In a world where violence and gun-related incidents are prevalent, it is crucial to educate and encourage young men to stay away from guns and violence. It seems nowadays that the life expectancy for our young men is 25 years, or, as some may say, young men and men at large have become an endangered species.
Despite this, I aim to provide insights on the dangers of such behaviours, their impact on individuals and society, and ways to promote peace and non-violence among the youth. By fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and conflict resolution, young men and women can positively impact their communities and pave the way for a safer and more peaceful future.
The use of guns and involvement in violent activities among young men especially continue to pose significant challenges in society today. From gangs (even though this is not admitted in some quarters) to school violence, the consequences of such behaviours are devastating and far-reaching. It is essential to address this issue and encourage young men to stay away from guns and violence to ensure their safety, well-being, and the well-being of those around them.
Guns are designed for one purpose — to cause harm and destruction. When young men resort to using guns to settle disputes or assert power, the consequences can be lethal. The rise in gun-related crimes, homicides, and arrests among young men is alarming and highlights the urgent need to address this issue.
Between January 2023 and Dec. 19, 2024, 108 lives were lost to gun violence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Most of these people are young men. The results are clear. Lives are lost, families are torn apart and communities are left in fear and despair. Young men must understand the gravity of their actions and the irreversible impact of gun violence on individuals and society.
Engaging in violent behaviours not only harms others but also takes a toll on the mental health and well-being of young men themselves. The trauma of witnessing or being involved in violent incidents can lead to long-term psychological effects such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, the culture of violence perpetuates a cycle of retaliation and perpetuates a sense of powerlessness and despair among young men. It is essential to promote positive coping mechanisms and resources for mental health support to prevent the escalation of violence among youth.
I encourage young men to seek peaceful and constructive ways to resolve conflicts instead of resorting to violence. This includes effective communication, empathy, and understanding. Teaching conflict resolution skills at church, school, community groups, and different clubs and promoting dialogue and mediation can help prevent misunderstandings and prevent conflicts from escalating into violent confrontations. By fostering a culture of compassion and understanding, young men can contribute to building a more peaceful and harmonious society.
Many young men who engage in gun violence often come from or immerse themselves in environments where violence is normalised or even glamourised. Breaking the cycle of violence requires addressing the root causes of aggression and providing opportunities for positive growth and development. Investing in education, mentorship programs, and employment opportunities can steer young men away from a path of violence and towards a path of success and fulfilment. By providing support and guidance, we can empower young men to make positive choices and break free from the cycle of violence.
Young men must select positive role models and mentors to guide them toward non-violence and peace. By showcasing stories of resilience, courage, and leadership by community leaders and other influential persons, we can inspire young men to emulate positive behaviours and make a difference in their communities. Empowering young men to become leaders and advocates for peace can create a ripple effect that promotes positive change and unity. Society must support and uplift young men in their journey towards becoming responsible, compassionate, and peaceful individuals.
I wouldn’t be me if I absconded the opportunity to encourage our young men to seek God and retire to my nest. In today’s world, life can become complicated and cloudy, causing our rudders to break away from the boat called life. This can result in lives drifting with no real sense of purpose or direction. Despite this, I encourage you to turn to Jesus, which, in my opinion, is the biggest difference between you dying before 25 or living to threescore and ten. Many persons can testify of his impact in their lives and I believe our young men can become a testimony too.
In conclusion, it is imperative to encourage young men to stay away from guns and violence to create a safer and more peaceful world. By raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of such behaviours, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, breaking the cycle of violence, and providing positive role models and leadership opportunities, we can empower young men to make positive choices and contribute to a society based on respect, compassion, and understanding. Together, we can build a future where young men are agents of change and peace, setting an example for future generations. Our beloved country can become a warm resort of non-violence.
Dr. Joseph L. Bobb