How can we overcome social ills?

Question

I'm doing a school project. Please give me some opinions on how social ills like drug abuse, vandalism, etc. can be overcome in todays society. Thanks! It's very much appreciated.

If we can't overcome it, how can we reduce it?

Answer 1

The problem mostly, is that too many people are just plain ignorant. Simply telling someone not to do something has never been an effective strategy. Explaining why they shouldn't do something has a much more positive effect. Showing them why they shouldn't do something is even more effective. Showing them the right way is even more effective than that. Teaching them the right way is more effective still. Yet, there is no catchall. Some will never learn, except for the hard way, while others simply won't ever learn. Some people just don't care to learn; too selfish, or thoughtless to be bothered.
The best thing to do is teach the right way through example. Whether it be something like going to a juvenile delinquent home and volunteering, or speaking to a class about your own experiences, you can make a difference if you show you care.
That's my two cents for ya.

Answer 2

I can't relate to social anxiety, but having self esteem issues, I can ask you to stop and think exactly what makes you nervous. Whenever you're out somewhere take a close look at who is around you at the time. If it's mostly friends or people you are used to being around and feel comfortable with, then why the need to be nervous or feel like you have to try so hard? Also, people will probably be off doing their own thing and not paying much attention to you anyway. Gladly accept compliments when you get them- that's what I have trouble doing sometimes. It's normal for everyone to get nervous (even the people who appear to be the most relaxed), especially when you're at formal events or crowded places where you feel like you're on display. Just act how you feel is appropriate and don't worry if you make mistakes. If you need to give yourself a pep talk then do it in your mind so that you don't end up talking to yourself- which wouldn't be a good idea. Keep believing that you're out to have a good time, not to be worrying constantly and if you make any mistakes it's ok.

Answer 3

#1 Focus on making yourself the best person that you can be.

#2 Be an inspiration to those around you - act & think positively at all times.

#3 Figure out your purpose in life & get started on it. Never forget it even if you have to do something else for a while. Too many people give up on their dreams.

#4 Find out what others dreams are and encourage them.

If everybody acted in this manner there wouldn't be social ills. Ever seen "Pay It Forward"?

However, the "Media" way to solve things is to get everybody all upset about something so they see there is a problem and focus on it.

But focusing on a problem in this negative way increases the problem, just like when you're driving, you have to focus on the direction you want to travel, not anywhere else (like the fence you don't want to hit).

Basically we need to re-examine the way we look at "problems".

I recommend you read James Redfield's books:

The Celestine Prophecy
The Tenth Insight
The Secret of Shambhala

These are written as an adventure series, so they are easy/fun reads, but contain a lot of useful information on leading a better/healthier life, as well as how to control our thoughts/attitudes positively, and focus our energy on the right things (like not thinking negatively). Each is around 200 pages.

You may not be able to read them in time for your project, but they will serve you well all your life if you can learn from them and apply that knowlegde. I hope you enjoy them!

Answer 4

Your question makes the unfounded assumption that the problems you mentioned are somehow flaws in the society itself. The problems you listed are character flaws in the individuals, not societal ones.

If you want to fix drug abuse, crime, vandalism etc, you simply eliminate the problem people....not blame faceless demons like "society".

There has never been a single person who was ever executed who went on to commit more crime. That's a 100% success rate.

Answer 5

Get rid of poverty, its the root cause of all social ills. Secondly, the media has got to do something. Stop immoral shows on tv, movies and other avenues that can address the public. Teach love.

Answer 6

They can't be overcome. As long as we have people, their weaknesses will perpetuate these social ills and eventually a new crop of them.

Answer 7

Stay to yourself as much as possible and enjoy the peace and quite alone. Think small to the point that nobody will notice you or will not even know if you are dead.

Answer 8

Lock 'em up & birch 'em.