The Miseducation of Modern 'Cornerboys': A Lesson in Social Policy Failure

Ever wonder who those young men hanging out on the street corners are, and why they're there? They're often referred to as 'cornerboys.' These are typically young men who, rather than taking on traditional roles in society, gather in groups in economically challenged neighborhoods. Their presence is a poignant illustration of societal breakdown, especially when examining the educational, economic, and familial fabric in urban centers, primarily in America. Over the last few decades, city after city has witnessed this phenomenon where welfare programs and lenient social policies have contributed to the rise of these local fixtures. Who's to Blame? Let's not tiptoe around the truth. Decades of lenient social policies have permitted, even encouraged, a cycle of dependency. It’s as if society told these young men that it’s perfectly acceptable to forgo personal responsibility in favor of reliance on government handouts. Parents? They're often caught up in their webs. Fathers are frequently absent, thanks to policies that decimate family structures. We all know the statistics: single-parent homes are the breeding grounds for this behavior. Yet, some still refuse to point out the obvious implications of broken families on these lost boys. What’s the Reality? The reality is their lives revolve predominantly around the street corner. A lack of access to quality education and proper role models is a recurring theme. But quality education exists; the problem is that it’s not always pursued. Blame is conveniently placed on underfunded schools, but school choice is met with endless opposition. Critics would rather have children stuck in failing institutions than provide them a fighting chance through programs like vouchers. When Did It All Go Wrong? The timeline might point to the waves of social policies dating back to the 1960s, when good intentions led to poor outcomes. That’s where the script began, encouraging generational cycles of economic stagnation. As we moved into the 21st century, tolerance for unproductive behavior became a form of twisted compassion, something completely out of touch with strengthening communities. Where Is This Happening? Take a look at any major urban area: Chicago, New York, Los Angeles. The common denominators aren't location specifics but rather the lack of certain ideals—hard work, education, and marriage—ideals that propel societies forward. The ghost towns left in rust-belt states say as much: deserted churches and shuttered schools speak louder than any well-meaning program promising change. Why Does This Continue? Because it's easier to ignore the hard work necessary for change. It takes more effort to admit that certain social policies aren't working than to maintain the status quo. The way forward is clear but rarely pursued: personal responsibility, educational reform, and family integrity are essential. Yet the path of least resistance remains well-trodden. Do Jobs Matter? Jobs are an obvious solution, but how can they matter when there's a reluctance to admit these cornerboys aren't equipped for them? Skills go undeveloped, while entitlement grows. It’s not that work doesn’t exist; it’s the refusal to rise above the street corner to take part in it. The outliers who escape this fate usually do so through sheer determination—not through reliance on welfare schemes. Public Safety? Another facet of the cornerboy dilemma is crime and public safety. Increased crime rates in these areas are often tied directly to economic despair. Yet, the risky stances towards police departments and constant cries for reduced policing only further hamstring their communities. Calls for police reforms overshadow actions that might reduce the crime instigated by those tethered to street life. Educational Reform: A Wishful Dream? If you truly care about these boys, don’t let them be victims of ineffective educational reforms. The avenue to ensuring they’re off those corners is through genuine education reform—where merit, not equality of outcome, is the focus. Consider how misplaced effort and resources hone in on avoiding 'offense' rather than equipping these young men with real-world skills. Let’s be honest: reform needs bold thinking, not watered-down solutions. Family First: The real change agent is the family unit. Embrace marriage, reinforce two-parent households and watch how fast the cornerboys vanish. But again, that’s politically incorrect to say. Did someone mention those trends untouched by time itself: marriage, morals, and family? Bring those back, and you might just witness a miracle. Ending the Cycle: Fixing the cornerboy phenomenon doesn’t require a radical turn but a return to tried-and-true principles. It's high time we held those in power accountable for perpetuating the cornerboy era by strangleholding policies as sacred cows, even when they produce societal decay. How about supporting work programs that actually encourage leaving the corner behind, rather than handouts that bind them there forever?[Do-Something-Else] Time to leave the corners behind. Extend a hand-up, not a handout. Promote mentorship programs, workshops and babysitting those ideals would argue against. The future of America doesn’t have to include street corners as the vantage points for watching opportunity pass by.