Filed under: Children, Cyberbullying, General, Humanity, Kids, Life, Media, News, Opinions, Parenting, Stupidity, Uproars, World | Tags: cheerleader attack, cheerleader fight, cheerleader ambush, Christina Garcia, Mercades Nichol, Zachary Ashley, April Cooper, Brittini Hardcastle, Kayla Hassell, Britney Mayes, Cara Murphy, Stephen Schumaker, Victoria Lindsay, Lakeland teens, Lakeland Florida, Sheriff Judd, poor parenting, teen beating posted on internet, teen beating, teens beat girl
This is going to make some of you angry… really angry. You might even leave comments telling me what an idiot I am and how I’m not being fair. I understand that some of you may misunderstand my intentions and think I’m here to excuse the atrocious behaviour of the Lakeland teens who beat Victoria Lindsay to the point of unconsciousness and then damage to her hearing and her sight, so I’ll stop you now. I’m not doing so at all.
I do believe these teens should be treated as adults in the eyes of the law, and I do believe each one of them knew better. What I’m going to add though, will make some of you angry with me, and that is my unwavering opinion that many, many parents these days have failed at the job of being a parent.
Please feel welcome to comment on this post… but do read the rest first.
Oh sure, there are cases where you see a parent who has broken their proverbial back trying to do the right thing with and for their child only to have the child grow older and do everything contrary to how they’ve been raised. There are exceptions to every rule indeed. I’m not talking about those cases. I’m talking about cases like that of Mercades Nichols, one of the Lakeland teens who took part in the attack.
Today, the media has embraced Mercades’ mother as being a bit of a “good guy” for as one report put it, ‘rapping her daughter for the attack’.
Happening upon that article, I was pleased to see a parent apparently standing up for what’s right instead of trying to shield their child from accepting responsibility for their actions, and so I went searching for more.
Over at another site, I found this:
“Nichols’ mother Christina Garcia went onto NBC’s Today Show and said she was in disgust after how her daughter handled the situation. Garcia said Nichols should have called the police immediately.”
Honestly I was pleased. I was almost ready to declare Garcia a Saint and the example for my generation… a generation that sadly, has chosen to place more importance on being their child’s “friend” and the “cool parent” over bringing up their children to be a productive member of the society that will ultimately have to care for my failure of a generation in our old age.
And then I visited YouTube.
As I watched yet another tape that included the beatings, I was astounded to hear the same Garcia quoted as the righteously inclined parent, claim that the victim herself, was responsible for the beatings. You see, according to the video news report available at WSLS10, the beating was in response to comments Victoria made online, comments the other girls apparently decided she deserved to be beaten for. Garcia, in the news report, states,
“I just don’t see why she’d do that, if she didn’t have the nerve to back up what she was saying..”
So it seems that while she did go on the Today show to state that her daugher (Nichols) should’ve called the police, that seems to me, like a mom whose real opinion is that her daughter is blameless, is trying her darndest to make sure public opinion of her and her daughter, is that of the “good folk” in the whole mess.
Listen to Garcia’s statements yourself… they begin at 1:04 seconds into the tape, now available on YouTube.
Over at the Today website, Garcia is further quoted saying, “Mercades, my daughter, warned this girl before she came into the house,” Garcia said. She said her daughter told the victim, “The two girls that you have been running your mouth about and threatening on MySpace are in the house. Please do not go in the house.”
Despite having seen the tape herself, and despite knowing the injuries Lindsay has suffered, Garcia still had the nerve to state that the incident is being overblown by (Sheriff) Judd.
It seems crystal clear that Mercades Nichol knew what would happen to Victoria Lindsay in the house, yet facilitated bringing her to it. In my book, a warning not to go in just doesn’t cut it. Lindsay was staying with Nichols following family differences and Nichols should have realized that her pathetic warning was just not enough. Where should Lindsay have gone then? And why, in the first place, would Nichols invite those very girls to her own grandmother’s house if she wasn’t a willing participant in what would happen 
next?
Yet, when we see Nichols’ own mother on national television speaking from one side of her mouth, that her daughter is in the wrong while from the other side of the mouth she’s blaming the victim, it’s easy to see where Nichols gets the ability to reason with herself that she, while betraying Lindsay by offering her a place to stay and then bringing to that place, a group of girls she knew would beat her, can simply absolve herself of responsibility by telling her not to go into the house.
Like mother, like daughter.
Christina Garcia. Epitome of a generation far too little concerned with doing what’s really right.
We can do better.
We must.
Please do feel welcome to leave your opinion about the parenting aspect of this issue here, and if you’d like to get in on another great discussion about the teens and our kids, there’s one already this one and this one going on over atlindas.
59 Comments so far
Leave a comment
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <pre> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Oh . . . woe is our society . . . without parents of teens like Little Miss Mercades . . . I’d be out of a job. (Bad joke, I know.)
It sounds like someone would consider looking good more important than feeling good. (Although, in this case, I guess she thinks it’s plain important to look good–’cause she certainly doesn’t feel bad about what her daughter did.)
I also recognize that teens do some stupid sh*#t. I think back and wonder how I survived my adolescence. Parents get clues all the time, but they just don’t want to see their sweet little ray of sunshine is being beaten over the head with an idiot stick by one of their bored/strung-out/sociopath friends. (”Dang! I got a C in Geometry. I’m waay stressed. I know, let’s beat the crap out of somebody and post it on the internet! That’ll be a great tension release!”
Now, I’m not saying to lock teens in a cage and let them out when they turn 30. Kids need a bunch of chances to make mistakes in the real world. It also doesn’t mean that the your kid’s best bud, who wears a Marilyn Manson shirt and an ICP hoodies, is a spawn of Satan.
If parents were more nosy, and invested time in finding out about their children’s lives, more kids would take care in making more thoughtful decisions–for fear of getting in trouble. A positive consequence is also having a closer parent-child relationship. (Note: I am NOT referring to BFF parents. They are their children’s worst enemies because they expect their children to meet their needs–not providing for developmental needs of their children.)
