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The kids are alright, generally
by Chris Simon

What happened to Helen Leaver should never have taken place.

Last week, The Scope ran a letter from Leaver, an Alcona resident, regarding her trip from Toronto. The 84-year-old Leaver got off a GO Transit bus at the Innisfil Beach Road and Yonge Street intersection in the middle of a blizzard Nov. 26. She doesn't drive, and was forced to call for a taxi to get home. After calling for the taxi from an outdoor pay phone, Leaver went inside a nearby gasoline station and asked permission to wait in the warmth until the taxi arrived. She was refused, and told to wait outside.

Leaver waited outdoors for 20 minutes, until the taxi arrived.

The Scope has since received several written and oral responses to Leaver's letter, and residents are clearly outraged. But sadly, most of the outrage is directed not towards the isolated act of one individual, but to the degradation and slipping of morals among today's youth. It's a common argument made by older generations, who have a fond but somewhat skewed view of history.

Sure there are inconsiderate young people today, but every generation has had its trouble, ranging from social upheaval and racial segregation to popular wars and genocide. Humans have a terrible way of being cruel to each other, and Leaver's case was just another in a long history of incidents. It's an isolated occurance, but one that keep being repeated by people of every age.

Personally, this 25-year-old journalist has found difficulty being taken seriously by some colleagues and sources since entering the industry five years ago. I've been insulted and physically assaulted by older people while on the job. Often, I wonder whether I'd be treated differently if there was some grey in my beard.

And away from journalism, I see people being rude to others every single day.

But for every case of rudeness and injustice, there are several more of kindness, caring and compassion. As a reporter, you also see these things regularly.

Over the last few months, The Scope has run features on several people from the younger generation who are doing good things for society. Innisdale Secondary School student Jeff Howard has been volunteering for environmental organizations for several years, and has made a serious commitment towards the clean-up of Lake Simcoe. He has spent more time volunteering over the last few years than what many adults have in a lifetime.

Nantyr Shores Secondary School student Laura Batten and several of her peers opened up their homes recently, to host Japanese teenagers for one week. They learned about the Japanese culture, and became dear and trusted friends with students who were far from their homes.

While working as an education reporter for another newspaper, this editor has witnessed other students earning notable achievements. Last spring, over 75 secondary school students from across the region were recognized for their outstanding scholastic and extra curricular achievements, during the Simcoe County District School Board's annual excellence awards.

Several Barrie North Collegiate students have been annually recognized for their achievements at Skills Canada competitions, while Elmvale District High School students have been dignified and fair in their consistent attempts to receive a new secondary school building. Those Elmvale students have never once become upset or disorderly while patiently waiting to address school board officials. They've all realized they won't be the ones to benefit from a new school, but are working instead for the next generation of colleagues. Sometimes, adults needs to show the same restraint when faced with adversity.

Others don't always attract the high profile spotlight, but remain gentle and caring regardless. Whether it be the simple shake of a hand after a hard fought sports match, or distribution of candy during one of the many Santa Claus parades that take place throughout the region, most kids and teenagers are considerate and friendly.

Respect for a fellow human being should be at the core of any person's understanding of the world, regardless of age. But until we all hold that ideal dear, Leaver's case will likely be repeated.