tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post1339743692483807460..comments2014-01-17T14:44:03.624-05:00Comments on Coltin1948: Stop Doing That!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-34304599290287622142011-02-05T11:31:20.235-05:002011-02-05T11:31:20.235-05:00I've come across the broken window theory befo...I've come across the broken window theory before and there does seem to be an awful lot of truth to it. <br /><br />You might find this post by another blogger I regularly read quite interesting:<br />http://silence-without.blogspot.com/2011/02/failing-to-make-difference.htmllight208https://www.blogger.com/profile/08963433460783023131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-2396285118000312662010-10-15T09:59:52.044-04:002010-10-15T09:59:52.044-04:00I'd not heard of the broken window theory, but...I'd not heard of the broken window theory, but it makes sense. I've been saying for years that low-level social nuisance eventually becomes acceptable behaviour if not addressed.<br /><br />You've made a very important point here: that we should all be prepared to challenge antisocial behaviour, although we shouldn't expect to earn any kudos by doing so, at least in the short term.Dennis Hodgsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09409579380626581592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-41028392583890182052010-09-03T00:20:51.729-04:002010-09-03T00:20:51.729-04:00This was so well written. And informative, the &qu...This was so well written. And informative, the "Broken window" analogy is such a great one that I think we can all live by, in may different areas of our life.Multi-Ainjohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13310718665277952233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-940337525403972442010-07-23T12:05:25.378-04:002010-07-23T12:05:25.378-04:00Such a sad state of affairs. I guess each one of ...Such a sad state of affairs. I guess each one of us needs to do our tiny parts to try to turn things around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-13978586653899688392010-07-16T01:30:47.044-04:002010-07-16T01:30:47.044-04:00A reminder that if you observe and say nothing you...A reminder that if you observe and say nothing you are guilty by condoning the action.<br /><br />And a reminder to a mother to cherish my daughtersShinjuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00485402193233746473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-62946385387838563252010-07-10T07:01:36.985-04:002010-07-10T07:01:36.985-04:00I am here to thank you for visiting my blog and le...I am here to thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment [I understand that we all have callers who do not-making it impossible to say thanks] Now that I am here and see so many of my bloggy friends have found you I am amazed that it has taken me so long.<br /><br />This is a very good post with an interesting take on a universal subject-so many of our cities towns and even quiet villages are blightd by the mindless vandalism of a few bored teens. Count me as a follower.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-34909634473975155642010-06-05T23:02:10.633-04:002010-06-05T23:02:10.633-04:00Bruce, I read your comment on Sarah's blog and...Bruce, I read your comment on Sarah's blog and decided to check you out.<br />This is some really good reading, my friend! It is a perfect example of how, if things are left alone, they tend to go from bad to worse.Judiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02778815502961000469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-19835895785241819432010-06-01T21:47:16.199-04:002010-06-01T21:47:16.199-04:00Reminds me of the saying, "if you give 'e...Reminds me of the saying, "if you give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile." Truth is that there are always signs... many "inches" along the way that we're too lazy or scared or whatever to really pay attention to. Love this post -I'm sure it will be a topic of conversation beyond the blogosphere now. Thanks!Charlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476307880348143430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-88998385711112480512010-05-12T18:10:39.873-04:002010-05-12T18:10:39.873-04:00An excellent post. I was a kindergarten teacher an...An excellent post. I was a kindergarten teacher and I firmly believe that jumping on little 'crimes' at an early age (and I'm not talking physical violence) is the answer. Once upon a time a policeman could give a child a little cuff for stealing an apple.And it worked.Rinkly Rimeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07890344869337115307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-86674025144771799482010-05-12T06:49:21.938-04:002010-05-12T06:49:21.938-04:00If this is not a dire warning to all of us to have...If this is not a dire warning to all of us to have the courage to stand up for the underdog, I don't know what is...