Saturday 5 September 2009

Australian society: two faces of the young today


It has ever been thus, that members of the ruling generation think the generation following is less than they were when young.
The truth of the matter is that the best and worst aspects of any society are often mirrored in the behaviour of children.

Here are two examples in the local media on the same day.

The Daily Examiner, 31 August 2009 Click image to enlarge


Good work, lad

ON July 6, my mother aged over 70 years, was walking along Little High Street, Yamba. Her mobility is restricted, and while negotiating the uneven path she fell to the ground, her head striking a parked car on the way down.
She is alright, however was sore for a number of days and had to receive ongoing; treatment to her injured arm.
I grew up on the Lower Clarence, but have not lived there for over 20 years. I am penning this letter to show my family's appreciation of an unknown teenager who came to her aid.
According to my mother the boy was in about Year 9 (14 or 15 years of age). The boy physically lifted my mother from the ground, despite my mother telling him that he would not be able to lift her.
He escorted her to a nearby chemist, being the Yamba Pharmacy, where the staff treated her.
The boy stayed with her while she was treated, and would not leave until he knew that she was alright. For the days following, staff at Yamba Pharmacy treated my mother's wounds. We thank those staff members for the assis
tance and care they have shown for our mother.
That is not all. What has really impressed me and my family is the boy repeatedly apologised for not being quick enough to catch my mother as she was falling.
If the young boy happens to read this letter, we want you to know that we are very grateful for your help on that day.
Further, you and your family should be very proud of your actions. Thank you.
This comes at a time when the youth of today regularly bring themselves under notice in all communities, for the wrong reasons, but not this lad.
Well done, you have a bright future.

JOCK HENRY,
Mudgee.

[The Daily Examiner, letter to the editor,31 August 2009]

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