THE EDITOR, Sir:

I was in utter shock upon reading last Sunday Gleaner's article about teenagers murdering homeless persons. The disbelief element was, that it had been happening over a period of time.

Similar stories are becoming more apparent, not through media stories, but from stressed parents whose children have had altercations with their peers. It's no longer a test of strength by means of duking it out, but rather a need to destroy their opponent. What our youngsters consider 'a dis' warrants death and usually this grudge is held for some time before the lethal threat is carried out.

These extreme forms of retaliation are carried out by children in all social classes. There is a misconception that because a child goes to a private, 'up-town' school, he/she would not be capable of barbaric and 'ghetto' behaviour. Parents need to wake up and recognise that their little angels have been forced to adjust to life outside the walls of their homes and schools and have chosen to emulate this 'one-up-manship' lifestyle.

We hear about the young gangs from ghettos but few are aware that gangs are thriving amidst the BMWs and Pajeros in Upper St. Andrew too. The common denominator to all these kids is music. The lewd lyrics and highly suggestive videos are their inspiration and stepping stone to the ghetto life which they try so hard to identify with.

I think it's fair to say that many of our children just don't understand the consequences of their actions and it's up to us as teachers and parents to teach the alternative of verbally defending their honour.

I am, etc.,

GLEANER READER

Barbican Road