Several people were injured last week when they were trampled by panicked shoppers frightened when fireworks were set off in Hamilton Place mall.
Robin SmithThe afternoon following Christmas, I first read the local story of Hamilton Place mall's encounter with fireworks mistaken for gunfire. Then, I read about a Fort Worth, Texas, mall on lockdown due to a melee involving up to 150 teenagers after a report of gunfire. Mall brawls have been reported over the last week from cities in New York and New Jersey to Atlanta, Chattanooga and Memphis in the South to Tempe, Ariz., and Aurora, Colo., eventually exceeding a dozen various cities.
Were these fights connected in any way? That was my first question when online news reported first one incident, then two and the total climbed.
Social media was specifically cited in the altercation at Town Center of Aurora. More than 100 individuals gathered "to witness a fight promised" in the mall's food court, as posted online.
Some news pieces spoke to the Christmas holiday break, with students out of school as businesses expected heavy shopping traffic on the Monday after Christmas. Yet, out of school does not give license to be out of control.
Let's ponder a few points.
First, those whose behavior is not conducive for commerce and public safety should not be tolerated in any place of business, whether in a mall, on a retail street or a lemonade stand. With trade as a major aspect of our lives, society has courtesies and necessities for everyday interaction with it.
Second, if these same students demonstrate an obvious lack of self-control and restraint in a public place, imagine the day-in-day-out behavior a teacher confronts in the classroom. The public at large only has such animalistic behavior visited upon it when school's out.
Third, and to the heart of the matter, who taught these kids this was acceptable in any place? Who modeled such primitive behavior? Who reinforces anti-social behavior and even criminal activity as appropriate?
These behaviors of the individuals at the malls involving fistfights, firecrackers, gunfire and other disruptions and criminal acts are unquestionably inappropriate and must be condemned and punished. But, let's say what we all know to be true: Parents, either teach your kids to conduct themselves appropriately for a minimum standard of public safety or keep them at home.
The world is neither your babysitter nor sympathizer for excuses.
Ever heard the term "shame"? Once upon a time, a family was shamed if a member demonstrated less than honorable behavior in public. It was a poor reflection on one's family. Ever heard of the term "self-respect"? Once upon a time, a virtue was taught that to be respected one must first demonstrate self-respect through one's own conduct and manners. Ever heard the term "parent"? Once upon a time, a guardian charged with the nurture, growth and development of a dependent acted to love, discipline, reward and punish said dependent to create habits and character for life as a functioning adult.
It is quite pathetic and laughable that a society in 2017 claiming to be progressive, intellectual and diverse allows those pitching fits, throwing tantrums and disrupting business in the form of mall brawls and riots camouflaged as protests to set the standard of public conduct.
Will we see 2017 resolutions find adults loving their children enough to raise them with character and integrity? Will parents engage in more than being cool? It is a new year. So, let's hope some initiate this thing called parenting.
Robin Smith, a former Tennessee Republican Party chairwoman, owns Rivers Edge Alliance.