There are many opinions on the proper way to bring up a child, for example what to teach a child, how much freedom a child should have, and what is considered proper discipline. The influences children have in their lives range from family members, teachers, and neighbors, to local business owners, policemen, social workers, and community or church leaders. Each of these people could have either a direct or an indirect impact on the children of their community. Yet, many of these same people may not feel that they have a responsibility towards the children in their community or in their neighborhoods. An African proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child," has been used to discuss this issue. This paper will explore the forces in the United States today that both encourage and discourage this concept.
According to Hillary Clinton, "children are under assault: from violence and neglect, from the break up of families, from the temptations of alcohol, tobacco, sex, and drug abuse, from greed, materialism, and spiritual emptiness" (Clinton, 1996, p. 11). As Clinton points out, disinterested community members or business owners, over-worked teachers, street criminals, as well as depression, isolation, and discouragement are all working against the village concept of raising children (1996). These are forces that discourage any commitment by a community or neighborhood to watch over their children. Sometimes, the adults are so busy trying to take care of themselves, there is no energy left to watch out for their own children, let alone anyone elses.
While it is easy to point to disinterested community members and criminals in regards to the neglect and hardship children frequently go through in their "village", however, it is their own family members who may, in fact, be the ones at fault. In Los Angeles, according to Rivera (2004), "of 37 child homicides recorded in 2002, 16 involved domestic violence between partners ...