Many still insist on blaming satellite television and globalization for what they view as our children’s unacceptable behavior. These people believe that watching satellite channels and acting according to the dictates of globalization are the main factors influencing children. Children, they argue, view as their heroes and models cartoon film characters they see on TV while totally ignoring their own rich history and culture.
To the critics and others looking for scapegoats, I say, "You are absolutely wrong. Stop blaming satellite television and globalization and focus instead on the real causes that make children behave the way they do."
We must recognize that the blame lies with us and not with others. I say that we are to blame because we fail to provide examples of moderation and a balanced approach as model behavior. I say we are to blame because we have not taught our children about mutual trust. We seldom sit down with them to explain to them what is right and what is wrong and leave these things to outside influences. Now that tragedy has struck, we blame our children and our education system.
Who said our society lacks heroes to serve as role models? Our textbooks are full of countless heroes but unfortunately our children do not learn to grasp, comprehend and think but merely to pass from one class to another. Many questions can be put to our children at the end of the day. What real benefit have they gained from watching this or that cartoon film? What aspirations and hopes do they hold for themselves and others? How do they view their future and what are their immediate and long-term wishes?
Parents should not put restrictions on what children want to know or keep telling them something is "haram" — forbidden — and something else is "halal" — allowed. If you deny them something without explaining why, they will seek it elsewhere. It is not satellite television or globalization that has made our children behave the way they do. It is because we have failed to understand and respond to the needs of our time.
21 September 2002