Alright, off my soapbox.
Comment by Cowgirl Betty April 9, 2008 @ 6:59 PMI agree. I think in most cases the parents are at fault. Children are reflections of their upbringing. When I was young, I knew better to do things of this nature. I was more afraid of what my parents would do than the law enforcement. My children (two teenage boys) also know better. There is never an excuse for such violence. Whatever Victoria did put on MySpace gives no reason to be beatened and locked up against her will. My sons know I will love them always, unconditionally, BUT NEVER will I stand for such behavior and I would have handed their butts over to the police myself!!! It is our (the parents) responsibility to teach our children to become a productive member of society, no one elses.
Comment by Laurie April 10, 2008 @ 3:25 PMI believe that each and everyone of them that took part in this viel and remorse act should be punished as an adult, because what they did was encredabliy wrong they shouldn’t have done such a thing. There is no reason for such an ack to acceir. If that’s her friends I would hate to meet her enemies. Throughs teens who done throughs unaspeakible things to that girl must have had parients who don’t know how to raise kids. Don’t get me wrong I’m 16 years old myseft and I don’t know a thing about raising kids, but if you ask me throughs parients must was really leanent with their rules. Because if they was like my parients throughs teens would never have done a thing like that. Hey I’m not putting done the parients for what the teens did, all I’m saying is that the parients should have tault them to know right from wrong. They wanted to get famous for beating up a person, honey let me tell you something thats not fame thats a crime. So, if I was their juge I would give them life ALL OF THEM. They better be glad that I’m not their juge.
Comment by Amanda Helton April 10, 2008 @ 5:20 PMCharge the mother with child abuse, she raised a capable girl to be an idiot. I’ll enjoy watching this woman when this airs on Cops.
Try the girls as adults, just like everyone would be calling for if they were a group of boys who did this.
Comment by unastronaut. April 10, 2008 @ 8:10 PMOut of this horrible situation I do not know what scares me more the actions of these “kids” or the up bringing they must have received. Although we are not allowed to beat the dickens out of the kids who need it we can’t use the threat of a serious butt kicking because someone will cry child abuse. In my day I just knew anything out of line was gonna get me a serious ass whooping so I just didn’t.
Comment by Melanie April 10, 2008 @ 10:26 PMWhat these girls and boys did was unconscionable and disgusting. They should be punished to the maximum extent that the law allows, which will include lengthy prison sentences. I plan to personally contact the district attorney in that area with my thoughts and this matter and I guarantee there will be no leniency. These people will learn what “tough” is all about when they experience life in the general population. I hope it was worth it because their lives are effectively over. Personally, I don’t care if any of them is killed in prison.
With regard to civil matters, the families of these girls will also learn an important financial lesson as they will be cleaning out their bank accounts and selling their assets to compensate this poor girl. A lot of pain is coming their way and the value of teaching children right and wrong will be the cornerstone of this lesson.
Comment by John Stevens April 10, 2008 @ 11:20 PMI completely disagree with this. How can you try and put all of this blame on the parents? I know every one here is savvy with social networking and probably has a various accounts with LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook, etc. All of your information on there is guarded from anyone else other than you. How are the parents to know what their kids are doing on the social networks unless the parents become online friends with their kids (a huge nightmare for the kids’ reputation in the online community).
Society has turned these websites into the new version of “tech-gossip” for middle schools, high schools, and college. Things written on the sites are taken personally and truly anger and embarrass people if the wrong thing is said or the wrong person reads it. The blame shouldn’t be towards the parents because they didn’t write these things or beat up the girl. They have come off looking like white trash after the way they handled their children’s situations in the press.
I feel that situations like the vicious beating of Victoria will be present no matter what. As a society, we can only learn from our mistakes. I don’t believe that these girls should be tried as adults because they aren’t. Their actions have proven that they are still immature.
The uses of these social networking sites like YouTube and MySpace have allowed our society to become dependent on the internet for a social life. Everything revolves around them. Members constantly check their accounts for updates. These sites are evolving to become the dominant force behind our society and we, much like vicious cheerleaders, are evolving with the websites. Something needs to be done.
http://www.ghostlikeswayze.wordpress.com/
Comment by ghostlikeswayze April 11, 2008 @ 8:52 AMThe Children and the parents should both be charged. These parents just don’t get it and thats the problem to start with. they will never get it no matter how clearly you state it to them. No one ever wants to admit they suck at parenting. Well here is an example of many parents sucking a parenting.
We have a situation here where a 14 year old was riding an atv with 2 friends. he crossed a mojor highway and was hit by a 17 year old in an SUV, the girl on the ATV was killed and the other person not driving is in a coma, the kid driving the ATV was fine (of course).
Comment by Ray April 11, 2008 @ 11:16 AMIn NJ you are not allowed to get on an ATV until 16. Beleive it or not the atv riders parent and the parent of the injured kids are actaully trying to blame the cops for chasing them on the ATV. They are blaming thecops and the girl in the suv that hit them. Its the culture of this country “not my kids” and “its not my fault” is running ramped. And we wonder where the kids are learning this, obviously from their parents.
Cowgirl Betty – Doing what you do for a living, I know you know what you’re talking about and I give you permission to soapbox here any time you like! ;-)
Laurie – I don’t agree that the parents are totally at fault. Parents have a responsibility in raising their kids right (as you point out in your last sentence) but once kids are over the age of reason (able to properly comprehend their actions, somewhere between 7 and 9 depending on the kid) then making proper decisions is something they should be required to take responsibility for and suffer the consequences when they don’t choose right. To blame parents totally, deprives them of learning how to be responsible for their own actions.
I do think the parents share responsibility, especially when they go public trying to excuse their child’s behaviour instead of allowing them the lessons that come from having to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
Amanda – Very wise. Being only 16 means you might not know about raising kids from the view of a parent, but you know what it feels like from the side of the kid. Sounds like your parents have done well!
unastronaut – I agree. Boys would likely be charged as an adult. Since your comment, they’ve announced that they will be charged as adults. I agree with that.
