Thanks are due to Ms Graham and Mr Lakey for sharing their opinions on the social problems in Hargreaves Mall (Bendigo Weekly, June 20). Though I agreed with little, they articulated what many Bendigonians think, but rarely say in public. Despite disagreeing, I enjoyed reading the articles. I particularly admired Mr Lakey’s description of himself as ‘altruistic and humanitarian’, a hilarious contradiction to his (so very humanitarian) comment that the “mall rats” are like a rabble that has just been offloaded from a pirate ship. Superb wit. If only he was being ironic. Of course, these articles are simply following the proud tradition, present in Bendigo and elsewhere, of scapegoating. Scapegoating is the denigration, by the strong, of the weak and the voiceless in order to reinforce the power of the strong. Have a problem and want to solve it? Simple. Find a weak target and blame them. We see it constantly, as teenagers, refugees, teachers, artists, farmers and others are blamed for problems as diverse as child abuse, unemployment and climate change. There are enormous benefits to scapegoating, including feeling morally righteous, deflecting criticism from ourselves and avoiding any underlying problems. Certainly, people have experienced abuse in Hargreaves Mall, but that won’t be solved by treating the culprits as animals. What are we to do? Lay rat poison around as a solution? There are reasons for bad behaviour. It seems to me that those who despise the “mall rats” have two major problems. The first is that this “offensive behaviour” is happening in public; if only those disgusting, uncivilised people would keep their offensive behaviour to themselves. If only Bendigo’s problems were kept under the carpet where they belong, instead of being on display to the precious tourist. At least Bendigo’s council had the guts to say a clear “no” to the Bendigo Traders Association’s proposal to ‘move on anti-social people’ in Hargreaves Mall. The second major “problem” associated with the “mall rats” is that they are interrupting the free flow of trade. This is truly why they are despised. The crime of obstructing the joy of shopping is most offensive to many people. If Mr Lakey, Ms Graham and others of their bent genuinely wish to do something about this “problem”, then I suggest four actions. First, in the interests of fair journalism, demand the Bendigo Weekly give the targets of their wrath equal column space in this newspaper. Two, speak to some professionals who may have some clues about the reasons for the behaviour they detest. Three, lobby the City of Greater Bendigo for better public space. Lastly, have a conversation with these “rats” – maybe then you will find out some of the reasons for their behaviour. As Mr Lakey reminded us, we live in a “democratic society” with rights and responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities is to treat others not as animals, but as human beings.
The issues raised in this debate about young people's behaviour are not simple. On the one hand, young people need to be valued and nurtured, on the other, the rights of others to feel safe and the belief that young people grow well with some boundaries around their behaviour are also important perspectives. We know that young people need access to public space, that they use it differently to adults and therefore their behaviour is much more on display than that of other generations, who use public space for less social purposes. So what do we want in Bendigo for our young people, acknowledging their rights, needs and responsibilities.
The Victorian Government has the vision for young people, that:
"All young people have a strong sense of belonging, are motivated to create and share in opportunities, and are valued for their contributions and influence in their communities".
St Luke's is very interested to work with community members who have some optimistic and positive strategies to assist our community achieve such a vision for young people. My own office is right in the middle of the Hargreaves Mall, above Powney's. I'd be very happy to support interested community members in developing solutions that help us achieve such a vision for our precious young people.
I'd also like to see the "mall rats" [although I don't much like using the metaphor - it lacks the endearing? quality of "rug rats"] have adequate space in the media to put their point of view. It would be helpful if that point of view could be put without a bias from whoever gets that point of view into printed form.
Part of the problem appears to be that there are people with different sets of values, and it seems that some of them think that their values are superior to others'. This probably works both ways. If all those with a stake in the subject of who uses Hargreaves Mall talk TO each other and not just ABOUT each other, a workable outcome acceptable to everyone may be possible.
I did not read the first article, but related to this one of Dave’s. In my role as a Youth Worker I have heard the young people refer to themselves as mall rats, in all likelihood, they probably thought of the name for themselves, which is ok, for them. But what is not ok, is continually hearing adults of all ages and both genders, demoralizing the young of their community. Recently I was involved (one of many) in organizing a Christian event, at one meeting I suggested (as the event was youth focused) that the mall be incorporated into the festivities, someone said "Oh haven’t they all been swept out of there".
What an attitude and response in relation to the caretakers of the future. By my perspective a communities worth is measured by how well it treats its weak, old, sick, vulnerable, marginalised and the minorities. How are we doing? Let’s focus on solutions - media space for community education, for community presenting alternative viable options and opportunities. Hmm and some individual soul searching - reflection. I can remember being young, and how important it was for me to be with and to be seen by my peers. I read recently in years gone it was a stroll up and down the cobblestones of Collins Street in Melbourne, for the same.
