In my neighborhood this is a phrase that we hear a lot. Meaning that if you tell on someone, the end game would be some form of repercussion.
My outlook has always been that instead of putting fear onto someone we should become mentors to them. Teach them the right way if you feel that the path they are going in isn’t the right one. Instead of talking or looking down on someone we should educate them to make a difference. Becoming a mentor is not only beneficial for the one you’re helping but also for yourself and the people around you. You can be someone’s mentor for their school, life, and financial needs. The more people reach out to become a mentor the better the next generation will be. You don’t have to be a mentor just for someone younger than you either. Become a mentor for your friend when you feel that they aren’t reaching their best potential. Give a random person some motivation or a smile you can change their day.
My interest in this topic was sparked by a conversation with my roommates. The other day my roommates and I were having dinner , after dinner one of roommates saw her cousin’s snap and yelled “ I’m going to tell her mother and my mother”. I was so upset that her first thought was to tell an adult but not talk to her cousin. Her cousin is old enough to have a serious conversation to help fix her behavior. I was explaining to my friend how it made no sense to tell on her when she could literally call and talk to her cousin. My friends thought process was that she wouldn’t listen to her but how could she know that if she doesn’t try. I could see the relationship that she had or could of have just falling apart once she told on her. I don’t know if my friend listened to me or not but I hope that you will. Before you think about telling on a family member or looking down on the youth, think how can you help them. Become a mentor change a life.