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Tide of Violence Raises Concern Among Youth

Thursday, November 17, 2005

November 17, 2005 -- There is growing concerns over the rising murder rate in the city of Philadelphia, especially among young people.

The problem is illustrated by numbers. So far this year, 334 lives have been lost to violence. That's 47 more people killed in the city than a year ago at this time.

The urgency of the situation prompted Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson to call his top brass together Thursday to lay out their priorities. The rising crime rate also prompted another meeting, the meeting is focusing on young people and what they think about the problem.

Students shared their thoughts about violence with a panel of community leaders at Germantown High School. "It's really wrong. We shouldn't do that. We shouldn't kill." Raw emotion fueled a youth hearing about violence in the community. "The one thing I hate is waking up in the morning and having to see this every single day." Brittany Alexander/Germantown High School: "It's a big part about respect. 'Cause dudes don't like to be disrespected. Like if a dude look at him, what is he looking at me for the altercation, then guns get involved." Many criticized adults for allowing so many guns to wind up on the street. They explained why telling or snitching on those who commit crime can break an unspoken code of silence, without appearing to decrease the violence. "They don't want to snitch on people they know because they feel like they're selling out." "You're my friend but you killed somebody. But I'm not going to say I know my friend did it. That's my friend, we grew up together. I'm not going to let you go to jail." Last week, a young witness was shot after talking to police about the murder of a 16-year-old in south Philadelphia. Fear seems to cement the code of silence making it even harder to crack. Some youth feel unprotected by their elders. Yeah, I could tell on somebody to get them off the streets for shooting. But at the end of day, still go out and shoot a child younger than that." "Anyone of my friends could get shot today or tomorrow. You want me to do your part, but you ain't doing yours." One young man suggested adults are asking young people to do something elected leaders don't embrace. "They want us to step up and snitch on people. But what about them? What abut the politicians that know what people doing...like Bush and all them? They ain't snitching on them or nothing." But beneath the fear and frustration, their passion reveals a desire to quell the tide of violence. Tameme McQueen/11th Grade: "Everybody is not stepping up to the plate. I will. I want to change the community 'cause it's not making no sense. Everybody's dying. Too many of us kids dying out here today." The youth seemed energized by the discussion. The passion was wonderful to witness. A panel of activists with take the results to city officials.

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