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.
Hi Tami :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I was very rattled by what I read in this week's article (I too used my blog as an outlet to express this). Seriously, what has our society come to? These parents just want their children to have everything, and the word "No" is taboo to them! Relating this article to the topic of permissive parenting is what comes to mind. 'Firm yet kind' doesn't exist to these parents, only 'lax and kind' which like the permissive or indulgent parenting style supports, these children are given what they want and asked for nothing in return (no demands placed on behavior or attitude). These children get into trouble at an early age, perform poorly in school, and often suffer from substance abuse.
I think it very wise you don't allow your family to have cable and it sounds like you aren't afraid to be assertive regarding this corrupting influence over our children....
Thanks for posting!!
Thanks Joanna! I appreciate your input. I really think if we can create and raise awareness one person at a time, we are making a difference! I apologize if I cam across too strong. I am not try to put my beliefs on anyone. I am looking at the facts and data. Then adding what I have done and do. This is just my personal experience.
DeleteHave a great week ; )!
Tami
Good for you! My parents didn't allow us a television as kids either. I think this was great for us. We spent our time playing outside, reading, helping around the house, listening to music..if I find myself with children in the future, I am going to strongly consider doing this in my household as well. I remember, however, that despite my parents' efforts to keep me from the harmful effects of the media, I still went to public school. I observed the behaviors of my classmates. I played with barbies and watched MTV when I went to play at friends' houses. Culture is a collective collaboration, and there will always be negative influences that we can't protect our children from. This is an unfortunate aspect of our reality, but I do admire you for making the effort for your kids. Someone's got to!
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an extremely valid point. My 24 year old son is now a bouncer in a bar. My 19 year old maintains a bit less socially mature approach for now. My 13 year old, with Downs, well she is very social and needs to be kept safe! In a good way. We will never be able to protect kids from all the negative impact our society throws at us, but if we can give them a cushion while their brain is "growing up" maybe this will help. I am not convinced that as a culture we really understand that the the human brain is not in a position to function or operate at capacity if you will until its all grown up. So research says that this doesn't happen until the early 20's. Seems like a sufficient reason to advocate on all of our kids behalf. It really just makes sense.
DeleteThanks for your input!
Tami