Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Disrespecting Childhood


               The country loves the idea of the perfect child, not children. The upcoming generations will one day replace all of us. They will become our political leaders, educators, and caregivers. If Americans neglect the upbringing of our youth, we neglect our future. The child that doesn’t act out, the one that is obedient and does well in school is what Americans love. The article discusses how schools are becoming more demanding, kids are being held to higher standards. Recess is being eliminated and music and art programs are no longer being funded. Children get to sit in a classroom for 7 or 8 hours, then go home and do their homework. If that’s the case we might as well dress our kids in a suit and tie, get them used to the 9 to 5 life that is America. Kids need to be inspired, they need creative outlets to be kids and enjoy their adolescence. Adults have built a system for kids without respecting the youth’s ideas or interests. Giving back some of that freedom may be what the system needs.

               Youth violence rates have increased in recent years according to the article. What used to end in a small scuffle is now turning into deadly weapons being pulled and maybe even death. In one of the deadliest school shootings in America. Video surveillance can be seen of the school resource officer, who was armed. Standing outside of the school refusing to engage the active shooter. Putting armed officers in schools is a step in the right direction to keep the youth safe. Hiring the right person for the job is even more vital than just giving somebody a gun.  Robbing a bank would be harder to do than committing mass murder at a school. Americans put more security around our money than we do our own children.  



https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/03/15/parkland-surveillance-video-shows-officer-standing-outside-school-during-shooting/428147002/

3 comments:

  1. Steven,
    Thank you for your input on this topic. I especially appreciate your input on the demands that are placed on children by schools. I agree that children should have access to every creative outlet possible. However, the article actually states that youth violence rates are declining. The socially perceived incline was due to extreme media reports.

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  2. Jeramiah,

    Thank you for pointing that out to me, it does say the rate of violence has declined slightly.

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  3. Steven, your idea about giving children their freedom back seems so accurate. Kids aren't allowed to be kids anymore! Expecting so much out of people so young will without a doubt affect who they become as adults. And I think it definitely will impact the generations to come.

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