A Growing Concern

Related Reading:
​The Psychological War
Make Good Choices 
Love or Hate? 

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is I was taking the time to think about my previous thoughts, particularly with regards to the ending of Romeo and Juliet, and Juliet's act of killing herself. My critical stance as an educator and parent brought me to think about the traditional canon. It is important to preserve and learn history through these, but traditional / historic notions and opinions don't stay the same. For example: Romeo and Juliet is a world renowned dramatic play. It's been made into films, inter-texts, music, art, and more. There are many morals and lessons within the play itself. But the acts of violence and self-harm are once again points to question. We have to think: What are the emotional reactions of the students, and be aware that the adolescent  turbulence that is causing hormones to go up and down is much more likely to influence the reactions, and relatability from students. It is within these years students are questioning their own identity, who they are, trying to find validity, and also experimenting. While we can argue that it is good to experiment, but to what extent? Transcending  / crossing the laws, or engaging in behaviour that is harming the self? So when should parents / educators step in?

     An example of teenage experimentation is when we think about recreational drugs. This is a topic of concern, that was addressed by President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and later also comments made by Jeff Sessions. Session's made a point that is worth reflection with regards to drug dealers.

Drug dealers really don't care who they are targeting, what their concern is, is the money that they will receive to buy / sell more drugs. Whilst I cannot speak to any individual case or person, from my general knowledge and educated assumption, the drug dealers are probably heavily addicted, high, and really don't care who they hurt or target. The growing danger with recreational drugs that are obtained from the streets, is the mixing with other harmful content such as Fentanyl, Heroin,  Cocaine and other more potent drugs.

     So while the teenagers who are hearing that Weed or Marijuana are good for the health, decide to experiment, little do they know, or will they know the exact content of what they consume. Regardless of what sellers say, caution must be exerted. Again I ask the question: Experimentation but to what extent? This example is also tricky because there are many opinions surrounding the use of Marijuana / Weed. From my educated opinion I do believe that there are health benefits to relieve mental health symptoms, but when we talk about street drugs, the mixing with other substances; the conversation becomes a whole different ball game.  

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand written on March 20th, 2018.
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