Melanie – It is frightening when one realizes that while we allow this kind of behaviour to be what this generation is known for, this is the generation that will have to care for their parents as elderly someday. Will there be rampant elder abuse too? Scary.
John Stevens – Agreed about the civil court case side of it. It is sad though, that parents don’t realize their job to raise kids differently should be because it’s the right thing to do, not to avoid losing everything through a civil action against them.
ghostlikeswayze – First… just a note that if you go into your WordPress dashboard, you can set your profile so that your name is linked to your blog address and then you won’t have to leave it as a link at the end of your comments. Some blog owners delete those because it annoys them. I’ll edit the comment so that your name links to your site, but you can do that in your own settings for the future.
About your comment…
I didn’t put all the blame on the parents at all. I stated that they have responsibilities they aren’t living up to and it affects their kids.
IRL, I am a parent who absolutely does not let their kids get away with much of anything. I’ve been known even, to rat out my own kid to their school, etc. just so they get that learning lesson they need. BUT… I see SO MANY parents where the first thing they do is try get their kid OUT of trouble and they don’t realize how they’re harming them. I see parents who don’t have a clue what their kids are doing online, where they’re going and what they’re doing… because they want to be the “cool” parent, and it harms their kids. It gives those kids a skewed idea of how life is… that they can do anything and get away with it. After all… their parents have made it that way so far.
I disagree with you totally, when it comes to parents being able to check on their kids online. I do it. There are ways if you really want to. I have nomdeplume accounts at several social networking sites, for the purpose of checking up on my teens. Their friends don’t know it’s me and they don’t need to. What I know, is that with many parents… they just don’t want to spend the time it takes to keep up with their kids’ online behaviour, they view it as an inconvenience.
It also comes down to the kid knowing that if they don’t follow their parents’ rules about online behaviour, there will be consequences. Too many parents do not follow through on rules or consequences and that tells kids they can do what they want. Like others have said, it is their job to bring up the kid to know how to behave. Barring actual mental illness (and in that case, the parents’ job is to get help for them, not excuse bad behaviour) teen behaviour is a shared responsibility. I do not blame the parents, or the kids totally… I maintain that each MUST do what is their responsibility to do.
Maybe I’m biased because it’s my own opinion, and one based on having a 21 year old, an 18 year old and a 12 year old (and what I’ve seen over the years while raising them), but how can you find fault with that?
; – )
Ray – I’m on the same page as you!
Comment by fracas April 11, 2008 @ 11:21 AMHi. I am a 35-year-old father of an 18-month-old boy. I’m going to link to your post, if I may, because I think your position on this is intelligent and well-thought-out.
I have worked with young people for 15 years, and I have seen every form of “blame the victim; blame everybody but me.”
I think that we all share in the responsibility for what has happened because of the society we have all helped to create.
I have great hopes for my son and the world HE will help create. But he has to survive adolescence first. I can’t prevent bad things from happening to him, but I sure can teach him to take responsibility for his actions, to respect the dignity of every human being, and to live with honor.
May I recommend The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, by Wendy Mogel, and Love and Logic (www.loveandlogic.com). There are people out there who want our youth to learn how to be responsible, respectful people. It may be difficult, but NOT impossible, to find support when you want to do the right thing in raising your kids.
Comment by FJ April 11, 2008 @ 1:46 PMREVENGE ! Is it all about revenge, or should we try to look deeper into this horrid animalistic behavior and where it stems from? I think we need to look at our society to find answers as to WHY; It seems the main motivation from this devilish action comes from FAME/ATTENTION. Is this an exclusive motivation for this age group? What bothers us most is the lack of humanity crossing into chimp (animal) behavior. How could YOUR child or MY child cross that line that goes against family, civil and moral values?? It seems most at this point in time are looking for revenge as a reaction, rather than looking deeper into ourselves to find out where the break is in our society that would allow these children to value and justify their actions. REVENGE! lets not let it stop there.. we all need to delve in deeper to know WHY. And then we need to show it is not going to be tolerated!
Comment by shelann April 11, 2008 @ 1:54 PMWhat is starting to worry me as much as this incident with the teenagers, is the vitriol being posted in forums I’ve been reading. There are only a couple of incidents here. One in particular:
Comment by Fred April 11, 2008 @ 4:08 PM“Personally, I don’t care if any of them is killed in prison.”
I’m seeing the same kind of reckless anger in way too many posts.
The tragedy is not only that a young girl of 14 was badly beaten by a group of here peers one of who’s parents appears to be blaming the victim. The other tragedy is that way too many of the public at large who seem to want to do the same thing to them. I don’t see these people as being any different.
It’s not revenge we need here. I’m afraid this incident is just the tip of a very large iceberg.
Rome is burning.
I am gonna try to be short and blunt.
It’s incredible how one video posted publicly can generate so much talk and debate on something that already has become “cliched” behind the cameras.
Beatings happen everyday, everywhere and at every age. They are simply not shown on camera. If you cannot accept this fact; then, you are just living in the wrong planet.
And just to get to the point. I do agree 100% with fracas here. Without a doubt this a parenting problem. Sure, one can have influence from many sources such as; TVs, Web, the so-called video-games from hell and etc… But at the end, where is the parent to watch and tell his(her) kids how to differentiate right from wrong.
Our country has thrown every single family value out of the freaking window. There’s no more parenting, there’s fast parenting or “absent” parenting.
Does the current teen generation scares you ? Wait till they bring their kids into this world.
Comment by Andre April 11, 2008 @ 9:25 PMWhats going on in america. We here in europe we have seen this video in the past hour…we, some friends wtih children in the age of 1 to 6 years. We are shocked about this. Oh god whats going on. People wake up before its to late…..This is absolutly wrong. I thinks these 8 young stupid children between 14 and 17 must working very hard now, to let us all see that was an mistake, and show us you be worth to tryst you. How many time these children have to do this???? We are angry about this, its unbeleaveable.
