![Carlton Ishmael](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Carlton-Ishmael-2.png)
IT is amazing how the tables have changed.
Years gone by, one could have pointed fingers at people considered ‘old’, a ‘drunkard’, ‘delinquent’ or ‘unsociable’, etc. and there was a clear distinction between the young and the elderly, as well as the working class and those who chose to laze about.
Fast-forward to today and a lot of the young people seem to be getting old quickly and adopting habits and behaviour that seems to reflect negatives at most. Some will work to earn, some struggle because of lack of opportunities and some just have become ‘pamaylay’ (don’t carish). Strong alcoholic drinks and drugs of all types seem to be the thing that everyone indulges in, plus sex and gambling, for happiness.
The tomorrow’s factor does not seem to be in their planning, the concept of saving for a rainy day does not compute, and so many people are just throwing their lives away by being unproductive, and irresponsible. The role of caretaker of one’s self and family or being one’s brother’s keeper seem to be out of the window. There is no Right and Wrong, no Good and Evil, no self-assessment or self-control. It seems to be an age of no hope, no ambitions, no dreams and no sacrifice.
Some would rather live on handouts, or waste all that they have, simply because they care little for self and family or friends, far-less for other people. It is so sad to see the lack of direction, or purpose, or will to achieve.
It is like life will take care of itself and ‘The Government’ or ‘somebody’ will always come to their aid, the system is seen as responsible for their welfare and ought to care and see about them, regardless of if they are responsible for their own situation.
The blame game is the order of the day, parents are supposed to be supportive till death do them part, and self-control and self-assessment does not fit in their lifestyle.
The partying and the pleasures of life are more important than every other thing, self-destruction is on the rise, self-neglect is common and criminals see the best way to go is to rip-off, take quick cash jobs, regardless of what the job is.
It is so sad to see so many people especially the young throwing their lives away. The way I see things, many people’s tomorrows will be grim, for many out there are walking on a tightrope, along a route of no return, a choice life style with no rewards.
No one cares to check themselves, nobody cautions the other, advice is neither sought or seen as needed. But, to me, the answer is not “It’s God’s will”, but the route to the bottomless pit.
We call on God to put a hand because the nation’s youth seem to have gone astray. The next generation will have no mentors, no teachers, no guidance councillors, no advisors or role models.
I pity the many in such a sad situation.