Disgraceful Behavior of Adults

EDITORIAL
Adults setting bad standards for children
By The Nation
Published on May 19, 2010
Those exposed to the ongoing violence every day, might start to believe in the power of violence

The disgraceful behaviour of adults in this crisis will leave scars on an entire generation of innocent children

One of the most telling pictures on Monday was of a child peering over a barricade of tyres set up by the red shirts. The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) claimed that the child was used as human shield.

It is unclear whether the child was intentionally used by his parents to protect the reds who were hiding behind the barricades of tyres. But why was the child there in the first place? Nonetheless, the picture illustrates the fact that children are also being affected by this crisis.

Aside from those children who have lost parents in the clashes, there are a number of children who are witnessing the violence firsthand. There are quite a number of children whose lives are at risk in the red zone. On Monday night, there was also a report that a 14-year-old boy was allegedly involved in lighting a blaze at a deserted building in the red zone of Bangkok.

If the allegation proves to be true, we are all to blame for the violent act committed by this youngster. The clashes are watched by children nationwide. They learn by imitating adults. Adults must now question whether they are good enough role models for young children to look up to.

It is tragic that children have become victims of this crisis. Earlier this month, hundreds of students who live in the areas taken over by the reds faced a series of postponements of the new school semester. Back-to-school day was supposed to be an important moment for them. But it wasn't the case this year as their schools became dangerous places because of the clashes in downtown Bangkok.

It is sad that the most affected students are those in several municipal or temple schools, whose parents are mostly middle- or lower-income earners. The delay in the schools' opening will affect their educational development, as it is unclear how these public or temple schools will be able to fully make up the lost time.

The tragedy of the past few days shows adults' absolute failure to sort out their differences through civil and peaceful negotiations. The TV rating system became a joke when news reports showed people shot to death or injured, live on TV in every household.

Day in, day out, young viewers see adults fighting to win at all costs, regardless of the effects on the others. The past two months have seen downtown Bangkok held hostage by protesters. The situation has got worse, with people now killing each. As the death toll increases, it's imperative to protect children by removing them to safe areas. They must not be used as a means, by whatever party, to achieve their political ends. It was a cowardly act by adults to use innocent children as a bargaining chip.

If these adults don't have the ability to love their children, then how can they have the ability to love and care for others.

The ongoing tragedy is the darkest moment in our history. And our generation is the only one to be blamed for this abysmal moment. The worst nightmare is that our children will grow up and become like us. If that's the case, the nation will be full of adults who are selfish, self-centred, who fail to respect the rights of others, and who use others as a means to achieve their selfish ends. And what will happen if these children grow up to believe that violence is an acceptable way to get what you want?