For the parents of Victoria Lindsay and her self, we feel with you. We wish you all the best what we can…Mike, Susanne, Anne Stefan, Thomas, Ulrike, Gerd, Tanja, Sasacha and all our chilfdren……
Comment by Mike van den Ham April 11, 2008 @ 10:20 PMYou bet, the parents are at fault, Just go to any mall on a friday night and look at the goups of kids dumped off or allowed to roam like packs of wild dogs. Most of them are unattended, In most cases nearly all..Are all of them out for trouble ? Id say no…but the fact remains that the parents ( or parent) another issue..Has no idea what they are up to. It almost like a Hoochapalooza and if it was’nt such a sad statement on the failure of the parents , it could bea comedy.
Comment by John Esposito April 12, 2008 @ 9:05 AMi think that is so crazy how teens are these days why would those girls do something so stupid for. Now they might go to prison for life. Now tell me do u think that was really worth it.
Comment by Evelyn April 12, 2008 @ 9:04 PMLeave me a minute with that Stupid bitch and i will teach her how to raise her kid properly, after i beat the crap out of her and show her that beating up people is not fun at all!
Comment by Eduardo April 12, 2008 @ 11:02 PMI got 3 boys and they damn well know not to cross the line! i amke sure who they hang out with and what they are doing at all times! the parents of these girls should be charge as well as the girls for being this stupid! what the heck happened to the days were the adults knew how to raise and dicipline your kids? my kids know i love them and they do not miss on anything but just as i can spoil them i can dish out hell when they screw up, wich they dont attempt as they dont like and fear when i am angry!
Comment by Eduardo April 12, 2008 @ 11:11 PMi know my comments are harsh but take it from me, i had told my kids that they have no rights, they have opinions but at the end i and their mom decide what it is! they can have their rights back when they understand how life works, i was a bad kid from the age of 15 to 20 but hell one thing i did not do is mess with my parents, if i did i was in big trouble! were i was born in el salvador , if u screwed up in school you got smacked by the priest and if u went crying to your parents bitching about it , they did not sue the priest or teacher they would smack you around for bitching about the incident. they made you understand that you were a kid and that an adult is an adult period, kids have no rights and i strongly stand behind my opinion. and to people who say that we should give our kids their privacy, go f- yourselfs have kids and try it and you will see how fast they will step all over you!
Comment by Eduardo April 12, 2008 @ 11:29 PMi wonder what lindsay wrote about them anyway to drive them to do such a thing. if she did and they didn’t like it they should have confronted her one on one. These are idiots if they think they could get away with it and laugh about it. The mother who blames the victim is just as fault as the others and needs to look in the mirror and see why her child acts like this.
Comment by leah levit April 13, 2008 @ 10:20 AMBRAVO EDUARDO !!!!!!!
I am also one who does not agree with being my childs friend or letting that relationship overshadow the hard decisions I must make as a parent to ensure my kids understand the difference between right and wrong. I also believe that it is my job to make my kids understand that they will be responsible for their own actions and the words that come out of their mouth as well. While not excusing these kids action I still believe it is noteworthy to mention that the victim in this case needs to step up and be counted as well. It was mentioned that the victim had said something about kicking one of the other girls butts as well and during the video one of the girls palinly stated.. “I thought you were going to kick my a$$? I ceratinly am not excusing the bahaviour here and am glad to see they will be tried as adults for their actions but is it right for someone to be able to verbally abuse other students knowing the anti bully program in our schools will protect that kind of defamatory speech???? We are ALL responsible for our actions whether they be physical or verbal. I am not saying that it was her fault or that she deserved it nor am I excusing their actions. I am saying she did bring some of this onto herself. I would never condone an action of writing on a public profile that someone acted slutty by my teenage daughter. THIS WAS WRONG TOO and that was one of the messages I conveyed to my kids when we discussed this matter as a family. I told them they would also be held accountable for the actions that came out of their mouths for it can be as effective a weapon as fists can be. The only difference is fists leave physical bruises. I cannot tell you the number of times I did not get involved in more serious trouble as a teenager simply because I knew what would happen when I got home if my Dad found out. I didn’t really fear the police or the teacher or the principal. I knew when the school called or when another parent called about something I had done my A$$ was grass. I’m with you. I’m tired of listening to these folks who tell me whipping and disciplining my children is abuse and that my kids should be treated as little adults and have their privacy.
Comment by Steve-O April 13, 2008 @ 11:23 AMIndeed go f-yourself. You can tout all the studies and spew all the BS you want about timeouts and being my kids friend but all I have to do is get on the internet and look and turn on the news to see the products of your thinking and I’m not impressed at all. Being your kids best friend is the easiest, most effortless and laziest approach to child rearing there is. All you have to do is give them what they want, let them them do what they want and let them grow up as they want.
I wonder how many times these little angel’s were told they were “special” as they grew up?
I believe that everyone in the house that day should get adult treatment when on trial. This whole ordeal is absolutly wrong. i think they knew what they were doing when they were beating her, they knew it was wrong and they need to pay the price for it. this kind of stuff can not be tolerated
Comment by MIss April 13, 2008 @ 1:55 PMAll I can say is the parents aren’t very smart.When all is said and done the poor girl and her family have one he__ of a civil law suit. I raised 2 Boys alone, and can tell you I had my hands full, but Never and I mean never did they think they could get away with something like that. Dont get me wrong,I love them both, but at one time I had my oldest picked up for violent stupidity. It never happened again. I believe the Parents ARE responsible for their minor Childrens actions. Quit ignoring them, and giving them anyting they want just so they stay out of your hair!!!!!! Good Luck during the law suits, hope you can afford that girls Hospital Bills, Cause you will be paying them.
Comment by Cheryl April 13, 2008 @ 2:26 PMAs for the Victim stating she was going to kick another girls butt, well she might have had a chance to defend herself had it been one on one. I dont agree in fighting, and I think she was definately in the wrong making such a statement, but 6 on one???? A little overkill???