<br />As for the Broken Windows theory, a pride in one's neighbourhood is bound to have a positive effect on the morale for everybody who witnesses it - teaching by parental example is lacking in many countries. We have enough yobs to prove it in UK, where some parents seem to think children 'bring themselves up' as if by magic, whilst family can ignore them.Jinksyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01686101468214361004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-69403247052716455232010-05-05T16:13:19.183-04:002010-05-05T16:13:19.183-04:00Plainolebob said it better than I could, Bruce. Y...Plainolebob said it better than I could, Bruce. Your way of putting a point across is without equal - and that is not mere flattery. <br /><br />I had heard of the Broken Windows theory but hadn't read about it before in such detail. It makes perfect sense. Thank you for that. The second part of your post was chilling and desperately sad. Recently there were two events reported on in a Canadian national newspaper - one the Good Samaritan in New York who was stabbed to death when he tried to intervene in a dispute and was left to bleed to death, the other an elderly Toronto man who was the only person to stand up against an aggressive subway rider who was harassing someone else - and got beaten for his trouble, while others simply looked away. The Kitty Genovese effect, still. Where are the adults? Where are we all? <br />But to be fair, there are probably many, many cases where people did intervene in a helpful and timely way, but these are not nearly as likely to be reported. <br />As I have done right from the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed your excellent writing and your rational, razor-sharp perspective. You're always worth the wait.Deborahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10892637441668897411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-46009189665598010072010-05-05T12:06:16.151-04:002010-05-05T12:06:16.151-04:00I'm so glad to see something new from you in t...I'm so glad to see something new from you in this space. You're a wonderful writer.<br /><br />I subscribe fully to the broken windows theory. Having seen my childhood streets of Dorchester go slowly from upper middle class to a step above slum (and with some of my own actions having contributed to that decline) I know the truth.<br /><br />As for the sad case of Phoebe Prince, spot on.Suldoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07778845367184916684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-43015398091565157332010-05-04T15:11:03.100-04:002010-05-04T15:11:03.100-04:00Bruce, my dear friend, when you write, regardless ...Bruce, my dear friend, when you write, regardless the topic, the point is driven home as deep as the very ocean depths. <br />Indeed a time of accountability must be reached at all levels of our so called sophisticated society.<br />When the greatest common thought, made popular by popular singing groups, is "snitches die", it is a time to ring bells of alarm, a great wake up call for sure.<br />you are admired<br />your friend as always,<br />bob byfordplainolebobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08899219272697255107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-2434553912979933782010-05-04T14:48:42.348-04:002010-05-04T14:48:42.348-04:00Coltin...my head is spinning. Your post is very w...Coltin...my head is spinning. Your post is very well written and persuasive. As a former school administrator (and one time high school vice principal) I realize the complexities of the bullying issue. I'm forwarding the link to this article to my administrator friends. I hope it helps them see with fresh eyes.<br />http://benchmark60.blogspot.com#1Nanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04214011945298439939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-44455094121403394132010-05-04T14:28:35.975-04:002010-05-04T14:28:35.975-04:00You are the only blogger I know who makes me stop ...You are the only blogger I know who makes me stop breathing for a moment, either in shock or awe. I'm going to tell people about this post in the social networking places. I've said similar things to you before, but people ought to be opening their newspapers to see what you have to say.Tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06761684333125786758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-67980229608219775382010-05-03T22:10:38.727-04:002010-05-03T22:10:38.727-04:00better to do selfish acts of kindness and random a...better to do selfish acts of kindness and random anonymous good deeds!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04414561988993487725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-58300042716175784292010-05-03T20:13:11.436-04:002010-05-03T20:13:11.436-04:00As i live and breathe, a new Bruce post! And leadi...As i live and breathe, a new Bruce post! And leading on from your 'who killed phoebe?' question in the coffee shop, i see. <br /><br />You write so well, Bruce. The way you lead into the Hadley murder (which it was, in essence) with the broken windows theory was pitched perfectly. And you are absolutely correct. The handling of this issue has been disgusting. When justice isn't served to the right people, you give these people a false sense of power- a sense of invinsibility. They probably will do it again because they think they can. It's so very sad. I really do hate the world we live in sometimes. We take one step forward and ten steps back. <br /><br />Great thought-provoking post, Bruce. I am always inspired. Lou :)Louhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04152803362923785129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-62727099823628682202010-05-03T19:02:27.117-04:002010-05-03T19:02:27.117-04:00I'm not sure any of this applies in Florida. T...I'm not sure any of this applies in Florida. There are no “daisy chain” fare-beaters