Thomas Phinemann, Contributor

Often, it takes an outsider to identify problems we ignore or fail to see in ourselves. These things appear to be in our blind spot, hence, our inability to see them.

Some time ago, Ben Carson, the famous African-American neurosurgeon, addressed graduates of Northern Caribbean University in Manchester.

He shared with the gathering that on his way to the graduation ceremony, he noticed group after group of people (mostly males) just standing or sitting idle.

He was prompted to ask what these people were doing. The answer, as we well know, was that these people do this from day to day.

Manning the corners

It was after listening to him that it struck me that although there is so much to do, there are so many idle males just standing or sitting around.

There is much truth in the proverb, 'the devil finds work for idle hands'. We are concerned about the recent spate of murders in Jamaica. We look to inner cities for answers as most of the killings occur in these communities, while homicides in suburban or rural areas are generally attributed to forays by migratory criminals.

Let us not forget that most community dons, or euphemistically-termed area leaders, do not live in these communities.

However, they exercise control over these communities. They man the 'corners'. Unless we influence the men who sit on the sidewalks and those who control them to think differently, we cannot transform our country into one where there is respect for life.

Many men have turned to the gun to demand respect. They have become cold and heartless.

If someone plans to commit murder, and this is reported to the police, what can they do? They can warn the person concerned not to commit the offence. The intended victim can protect himself or herself by avoiding the potential killer. But this may only delay murder.

Only the potential killer can ensure that no murder takes place by not carrying out his intention. Other people can only delay the action. A determined killer will bide his time and wait for an opportunity to pounce on his victim.

How can we reach the minds of our brothers who have gone berserk? We must first create respect for life in word. Our children are getting the wrong message about life. As lives are snuffed out from day to day, the value of life diminishes. We cannot continue to look on helplessly.

Gainful occupation

Civil society must provide gainful occupation for those on the corners. Churches can take their messages to the corners more often. Public agencies can take information to the corners with messages that promote respect for life.

Instead of sitting idly by, these males could be watching positive messages on screen and listening to words that could change their way of thinking. This is not to suggest that murders are exclusively committed by persons who sit idly by. This is a preventative measure. Thoughts must change before actions can.

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