They deserve to be treated as adults, when you make an adult decision, you get to be treated as such. I guess Mommy’s Princess’ are in a bit of trouble.
Comment by Cheryl April 13, 2008 @ 2:31 PMNot only did they beat her 6 against 1 – they smashed her head into a wall so hard she lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, they started beating her again.
30 minutes. That’s how long they beat her. For 30 minutes.
Can you even imagine the levels of rage it would take to pummel another human being for 30 MINUTES?
Her father said she was almost unrecognizable. Face a swollen mess of bloody flesh, eyes swollen almost shut, bruises from head to foot. Add to it the loss of vision and hearing, which, I might add, she still has not regained over a week later.
What those girls did goes way beyond “lack of discipline” or teens “out of control”. It’s criminal and I think it borders on psychotic.
Comment by Linda April 13, 2008 @ 11:49 PMHave you entertained the idea that maybe the mother helped? Remember Lori Drew? This is what happens when someone calls your daughter a name? Check into it. Mama Garcia probably knew what was going on even before it happened. She let the cat out of the bag when she pretty much said Lindsey deserved it. It won’t be long until one of those sociopaths point the finger at her. No one wants to take the blame alone.
Comment by Becky April 14, 2008 @ 8:03 AMMy answer to your question about why Nichols “followed” through with bringing Victoria to the grandmother’s house. In case everyone forgot…for years, most teens go through what’s called “peer pressure”. The sad shame of this type of “peer” pressure is that it is even more stimulated by our own society desensitizing our young children with violence.
I strongly believe that Mercades was more of a “follower”, not a leader. I believe she deep inside probably thought if she didn’t follow through, then she might get a taste of what Victoria got, as well. Further, I strongly believe that it was more convenient for the other girls to use Nichol’s grandmother’s house as “the place to ‘deal’ with Victoria” because that is where Victoria was staying (apparently due to her and her parents not getting along? Some reports say that the parents of Victoria kicked her out of their home because she was rebelling against them) at that time. Now, how convenient is that? Does anyone not see the logic in how Mercades probably got caught in the middle of this “ring”? I am not condoning her being involved at all. Don’t get me wrong. I’m just using some logic and sense here and not being so quick to cast stones. To each their own, people. Like you all say. “Karma’s a b*tch.” Be careful on being so quick on “casting stones” lest you find that what you say about Karma is so true. If you (or your child) wake up one day and face a similar situation, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Remember this day that you are so quick to be the judge. Just trying to be a light in the middle of the darkness here.
Thanks for your time in considering what I have to say…and peace.
Comment by MKB47 April 14, 2008 @ 8:05 AMFJ – Please link all you like, it’s always appreciated!
shelann – I don’t see that everyone is out for revenge. People are angry and that passion comes out in their outrage. I believe most people want, at the root… appropriate punishment to fit the crime. Wanting that, is not wanting revenge.
Fred – A good point. I realize though, for some people… they will verbally express their shock and their outrage in a way that seems not so different from that of the girls. I’d like to think that once the outrage has been vented verbally, that those people would realize the irony of their own comments and that their actions would never match their words.
Andre - I agree with your last statement too! I’ve expressed a similar thought about this generation, but yours expands on it well. I’d suggested this generation will be one to abuse their very own parents when they become elderly. You added a very valid point about the children they will bring into the world. I can’t help but envision someday, a ‘Mad Max’ kind of world, where everyone is out to get everyone else and the only thing that’s a given… is violence.
Mike – I wish it was a mistake. Unfortunately, the teens have expressed very little remorse. Very scary.
John - You’re right. Many parents do not pay attention to where their kids are and what they’re doing… opting instead, to give them freedoms their own behaviours prove they don’t deserve.
Evelyn - Part of the problem is that it appears at least some of these kids have parents who’ve raised them on a “get them out of trouble no matter what they do” principle, which tends to make teens feel that they really can do whatever they want. I don’t think they thought they’d go to jail at all.
Eduardo – I agree with the principle of what you’re saying, but not your method. I understand you’re saying that the parent should be in charge, not the kids. I agree. I don’t think though, when you suggest that you can beat sense into the mother, that you’re being any different than the mother you pledge to be able to beat sense into. I suppose she also felt that it was ok for her daughter and the other teens to “beat sense into” Victoria Lindsay. Violence begets violence. If you raise your kids to fear your anger because of violence, they will one day, be adults who have learned violence is how you control people. You might not be lucky enough to have a grown child who can keep that a threat and not an action as it seems you do. Be careful what you teach others… it may come back to bring you sorrow. But yes… parents should be in charge and not the kids. Totally.
Steve-O – I understand you’re supporting Eduardo’s belief that parents should be in charge. I do too. I am a huge advocate of NOT being your kid’s friend. In fact, it’s one thing my kids have always groaned about. I tell them I know they will “hate me” for being strict and not their friend… but that when they are 25 they will realize how lucky they were. I tell them I can wait for that. It’s my job.
BUT…
I agree that kids are NOT little adults and I do not think they deserve ultimate privacy. I agree with disciplining kids, holding them responsible for what they say and do (I have ratted out my own kids to their schools, I spy on them online and will search their rooms top to bottom if I have cause to need to etc.) and all that, but will absolutely disagree with you that “whipping” your kids is appropriate discipline. You’re wrong on that one. If you’ve grown up with that, you should know better. If you haven’t, then you need to talk to someone who has.
Miss – Agreed!
Cheryl - Agreed again. Sometimes ratting your kids out instead of getting them out of trouble is the best thing you could ever do for them. I’ve done it too.
Linda - I agree. The way some of them seem to have no remorse makes me think they need to be evaluated properly. I wonder if at least one or two of them aren’t sociopaths?
Becky – I wouldn’t be surprised if that came out later.
