This skateboarding debate has spent too much time on good parenting techiniques and too little time on issues that face museums. To expand the discussion, let's talk about how to balance the rights and needs of different users. Museums are public space, but what does that mean
when a group/member of the public becomes a problem? Whose public activities have more rights?
For example, say you have a museum in a park (The Met, the local historical society- they can both be in parks.) What do you do when the local old men hang out on your steps calling out unsavory comments to the women who pass? What do you do with the homeless people who camp in
the bushes? What about the broken beer bottles that appear in the mornings? What about the little kids who run yelling up and down stairs? What about the guitar player by the window? Where does the "park" end and the "museum" begin?
Are only teenagers problems, or can anyone be one?
Candace Perry wrote:
> I understand the pros of skateboarding. It's interesting that the
> discussion would take this particular turn, because a coworker of mine is
> currently having discipline problems with her son who is into X games,
> skateboarding and the like. She is our educator and pretty informed on
> current issues of parenting, education, and the like. During our
> converstion she mentioned that studies have been done about X Game culture
> and behavior in adolescents (can't quote chapter and verse, but I can see if
> she can find it), and the possible negative impact it has in their
> relationships with authority figures. Now I am not saying that is what this
> boy of hers is dealing with, but suffice it to say that she believes it
> isn't helping.
> And no, I know of no cases where someone has sued for a skateboarding
> accident on their property but I also never thought I'd be in a traumatic
> car accident and I was, 8 months ago. And frankly, none of use know whether
> the kids aren't doing drugs, drinking, or having sex. I was a good kid and
> did many things I shouldn't have...as did all of my friends. And I must say
> I agree with Audra. Skateboarding in and of itself is certainly not a
> crime. Willful destruction of property, particularly when the organizations
> have little recourse and the kids know it(we can't afford around the clock
> guards, as can any organizations in our community)is a crime. As a matter
> of fact, I would encourage my rather plump 9 year old to try it, under the
> right circumstances, with respect for other people and their property. I
> think parents have to lay those ground rules and expectations, and if they
> aren't met, no drivers license until you're 18 (the next big thing they'll
> want!) I'm not stuffy, boring or a stick in the mud. I think of all things
> we need in this country, now more than ever, is good citzenship (humming God
> Bless America here). Skateboarding definitely can be enjoyed by good
> citizens. I don't think that's asking too much.
> Candace Perry
>
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