I am so absolutely mortified.
This story on the Today's show disturbs me on the deepest level, to the core of my being.
(UPDATE in reference to Leucantha's comment: It just occured to me that I was not clear in what I was saying. When I talk about our society as adults being responsible for kids and their behaviors, I mean at the root level. Not after the fact. Of course no parent - I would hope - would condone this behavior. I believe that all behavior modification must be done before the fact, from the get-go. Please understand that I am not blaming adults, but I do feel it is entirely our responsibility to build a healthy foundation from the very very beginning. In this case, I'm really commenting more on the media and the influence it is having on our children.)
What is going ON in this world??!!! What is WRONG with these kids??? What is our society doing TO these kids??! Because they are STILL kids. We as adults MUST take responsibility in what WE have done to desensitize our children.
I have always been all about the freedom of speech in the arts, and all that it constitutes. I believe that it is up to the parents to decide what our children are exposed to and what they are influenced by. BUT, I am starting to believe that we are ALSO responsible for what is AVAILABLE - aren't we?! I mean I know from first-hand experience that parents have very little control as a children get into their preteens. I mean c'mon, by the time I was 6, at the top of my "to do" list was: what can I get away with without my parents finding out. And I was NOT a "bad kid" by any means (that came later). As a matter of fact, I was the "good kid": considerate, responsible, quiet - and I STILL had the desire to go against my parent's "rules". It's called, "curiosity".
Yes, parents have the responsibility to filter out what our kids are exposed to etc. But in reality, kids will still find a way. You can't be mad at them for being on a mission to do that - the more curious they are, they more intelligent they are. Even though curiosity killed the cat, it is a GOOD thing.
I'm so sick to my stomach about the video.
I'm the last person to advocate censorship in the media. Questioning authority, rebelling against conformity, and anti-establishment was part of my mojo as a teenager and young "adult" - but, I'm a mother now and feel an immense need to protect my nest - as all mothers do. What do we do? How do we protect our kids? Move to a frickin' island?!
The other day, I saw this craziness on the news. WTF??!!
I don't know if I think media censorship is a bad idea anymore. It isn't 1985 anymore. We don't know our neighbors, violence on TV is no longer limited to just HBO and Showtime, and video games have long since moved on from cute yellow moving heads swallowing pellets and cherries for points, being chased by multi-colored monsters. Times have changed and I'm thinking - we must too.
I found this, and am going to conduct further investigation. I want to do whatever it takes to deter kids from the cruelty they are being exposed and reflecting in their own lives.
9 comments:
I dropped by via wifey's blog. I watched this story too. It is hard to watch any news with the kiddos around, because what will they see. I do recall bad "fights" happening when I was a kid, I don't recall parents condoning it. I think too many kids today think they have a right to do those things, and that the adults don't have a right to punish them since their parents defend them even when they are wrong.
Leucantha, thanks for dropping by also giving your input.
Yes, it does seem that kids today seem to be more in control in comparison to when I was growing up and the previous generations. It's very unfortunate and I don't know what the answer to that is, except that kids need more discipline starting earlier, before things get out of hand. Starting even when they are toddlers I feel, make for a stronger foundation.
Thanks again for your feedback and I'll be sure to stop by and see you!
OUTRAGEOUS! I saw the Today Show clip too and was absolutely horrified at what they did to that girl.
And, the bimbo game ... I'm speechless.
I'm all for censorship, but more importantly, common sense. It is obvious that whatever sells is what they will deliver, regardless of the consequences.
I remember a few years ago a similar story was in the news. It's sick and it's SCARY to me, especially when I think of my daughter eventually setting off on her H.S. years :\
I also remember stories like this when I was in school. I remember the real threat of being 'jumped' in the hallway (which was preferable to being jumped outside of the building) and the subsequent circle that would form as the rest of the students cheered the fight on. Weapons being brought to school was something I never had to worry about, but fights like this, I would think, have been around for ages...the only difference is that youtube makes it possible to PROVE it afterwards.
Is it the media, the children's home life or (even more disturbing) peer-pressure. Peer-pressure can make even the most well-mannered of children do things they KNOW are wrong.
As you said, I agree that as parents we'll need to be responsible for raising our children with a strong moral sense and a strength of character that hopefully will not break at the first sign of peer-pressure. As my own mother pointed out, then you get to the point when you need to let go...and all you can do is hope that you got it right. BAH! That's a whole level of stress that I am SO not looking forward to...
Sorry...I think I blog-hogged :\
This is crazy. I gotta come back to the parents. With everything.
I'm kind of speechless. And the Bimbo game - just as disgusting as the Bratz dolls. (Which I HATE.)
I think it all reflects on our relationships with our kids and the basics of how we raise them.
I mean...we have to be a moral compass for our kids and ourselves and not only teach but make sure we are there for them to be open and communicate and come to US and not others for answers
Everybody: thanks for your input
Bekkah: Fabulous peer-pressure - yes, peer-pressure is one of our biggest challenges as parents, let alone the media. It's just really scary the whole thing. I know that even though I was raised w/extremely high morals and standards, I gave into the 1st sign of peer-pressure. It's scary, and I too - am SO not looking forward to dealing with it.
P.S. I welcome blog-hogs;-)
My Crazy Life: I'm all for common sense, but it sure doesn't seem to be very popular these days.
Crunchy: I really HOPE that my daughter comes to me for answers. I really really really hope she does.
wow, what an incredible post.
i could not agree more. we are totally responsible for our children, but giving them opportunities to make choices does not mean allow them access to everything willy-nilly.
rules and guidelines are vital.
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