MKB47 – Following the attack, Mercades Nichol had placed a statement on her own MySpace, saying, “F*CK YALL! ID DO IT AGAIN!!”
Her page has since been deleted, but it’s hard to argue that she was just a follower. And her mother going on news to claim Mercades gave the tape to police is hooey. It was actually the grandmother. Mercades’ mother is trying to do damage control to create a false good impression of her “innocent” daughter. Sadly, in doing that, she’s harming her daughter further because she’s not teaching her that it’s ok to do anything except lie to get out of taking responsibility for her own actions.
I don’t think everyone here is “judging”. People want justice and to know that the world is going to stand up and say this is not right and make sure the punishment fits the crime. If we don’t, we are sure to see more of the same.
I get tired of hearing people whine about not “judging.” The not judging we are supposed to not do (if you mean in the Christian sense) is to not judge their souls… or presume to know better than God regarding their final judging. We are absolutely supposed to judge the actions of others in terms of maintaining a just and civil society for us all to live in. None of us is doing anything wrong, by judging that the actions of those teens was wrong and deserves to be punished.
If we didn’t do that, what kind of world would we live in? Everybody could do whatever they want to whomever they want because we couldn’t “judge” them. I’m not worried about karma being a bitch. If my kid did something like this, I’d be devastated, but I wouldn’t make it worse by lying to try get them out of trouble. To do that, would only ensure that they do worse in the future, ultimately hurting themselves (and obviously others) more.
Comment by fracas April 14, 2008 @ 9:50 AMPlease allow me to clarify something here. The “myspace” page you speak of was actually confirmed to be created by someone who was a “hater”. It was NOT the “real” Mercades Myspace page. I have the link to her real page and have been following all the details and facts to this case. I make sure I have all the facts straight before I make such posts. It’s a wise thing to do.
I am sorry you were misinformed of this “Myspace” page that was “fake”. Apparently, Tom had the page deleted because it was “fake” page. Mercades page is still up and running…and no, she has not signed in since the judges orders have been placed.
And for the record, her page does not have what you said on it. Just needed to clarify that. As a matter of fact…her “mood” says “numb” with a sad face on it. I read her entire profile and it really looks like a child trying to find love and acceptance in this world (like most of our teens are seeking in this day and age). I can obviously see that the world is so eager to give such to someone who made a stupid mistake being involved in the wrong crowd. It just makes me even more proud to be an American citizen. I’m tellin’ ya.
Sad. :(
peace.
Comment by MKB47 April 14, 2008 @ 10:05 AMWith all due respect, if I may add…I am not speaking of the “God” judge. I’m just speaking of how quick people are to speak on what people deserve…and then putting their foot in their mouths later when they are faced with similar situations. I know I’m not the only one who has actually seen Karma do her job.
Thanks for you time and considering what I’ve had to say. I return the favor.
Respectfully,
Comment by MKB47 April 14, 2008 @ 10:13 AMMKB
One more thing..I apologize for the many postings. I agree with you on the Karma thing. I have 3 teens. I would be careful about publicly “covering” my child if they did anything like this. And I sure as hell wouldn’t try to bail them out of learning a good lesson. I just don’t believe in throwing them to the prison system at such a young age. Not in this case. She didn’t commit murder. It’s still even questionable if Mercades even really laid a hand on Victoria. A lot of what the public is getting about the entire beating is “heresay”. I’m very well aware of what happens in the prison system. But, some serious harsh consequences would be justice.
The only reason I have no problem with Dr. Phil posting bail for Mercades is that the way our society is behaving about this…at least she could have some time with her family before she serves, if she gets prison time. As a mother, if she were my child? Not knowing how the hammer is going to roll? I would grateful to have the personal time I could have with her while I could. You say you are a mother. I am sure you understand that concept.
Comment by MKB47 April 14, 2008 @ 10:29 AMBy the way (not trying to get off topic here). But, I must comment that you have a really cool site here. I took some time checking it out. I appreciate your work. I’ve bookmarked your site so that I can stay in touch and informed. I’m impressed! I got a kick out of the Obama and Hilary video. heh.
Peace, mi lady…and thank you again for taking the time.
MKB
Comment by MKB47 April 14, 2008 @ 10:44 AMHi MBK47 – The MySpace page quote has not been revoked by the site quoting it, however it does seem you may be right. I’ll look a little further and then clarify that on my site. I can’t help what others do, but I sure can clear that up here. Thanks for the tip.
However… if indeed her real site is displaying her current mood, that would mean she violated the judges order to stay off the internet to change it.
I think you’re being far too sympathetic considering her mom’s public comments.
The problem I have with Dr. Phil is that he was exploiting her for his own gain and didn’t care about the two who were left in jail… obviously because they weren’t as marketable as she. What of the time those two won’t have with their families? He did a wrong and is now also part of the adults who schmooze to avoid responsibility.
I don’t mind multiple posts. If you have more to say… be my guest! :-)
And thank for the site kudos. Mostly this is a silly and fun site, with the occasional seriousness thrown in. New guests are always welcome. I don’t believe I have to agree with someone to enjoy their company or to be friends with them. Life would be boring if we all thought the same! ;-)
Comment by fracas April 14, 2008 @ 12:00 PMAll I can say is that these little hoosier girls will get what’s coming to them. If it’s not by the system, it will be by God. They are all immature little brats who need their a$$es beat as well and I’m sure it will happen to them someday.
Comment by Kya April 14, 2008 @ 12:08 PMThanks for your response Fracas.
It was after the beating, I’m sorry…that her mood and sad face appeared.
I checked the last date of her sign-on. It says 04/08/08. That date was before the hearing before the judge. I just wanted to clarify that.
Also, her site never said what people claim it said. I was on it from day one. ;)
I understand your point on what about the other families spending time (who didn’t have their child bailed). That part bothers me, too. I understand completely where you are coming from.
Comment by MKB47 April 14, 2008 @ 12:49 PMFracas good points!!!
