So this debate has been going on for a little while now and lots of people have waded in with their views. I’ve kinda kept out of it but it’s starting to bug me so I’ve decided to comment.
I understand that emotions are running high and that everyone has an opinion so here’s mine! I do not condone cheating or the use of drugs, there is a great responsibility placed on all of us whether we are in the spotlight or not to be a positive example to others. So here is my thought!
Dwain Chambers was found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs in order to achieve the success he experienced at within athletics’s. He initially tried to cover up what he had done (I have no doubts that he was aided) and he was sentenced, served his sentence and had returned to the world of sport to prove that he can achieve without the drugs. He made expressed that he felt that most who achieved a gold medal in the world of athletics’s were using drugs.
So here we go, I think that Dwain was unwise to make the comments that he did, however, as someone who has been within the industry he most probably has some insight about some of the people he has trained and worked with. Drugs are most probably common in some circles. Funny, whilst I completely believe that Dwain has to take responsibility for his actions and choices, I also believe that there must have been a coach or trainer who would have been involved and we just don’t seem to be talking about them.
Here’s where I get frustrated, Dwain Chambers has served his time and everyone deserves a second chance. Everyone is talking about the influence and affects on the younger generation. Hmm so what of Amy Winehouse who is a wino and drug taker who can’t even perform properly she’s so lambasted yet we are awarding her with 5 Grammy’s and acclaiming her music. Great example! What of Kate Moss who is another druggie, who’s drug habit is knowingly in the public eye, yet she’s still the face of Rimmel London and has been completely forgiven of her misdemeanors but is the face of UK modelling. Sorry??? Then Pete Dogherty who although he’s been to court several times for his drug taking, he’s still selling music and gets off with a slap on the wrist every time.
So how do we get this sooo wrong. A guy who has served his time admitted his offense and wants to now prove that he has the skill and talent and he can get a medal without drugs getting such a hard time. Yet three people who influence youth culture substantially who are drug takers and alcoholics can be exempted from all responsibility and in-fact receive plenty of publicity without calls for them to step away from the limelight.
It’s a bit messed up if you ask me. One rule for one and one rule for the other!!!
For me Dwain Chambers deserves a second chance, just like the rest of us! But hey we all have our own oppinions
Too many young, talented, beautiful young people are loosing their lives over nothing. I’m not really into hip hop but this touched me deeply
Gun and knife crime is escalating out of control and the victims are so young. Our society has much to answer for with its lack of boundaries, lack of parenting, education system that skill focuses on academia, erosion of moral values and more. How many more need to die before we really take this seriously.
I’ve not really given much thought about Christmas presents this year. Not really got into the commercial hubbub. Yes the tree is up and the lights are over the Jack Vettriano picture in the dining room, but that’s about it. To be honest we’ve been too busy to think about it and lately too sick!!
But I am quite stumped at what to get everyone this Christmas. I want to give presents that will really make a impact and share some of the self development and learning that I have acquired especially over recent years, especially to my nieces and nephews. Delivering workshops in high schools has really shown me how much young people truly need to be given life skills before they leave school, teaching them how to develop their confidence, to understand how their words impact their actions and challenging them to uncover their goals and plan to achieve them is critical to their success. That’s what I want to give this Christmas.
So I am on the hunt for books or tapes that are right for 10 – 14 year olds which motivate and elevate them to success. Because life is just too short.
For the last three weeks I have been delivering workshops in schools to year 9 and 11 students. For those of you who don’t know that’s 13/14 and 15/16 year olds! It has been some experience as I’ve worked with them on our programme Unlimited Potential delivering Confidence Building and Goal Setting training. It’s amazing how already the lively positive attitudes that much younger children have has already started to be eradicated.
These young people are creative, fun, intelligent and so much more. As every it has really hit me how positive words, thoughts and actions can really impact young minds. Just by telling a young mind they are going to fail if they don’t buck up their ideas can send them in to complete meltdown where perspective and self empowerment are eradicated in one fell swoop.
I completely take my hat off to teachers who day in day out have to deal with these young inquisitive, feisty, challenging young minds who question everything and sometimes just can’t help but talk incessantly. Whilst challenging they are fun to be with, the potential that I see in the young people I work with never ceases to astound me. Yet our society seems to have forgotten how to motivate them without the over stimulation of TV, PSP’s, IPod’s, Mobile Phones, X Boxes, Ninetendo’s, Wii’s and they every annoying Celebrity this that and the other.
Today I spoke with a group I was working with about a time when TV came on only at certain time in the day and when you find you own stimulation and fun and truly explored the creativity of your young mind. Gosh I remember have outrageous fun with a double mattress that was squeezed on it side between the airing cupboard and the wardrobe in my bedroom, I can’t help but think of that and loose a breath from the many time I completely lost my ability to speak because I was crying with laughter.
… I digress!!
Young minds are impressionable, they need the most positive yet boundary full environment to explore who they are, who they want to be and what life has to offer them. They need positive words of encourage and the tools and strategies to empower and encourage themselves. They need to know that they “can” regardless of the challenges that face them. I know that what David and I do makes some difference. Can you?
