What do you think of the practise of retailers playing classical music in public places, for example the Cashel Street mall, in an effort to stop youth congregating in these public places? If you would support this practise, would you support the use of "mosquito" devices, which play an annoying high pitch tone that only youth can hear in either public places, such as the Cashel Street mall, or private places, such as shopping malls?
Joshua
Candidate Answers
Candidate
Answer
While I can understand the retailers wishing to do this, it is actually driving away more customers than just the youths. If the music was played through a decent system, rather than just a couple of loud speakers, then I believe it would be more effective and less offensive to shoppers.
As for the \"mosquito\" devices, I do not feel that they have a place in our city. I also do not believe that only youths would hear the noise, I\'m sure there would be many others who have keen hearing that would find it offensive as well.
There is the saying that you are innocent till proven guilty in this country, I do not believe that all youths in our city are delinquents and therefore will not assume that they are all guilty of loitering or causing trouble.
Personally I enjoy a wide range of music, from the Clasical thru to 50cent, (not bad for a bloke my age). I have been in Cashel Mall when they have been playing Barry Manilow and find it annoying and after a while I think many visitors to the area would too.
As far as playing it to drive away the youth, or using mosquito devices, is nonsense. There are many young people who do not cause problems in the city centre or around shopping malls, why punish them for a few that do. A more proactive approach towards the youth that are a concern would bring about a more positive change in the society.
We should interact with the youth, not alienate them against society. Find out what they are looking for out of life, what can we do to support them, can we provide them a safer environment to get together.
Don\'t get me wrong if they do cause trouble, sort them out, but most of them are bored and have no real place to go or no sense of worth or identity. Better youth facilities would be a great way to start.
Bachman Turner Overdrive? ... I think youth are hugely disrepected and uncatered for in the central city. You have been moved out of Cathedral Square (in favour of a tourist market) and Hack Circle / Cashel St Mall (in favour of trams and more tourist shopping) so where are you supposed to go / gather / congrate?
I will ensure that proper youth facilities and opportunities are created in Christchurch, if elected Mayor or Councillor.
Kia kaha ~ Rik