I am responding to people who think we should go back to raising our children like we used to, a pretty general statement, however the way I remember it although I was afraid to break any rules my parents had, I could roam a little further from home, play until dinner then come home and within my neighborhood be around and about without minute to minute monitoring.
What I believe has evolved today for many people is the realization that this world is much different than the past and we have to be better than our parents, more accountable than our parents and more involved than our parents. Why? because the world has changed ….yes technologically, but in our communities and neighborhoods. Drugs and violence our in our backyards and we truly have to step up and take parenting to a new level in order for our children to make it in this new world of technology and influences!!! Please step up…..you are your kids only chance!!!
Comment by Crutcher April 14, 2008 @ 3:16 PMI saw this in another forum. I like what Mr. G. Hallowgreen said in his post.
Do they belong in prison? Yes is the answer if you want to educate them as harden criminals, who cares even less about other people once they come out.
No it the answer, if you want to believe that people can change.
Can you punish children like them without prison? Yes, you can.
They need a combo day program which means reporting at 5 a.m. for exercise and drill down at the high school, breakfast at the school, school, mandatory presence at a homework cafe followed by more exercise and finally therapy. That is a typical program for Monday to Friday.(Homework cafes are a European concept created to fight social inheritance. Elite students and nerds with good grades get paid to stay and coach poor performers. It meens that nerds get the respect they should have)
Saturday means community service. Parents have to function as extra guards to limit the risk of using restraint. Normal this is set to last 3 hours followed by family therapy.
The rest of the week they are confined to their house with the use of GPS bracelets and if they break the day program they receive time in jail. No more Cheerleader time for them.
Some places they are even ordered to wear a special T-shirt og jumpsuit in school, so the staff can locate them quickly.
Such programs are used in Nevada and they cost 1/10 of the price for locking a person up. They are a secure for the population as prison and the best part is that all the kids can see that crime cost. The offenders are punished right in front of them.
Comment by MKB47 April 14, 2008 @ 3:38 PMCrutcher – I agree totally. It’s a different world, and while it might be harder to be a parent what with all the current challenges and worries and influences, it doesn’t mean one should neglect all that simply because they feel that their parents didn’t have to do all that. If a person has kids… I’m afraid it’s up to them to do what’s required!
MKB47 – I’m not opposed to new methods of “punishment” and rehabilitation, I’m just opposed to those who would like to get their kids out of trouble and get off with nothing. That’s harmful to the kid, and everyone else too.
Comment by fracas April 14, 2008 @ 4:20 PMIf it were my kid who participated in this cruel activity? I would personally feel responsible and would prefer to serve with my child whatever punishment that is administered. My children are my life. If somehow I failed as a mother? How can I live a free woman?
Just honest words from the heart of a mother.
Comment by MKB47 April 14, 2008 @ 4:41 PMPLAIN AND SIMPLE before Americas youth get out of hand, make a hard but well learned EXAMPLE out of them all.
Comment by Rey Cortes April 14, 2008 @ 4:51 PMi dnt care wt decision it makes bt after i saw that video or i still see that video it makes me wnt to beat all of their asses especially the one that mostly hitt her in the video……bitch i will beat the hell out of u>>>trust me u think i might b playing bt jst watch ur back bitch<<<<<>>>>
Comment by kanisha April 14, 2008 @ 6:04 PMi agree with rey cortes here…..make them learn or make a hard but well learned example out of them>>>>bt omg…..aint no body gonna come to me like that…oh hell naah…neva…i fought people that threaten me b4 by saying >o ima beat ur ass…..wen she came to me i didnt say nuthing to her i jst went straight to the hitt
Comment by kanisha April 14, 2008 @ 6:07 PMnd the boys betta watch their backs cuz mah boys are coming fo ya>>>>>>>>nd ya girls oh>>>>> is on bitches
Comment by kanisha April 14, 2008 @ 6:09 PMkanisha – you’re either a joke or you’re no different than the girls in the video.
I can’t help but think your posts are done in some jest that really isn’t funny.
Comment by jayleen April 14, 2008 @ 7:50 PMMKB47 – I understand what you’re saying. There are times when we can tell that a person has truly put their all into raising their kids well, and the kid still does something really horrible. Then… there are the times when mental illness is at play. if a parent truly has done all they can do (including trying all they can to get help where help is needed) then I don’t believe they need to feel that their chid’s action is their fault. In this case, because the parents have been vocally trying to minimize what their children did, I don’t think they fall into that category.
Rey – Agreed.
kanisha – Do you realize that you’ve just uttered threats here? Do you realize that those threats would be considered by law, to be real? Do you realize that your IP address is logged and that if something were to happen to anyone you referred to, that your ISP would be legally required to give up your identity to law enforcement? Do you realize your comments make you no different than the girls in the video? Not being able to settle things without violence is a sign that there is something wrong. If this wasn’t a bullshit prank (like so many of the postings all over the net regarding this are) then please ask someone to help you find yourself a counselor before you end up in a situation that means your life is spent in jail.
Jayleen – Unfortunately, the posts may not be a joke. They may surely, but that’s the kind of thing that was posted by Victoria Lindsay… which is why Nichols’ mother said what she said about “why would she write those things if she couldn’t back them up.” Sad, isn’t it?
From being a parent who does have accounts (in various screen names) at many social networking sites so that I can check on my kids, I can tell you I’ve read a lot of teen conversations and many sound exactly like that.
Again… sad, isn’t it?
Comment by fracas April 14, 2008 @ 10:10 PMIf this is how these young ‘ladies’ are speaking to each other, they will never have jobs of any sort. Is this just their online lingo, like kittypigeon? lol
Comment by jayleen April 14, 2008 @ 11:49 PMTHEN: children afraid of their parents.