here. Our kids must all feel good about themselves. We're just loaded with self-esteem in the Sunshine State.JJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14692103477055483000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-24578872304661195172010-05-03T13:51:01.540-04:002010-05-03T13:51:01.540-04:00This is a very important post. When my daughter wa...This is a very important post. When my daughter was in high school she had two girls who made her life miserable. One day they followed her home and instead of her they got me. I read them the riot act and said if I ever heard of them calling my daughter a name, I was going straight to their parents. I explained that they had just met the Mother Tiger, and she was one nasty character, if she needed to be. I also explained that their mother was probably exactly the same way. They were both crying by the time they left. The result was that one of the girls befriended my daughter, and the other moved on. <br /><br />The next incident involved a boy, known to bully everyone - including girls. When he attempted to manhandle my daughter, I called the principal and explained that my husband was talking to our attorney as we spoke. They suggested taking my daughter out of their mutual class. I said over my dead body. They would not be sending THAT message! We were prepared to go after the parents in court. The result? The boy was told to stay away from my daughter, and if he didn't, he was out of school for the year. Which meant he would not graduate. He complied. <br /><br />Your point here is exactly what happened in that school. A parent says there will be nasty consequences if that sort of behavior continues. The parent says the school will be held responsible, and knows it could get ugly, and the word goes out to the administration and other teachers. One bad apple is not worth their time. They'll get rid of the apple. What would have happened if they bullies of this young girl had been kicked out of school the FIRST TIME it was noticed?<br /><br />Does it solve all the problems with these kids? No. But one baby step at a time...<br /><br />Thank you, Bruce. As always, you make us think.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13178290697351352495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-38794068004183331082010-05-03T00:47:10.201-04:002010-05-03T00:47:10.201-04:00Not only our education 'system' failed thi...Not only our education 'system' failed this girl, but the parents of the offending teens especially should feel ashamed for allowing this to go on. In a separate case the court exonerated a parent because 'internet bullying is not a real crime.' That, I think, sends a very wrong message to all kids, and paints a very scary picture of our future. I need to send this to the major of Oakland--the city with top crime rate in our area.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05246393318938411419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-74819321556407546362010-05-02T20:36:43.443-04:002010-05-02T20:36:43.443-04:00Fabulous "article", as usual Coltin. Tru...Fabulous "article", as usual Coltin. Truth be told, I don't read the newspapers much and an article has to be particularly well written and engaging to hold my attention. This is a wonderful marriage between information and a call to arms.<br />I have never heard of the Broken Windows theory, but I am now eager to explore it myself. Thank you.Nauthizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01733540855072255802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-51441927082505249052010-05-02T20:29:39.047-04:002010-05-02T20:29:39.047-04:00There are broken windows and graffiti-equivalents ...There are broken windows and graffiti-equivalents all over our schoolyards and social networking sites. We had a 10 year-old hang himself in the boy's bathroom of his GRADE SCHOOL here in North Texas recently. Kind of wonder where this all goes next - I don't suppose there are enough Brattons to go around, huh? Great post, always worth the wait, sir. EFHExpat From Hellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08807779856067886443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-81701501618721337502010-05-02T17:52:42.355-04:002010-05-02T17:52:42.355-04:00Another thought provoking post Bruce. I hear what ...Another thought provoking post Bruce. I hear what you're saying, but the issues are really too complex to be covered in a few comments. Suffice to say, something has to be done, and sooner rather than later. Whether politicians or, we as a society, truly have the stomach for it, remains to be seen.Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13494219959077922220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834636674346020262.post-64421245662243521902010-05-02T15:05:24.196-04:002010-05-02T15:05:24.196-04:00A very revealing telling to your post. The first t...A very revealing telling to your post. The first thought going through my mind involving the graffiti and the fare-beaters was the WHY it was being allowed, obvious in front of the noses of those in authority, but they took a backseat approach to the problems since it seemed too much trouble to do anything about it.<br /><br />A sad thing when it takes the death of a girl to further illustrate that a broken neighborhood stays broken until someone replaces the windowpane.Michelle H.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10117937124348728578noreply@blogger.com