fact that there seems to be an endless supply of them.
Where do these monsters come from? From amongst us – a society that produces great men and women also produces these monsters.
Raymond Lee Caissie showed violent tendencies in kindergarten. Research has demonstrated that such individuals can be pinpointed at an early age. Where dysfunctional families and socio-cultural environments exist, the odds are stacked against children turning out as decent human beings.
Wally Oppal argues that any crime-reduction strategy must address the root causes as well as the legal remedies. What is being done to prevent the emergence of more monsters? How many communities take seriously the adage that it takes a village to raise a child? How many cities and towns have developed a comprehensive approach to child and youth development?
As the recent teachers’ strike attempted to bring to the public’s attention, conditions of learning in schools matter as to what type of human beings emerge. So do the supports and programs accessible to children and youth out of school.
Collective outrage must lead to acceptance of collective responsibility and to collective action.
Otherwise, the cycle that produces the monsters within will continue.
Frank Frigon
