"Just Say No To Drugs" Is Just Not Cutting It Anymore
Ring - As the school bell sounds, little Bobby packs up his books and darts
down the hall. On his way, he passes thousands of posters with the same
monotonous message, "Just say NO to drugs." Little Bobby scrambled out
the
school doors letting them slam behind him. He jumped a few fences and had
all intentions of going home until he saw something that appeared to be a
little more exciting. It was Little Joey, who had a joint. After getting
high, Little Bobby headed for home. He thought of how stupid all the
"don't
do drugs" campaigns were. He went home and passed out on the couch. When
he awoke, he had the taste of vomit in his mouth and ached all over. He
felt horrible, yet somehow satisfied.
Situations like the one I have just described happen every day. No matter
how many anti-drug posters or commercials that are displayed, they do not
seem to prevent kids from using drugs. One sees the "don't do
drugs"
message so often that it has lost its original meaning. There must be more
effective ways to get this important message across to children.
Many kids use drugs everyday. Some even loose their lives from a drug
overdose. These kids do not understand its harm and therefore the dying may
never end. An anonymous author once stated "LSD melts your mind, not in your
hand". I feel that a totally different approach that appeals to teenagers
should be used to bring the message home.
Firstly, I think that testimonials should be used. Movie stars whose lives
have been ruined by drugs should retell of their horrific experiences with
drugs and how the drugs have changed their lives. They should tell of the
fall from stardom, the turning away of friends, the loss of money and esteem
as well as the physical pain from drug withdrawal. Teens will listen to
their idols before they will listen to a stranger.
The second, more effective way may be to portray drug use is to produce a
movie that takes you through the life of a substance abuser. This should be
a well-made movie by a famous producer so that kids will want to see it and
will be moved by the message. Let the kids see what could become of them if
they use illegal drugs.
The final idea for combating this perplexing problem is for a rap artist to
create a song about staying off of drugs. Rap songs tend to be about
negative behavior, yet many kids know the words by heart. If a song has an
anti-drug message it could become popular and make an impact. "Words are, of
course, are the most powerful drug used by mankind"(Rudyard Kipling).
Prevention of drug abuse is an important consideration for the health and
future of America's youth. I hope that my ideas will be utilized and will
truly make a difference in the lives of thousands of children. If drugs can
be wiped out this world would be a better place - it all starts with the
children.
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