This week’s article really got my attention! So much
so that I am very passionate about what I read. The article to which I refer is
titled Parenting: The Lost Art, Kay S. Hymowitz. The information cited in the
article was from 2001. I am hoping that maybe our societal attitude has changed
since then.
The article focused on a report put out by the FTC
(federal trade commission). The main point was geared towards parents of 11 to
18 year olds. These children would be off spring from the baby boomers. I am
speaking of person’s born in the late 50’s through the early to mid-60’s. These
children are of parents who in 2001 would have been forty something’s.
Ironically enough I am included as a baby boomer.
The thought process these parents had which was stated
throughout the article included that parents wanted to be their kid’s friend.
Additionally they were helping their children to corrupt themselves. Giving the
kids alcohol, knowing they were having sex parties and not putting up boundaries.
As a parent of three ages 24, 19 and 13 I cannot even put into words how angry
and disgusted this information made me feel.
I haven’t even addressed the fact that many of the children researched
are allowed to watch whatever they want on T.V.. Then when the government tries
to step in and uncover media and the harmful effects on a child’s psyche,
parents are absent from the conversation.
For me as a parent this is the exact reason why as a
family we had no cable T.V. and still don’t. It is far too easy to become numb
and complacent to all the world has to throw at us via the media. With all the
violence and sex in our social media it is amazing to me there is not more
violence committed against our fellow humans. This article although older is an
incredible warning to all of society. Personally I believe the way to stop the
craziness is to have self-control as adults by not giving in to our own needs.
Unplug the cable television. Don’t put money into games, movies and toys that
influence our culture negatively. The only way big corporations will stop
promoting violence and sex is if there are no buyers. No buyers, no market no
money.
Could it be that all of the school shootings as well
as the violence and sex our culture proliferates could be stopped? Do we as a
society have any control over all the negative vulgar atrocities are children
are exposed to? Are we victims of corporate America? Are we going to fight back
or roll over and have our ears tickled, back scratched and tummies rubbed? If
we do where are our children going to end up 10, 20 or 30 years down the road?
For me I am taking charge of my family and will do my best to continue to
minimize the terrorist type of impact our culture is trying to instill upon us
all.