Bands

singing songs that would make a bathroom graffiti writer

blush, swimsuit competitions, fights on street corners,

pajama parties, provocative dress along with lewd dancing

and other questionable activities. Am I describing

Daytona Beach during Spring Break? Are these the reasons

Atlanta residents don't want to host Freak-Nik? Would you

say these are the things that happen in

"undesirable" areas with people who lack

standards? In reality these are just some of the

activities that have been reported to happen among our

teenagers at "The Market" in Fayetteville.

"The

Market" is a teen club, aimed at 13-18 year olds,

located in the old A and T Market on Highway 54 at Jeff

Davis. When it opened several months ago it was billed as

a safe place for youth to go rather than hanging out in

parking lots. It was made to sound like a safe

environment for the youth of this community. The Market

is nothing like it was originally promoted.

How could

it be considered a safe place for teenagers when a live

band like the "Ying Yang Twins" sing a song

that graphically portrays the sexual exploitation of

women. How could this contribute to a "safe

environment" for young ladies? When the proprietors

of this place encourage youth to attend in their pajamas

or girls to wear swimsuits that would win them a $250

prize I question their motives. I doubt a safe place for

teenagers has anything to do with it.

People in

Fayette County want the best for their children. Under

the current operating philosophy The Market is not good

for our teens or our community. If we do not use our

influence to change what has been happening at The Market

then The Market will contribute to influencing our

children and changing our community.

Chuck Griffith is

pastor of Fayette Assembly of God, 1144 Ga. Highway 92

South in Fayetteville, 770-719-0322.

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