by BlisteredWhippet » Fri 11 Mar 2005, 15:42:45
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'I')ts a very confusing world. There are so many crazy ideas that even adults can't sort it out. The past is so complex with so much injustice and cruelty. No way should it all be dumped on sweet kids in, say, the way smallpoxgirl would. It just isn't healthy for an American kid to be deluged with anti-American hatred, specially not from their own father. Better to show them an attitude of honor and respect for their own country. Critical thinking about our imperfections can be taught to them when they have matured. Old fashioned notions like it's a wonderful country - that's the wholesome thing to do where children are concerned. (as far as SS, it's toast is all I was saying - empty promises, a ponzi scheme. Think differently if you want to, play a game of hide-the-truth with yourself. Its a free country!)
Wow. First of all, I don't think lying to your kids is commendable, do you? Do you think that establishes trust? For example, if you don't really think America is a pile of dogshit, teaching your kids rabid patriotism and unquestioning servility won't be a lie, but will it be good for them?
What you call "Anti-American Hatred" I would call the "truth". We're a colonial empire. I'm sure lots of British parents taught their little ones that what their troops were doing in India was bringing civilization to savages. Thats not a lie. Sick, but not a lie. Your version of correct child-rearing is a lie if you don't include America's history as a colonial empire. I really hope you don't reproduce- until you understand what that means in terms of "evolution".
PMS, your approach would basically pass on your own values- to fight hard against justice, to do an end-run around the truth. You would be teaching your kids, ultimately, if they're smart enough to figure it out, that you're more of a puppet master than a man.
Personally I believe we shouldn't teach little kids false things. Have a fun time on Christmas, but don't tell them a fat man is breaking and entering down the chimney. Tell them that it is imaginary, and that other people believe that He is real because they are confused, and not very smart. I would take it as a point of pride to know my kid was busting up other kid's illusions.
I think you should keep your kids out of public school as long as possible (as
compulsory schooling is required in this country- can't have the little bastards figuring out the truth- they could revolt!) and teach them universal human values over the self-centeredness of nationalism. Teach them how to value nature instead of worshipping "progress".
If you can't do these things, all you're really doing is creating more little Eichmanns. You're really putting off responsibility to future generations by laying our problems at their feet, just as our parents laid theirs at ours.
I realize having children is a selfish act- that people have children primarily to serve their own self-interest. But its even more selfish to raise them with lies, fantasies and half-truths. It should be criminal. If adults "can't sort out" crazy problems its because they weren't ever taught to think critically. Perhaps this is a sort of second childhood for you, PMS, and we are your parental figures. Now go to your room and think about it.
