From the Classroom: Kids Gone Wild–Gangs, Sexting, and more! Part 1

We are a dangerous generation.

Don’t believe me? Have you ever seen The Omen? How ’bout Orphan? The Unborn? Joshua?

OK, to be honest, neither have I. But I heard that those are horror movies where kids go nuts and start terrorizing people. I don’t know about you, but just looking at the kids on those movie posters is enough to freak me out.

And if that doesn’t scare you, this should: I have another internet browser window open. I am researching the cost of tanks. Army tanks. Sure, I’m conducting a nerdy debate on wasteful wartime spending in a third browser window. But that’s irrelevant. All you need to do is picture me in a tank and be afraid. Be very afraid.

You know who else is very afraid? The State’s Attorney’s Office, who recently held a conference at Annapolis High (attended by 35 whole parents) to talk about issues facing teens today–serious issues, such as gangs, the Internet, and ‘sexting’.

In the next three days, I will present a unique point of view–not that of a frightened parent or frustrated prosecutor, but a normal teen who fearfully prays that, when his parents return from these types of conferences, they will not take a sledgehammer to his laptop.

So, with that said, I’m going to be writing a three-part piece on a few issues that are getting our teens in trouble today. Today, we’ll talk about gangs, tomorrow about the Internet and sexting, and on Friday I’ll offer a nifty Top Ten ways to keep teens safe.

Let’s get to those gangs.

Violence is deplorable. This includes murders, fights, domestic violence, slap-fights on reality TV, and moose hunting (looking at you, Sarah Palin). And you know what’s even worse than someone who hurts other things? Someone who doesn’t have the guts to do it alone.

AKA, a gang member. Or Sarah Palin and her helicopter pilot.

Sure, saying you’re in a gang makes you look cool in some people’s eyes, like your less rebellious peers. Of course, it doesn’t sound very cool to members of rival gangs (who own guns).

But I probably shouldn’t talk any more about gangs and violence–after all, what do I know? I’m just a skinny white kid whose idea of pain is a swine flu vaccine. If I tried to join the Bloods, I’d be laughed out. If I tried to join a Mexican gang, it’d be even worse, because I barely know any Spanish. Our conversation would go something like this:

And make no mistake, people, according to the State Attorney’s office, there have been reports of Bloods and Crips in Anne Arundel County. If you know anything about any gang, call the police. Call Superman too–he’s more responsive than certain government organizations (coughFEMAcough).

Signing off safely, (come back tomorrow and read my next installment)

About Fish Stark

Fish Stark has written 77 post in this blog.

Fish Stark is a 16-year-old Edgewater resident. He likes laughing, politics, and Reese's cups. His least favorite beverage is unleaded gasoline. His two novels can be read here: http://www.eyeonannapolis.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/First-Daughter.pdf and here: http://www.eyeonannapolis.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ConventionDRAFT1.pdf His stand-up comedy and amateur filmmaking can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/user/theoFishalfishstark

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Tags: Annapolis, Annapolis High School, domestic violence, gang awareness, murders, rival gangs, sarah palin, states attorney, teenagers

Category: From The Classroom