Running Away from Home - Caliphate Style.

I guess one of the characteristics of getting old is that my kidneys don't want to sleep-in as much as I do! So when this octogenarian wakes up early, he plugs in the ear buds and listens to CBC Metro Morning with Matt Galloway.

I Love You!

On Wednesday, February 25th I listened to an interview with Dr. Shoo Lee about the newly opened Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Gone are the viewing windows, white gowns and gloves of "visiting" parents. Instead there are live-in quarters and the majority of the care is provided by the parents themselves. Not only is the infection rate down, but the young babies grow 25% faster. Parents are encourage to provide lots of physical  contact with the newborns.

Now I am not trying to be some sort of pseudo expert on child bearing. Indeed, I never fathered any children of my own. But one thing I have learned, from observation and experience, is that everyone, including new born babies, have a deep and compelling want for love and belonging. In other words a need for real live people.

Some years ago the American psychologist, Abraham Maslow, pointed out the basic needs of the individual. He included in his model belonging needs: friendship, intimacy, affection and love from family, friends, and even our work group. It would follow that if individuals lack social connections and don't feel a bond with others, it can lead to loneliness and even antisocial behaviour and isolation. Now this is not just my own idea, but the American Sociological Review last year reported that in the United States the 'number of people saying there is no one with whom they discuss important matters has nearly tripled..." in the last twenty years.  Obviously, Facebook and the other so-called 'social networks' have their place but don't really cut it when it comes to Maslow's basic needs inventory.

The Social Science Research Council in the U.S. (Measure of America 2014) reports that"5.8 million, or one in every seven, American young people are not connected to either school or work."  And according to Community Foundations of Canada (Oct. 2014) "Canada's youth are growing up in an era of complexity and uncertainty that has delayed, or even destroyed, the landmarks that once singled a transition from one phase to another." As one young man shouted during a CBC-TV report on the six young Quebecers  recruited by Syrian jihadists, "They're  looking for community."

Becoming an adult is a difficult task even in a strong and loving family.  It would appear that many young adults, I hate the word 'teenager', must feel alone, misunderstood, confused, and lacking any real and meaningful social relationships.

Google Image

Could it be that the Islamic State clandestine recruiters have identified these lonely and disconnected youth and are able to inspire  them with what is lacking in their own life - personal friendship, respect, challenge, a meaningful community and above all, an opportunity to 'run away from home' and fulfill those unmet needs. What a horrible and misguided tragedy!

To quote Simon Sinik (Leaders Eat Last) "Human beings have thrived for fifty thousand years not because we are driven to serve others, but because we are inspired to serve others." 

And that's Dick's View of the World this Week

Did you Know?

A San Francisco company now offers cognitive behavioral therapy  (CBT) on your computer or smart phone. Now that's some service!