Comment by mariam April 25, 2008 @ 1:54 AMNOW: PARENTS AFRAID OF THEIR CHILDREN. need i say more?
haha Kanisha your bad making threats over the computer… See people haven’t learned a thing from this have they… I just wanted to add that those boys weren’t involved, they have no evidence at all showing that they were.. All 6 girls have said that those boys knew nothing about it. Grady Judd released the video on national television BEFORE they talked to a SINGLE witness, actually they didn’t speak to ANY witnesses until 9 days later. Yeah there were neighbors around who heard the noise, and those neighbors seen Zach, and Steven at Zachs house. (which was next door!!) So What I want to know is why Grady Judd released this video, and pretty much stated that everyone was guilty before he even had facts!!! And if you people have not seen a fight before where the hell have you been living? It’s a fight- now there are people making death threats OVER A FIGHT! Where the hell is the logic in that???? How can anyone justify that? Some people need to GET A LIFE!!
Comment by Crystal April 29, 2008 @ 12:42 PMfor Crystal…. a fight involves one or more people “fighting” each other – that’s why it’s called a fight. This didn’t involve any fighting. It was 6 girls beating on one girl that didn’t hit back or fight back at all. Therefore, it wasn’t a fight. It was assault. Some people might need to get a life. Others need to get a dictionary. *wink* lol.
Comment by Linda April 29, 2008 @ 8:00 PMIt’s great that some people think the two guys spent all of their time “next door” but the apparent words of some of the girls involved in the beating is that for at least some period of time, the guys were telling them that the noise of the beating could be heard outside. Plus, it is quite conceiveable that they were doing the lookout duty from the safety of the “next door” porch. yanno, little dogs afraid of the the screaming banshees might to do them should they get too close.
Comment by sauer kraut April 29, 2008 @ 8:39 PMNO NONE of the girls involved said ANYTHING about the boys being there!! so you should get that straight right now!!! The ONLY person out of all 9 is the victim stating the boys were there. And the boys have NEIGHBORS who saw them at Zachs house!!! The truth will come out!!
Comment by Crystal April 30, 2008 @ 7:17 AMI am 18, almost 19. Im a senior at a high school in Asheboro north carolina.
I agree with almost all of the adults/parents comments on this case.
Its rediculous how ms. garcia handles this situation. The mother acts as if ur always suppose to be the “badass” kid in school or sumthing. Since u always have to “back up wha u say”. The daughter could not even go to the mother for help even if she called her at work, and say “mom, look im having trouble w/ this gurl will u comes home please” ,if she was so “innocent” Or just simply not even taken her to the house. I am disgusted w/ how the mother has stated this case. Like it was nothing at all.
How could she have known better if the mother is a dumbass too. She shouldve taken parenting class in high school.lol.
And to top this off ; I have to do senior projects where i am and im doing it on teen violence. So im going to add this on there definately.
Comment by Stacey Willard May 6, 2008 @ 9:15 AMb/c i know how it is to be raised by a dumb fowned parent. My dad is an addict, and my mom is just a hellion. But i learned from their mistakes.
I wish i could say the same to most teens out there. So im hoping that the parents will listen to me and my speech for my projet.
Where’s all the consensual sex in all this? Alcohol, drugs, porn?
Ooops, forgot, raging hormones and ‘all that’! OhMyGideoness, gag me with a clarinet reed before my retainer does!
Gotta ask…if two boys are alone in a house having illicit activity while all the girls arw fighting next door…is the activity illicit if unknown?
Comment by John May 8, 2008 @ 9:21 PMThe charges were dropped against the boys and Cara. From the start, law enforcement lied. Anyone who actually examined the released evidence knew this.
People encouraging violence against these kids should be ashamed, you can get them severely or permanently injured. You’re no better than Cara Murphy who failed to stop the beating, in fact you’re worse, you’re like the camera girl (NOT Cara Murphy) who cheered the beating.
Trying 14 and 15 year-old girls “as adults” for *misdemeanor* battery is simply child abuse and the reasons are purely political, the sheriff is running for re-election in the fall.
There are still many more lies and a lot of misinformation about this case out there. The girls do deserve a fair punishment for their misdemeanor battery, but they do not deserve a deluge of death threats, massive encouragement of violence against them on the Internet (conveniently ignored by the media and bloggers), biased judicial system (the bail amounts were ludicrously high if you know *anything* about Florida bail amounts in similar cases), and being shut silent by the judge while law enforcement saturates the media with lies about them.
Those girls went way too far trying to get back for whatever wrong, real or imagined, the victim did to them. Now powerful people are going way too far in exploiting this for their own gain. It’s poetic justice but it is NOT justice. And the difference is those people are adults and they are trying to outright destroy the children’s lives. And the entire world cheers. Hypocrisy is alive and well.
Comment by Didacticus June 15, 2008 @ 11:59 AMnot even jail time for the ringleader. florida prosecutors have no spine.
Comment by sauer kraut January 29, 2009 @ 12:10 PMI’ve decided to leave this as an opportunity for readers to continue to comment and interact. I thank all of you for your opinions and input. Thanks to Didactus and sauer kraut for the updates!
Comment by fracas February 1, 2009 @ 7:38 PMThis is disgusting. Obviously the mom’s fault – what an idiot. Nice role model. These girls should be in jail. I’m not sure when it became cool for kids to videotape beatdowns but there needs to be stricter punishments given so this trend will stop. 6 on 1 you are not tough, you are a punk and an abuser. The girl did not even fight back. If you are able to give someone a concussion and keep going you have obvious issues.
Comment by Disgusted March 5, 2009 @ 4:36 PMSince then, there’s been an altercation between the mother and Mercades, resulting in police and media attention. Seems to me, none of them know how to deal with their emotions other than by being physical.
Comment by fracas March 6, 2009 @ 9:13 AMwowo i have to say that poor girl didnt deserve that i think those fucking faggits that did that to that poor girl…they should rot in jail and burn in hell for that they don not deserve to see the day of lite again and i hope they suffer double the pain that poor cheerlaeader did…mayby next time theyll think twice before kidnapping a innocent child and beating the hell outta her for nothing they should be badly beaten with in a inch of there lives for that…
Comment by Shorty May 15, 2009 @ 6:24 PM