Do you get tired of America's obsession with children when adults are society's bigger problem?

Question

Yes, the obvious rebuttal to this would be to say, "But children are the future, work on them so they can grow up well and society will be better." However, I see it as more of a chicken before the egg phenomenon. It almost seems we have a majority of adults who would rather fix what's wrong with children than with themselves. But wouldn't it be better if the adults had their own interests and were secure in themselves FIRST, to set a better example for the children? I know this question is deep. I'm prepared to stand in judgement of all the soccer moms this is going to piss off, and that's ok. I genuinely want to know the different perspectives on this.

I guess I asked this question because I get the feeling that America has given up on the current generation in favor of the next one. It is a depressing thought. Plus, I am old school-it seems the better formula for childraising is to live a life your child would want to grow up and lead rather than live your child's life. It feeds to a bunch of ego-centric children and THAT kind of future generation scares the crap out of me.

A good example is a parent who has gained 80 pounds, their marriage is lackluster, have let all their friends fall to the wayside and yet....their child has never missed a ballet practice, always has the latest video games, and gets their dinner custom ordered.

Answer 1

I have observed this obsession although I haven't yet tired of it since I've never really given it much thought up to now. You are right of course, that it is a really backward notion that an adult population that has not managed to fix themselves even has any ability to guide and direct it's young. It reminds me of the instructions you get at the beginning of a flight on what to do in case of a reduction in cabin pressure. It says that if you are traveling with children or infirm individuals, you need to first place the oxygen mask over your own nose before attempting to assist them.The very first time I traveled by plane and heard this I thought it would be rather selfish to do this. However I now understand that you could pass out while attempting to help the child and then you are no good to yourself or the child. Why are we looking to another generation to resolve problems that have taken thousands of years to create? They are no more prepared to handle them than we. Let's all stop and put our own oxygen masks on. Then, hopefully we will not die before we have an opportunity to help the next generation.

Answer 2

I agree, but for once would like to stand up for the US by pointing out this is an international problem. In the UK, not a week goes by without some newspaper or tv programme about ASBOs (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) and complaints about groups of youths hanging around causing trouble, running wild and scaring society.
These kids have nowhere to go, live in concrete jungles, have no sports facilities or activities, except those that cost too much, or are run by the church, where God enters into everything.
It is the adults that underfunded inner-city schools, causing them to sell sports grounds to supermarket or housing developers.
Also, most adults are so wrapped up in themselves and their own 'issues' (like, who to vote for on 'Big Brother' but not in an election) to care about their kids.
If the adults got their act together, it would be a better world for the future generations to grow up within.

Answer 3

Yes, I do, and yes, it's true. I try to teach my children what was taught to me, but, what's ironic about the situation is that I didn't listen about a lot of things that my parents were trying to tell me---only to think back and wish that I had listened. Now, when I try to correct my child (13 year old), I have to throw in that I didn't listen and it did not do me any good, so I'm trying to steer him in the right direction with hopes that he will listen and see things the way I didn't, but then again.. he's 13 and wants to do what he wants to do... and like me.. he'll either sneak and get caught, then have to suffer, or maybe just maybe he'll be wiser than his years and hear what I'm saying... and not just that I'm talking.... I thought my mother and father did not know what they were talking about back when I was 13... LOL@me, right!

I think it's certain things that children need to listen to adults about and there are certain things that adults need to trust the way they raised their children about.

Answer 4

I do not feel mad at your statement, but I disagree with you. My perception is completely different then yours because I don't think Americans are NOT obsessed with children. In fact, I think, children should be given MORE thoughtful consideration because they are helpless and vulnerable. I think, most adults are selfish and self-centered with little thought or regard for their children. You are right about most people not being bothered about fixing themselves. If they would fix themselves, they would be more attentive to their children and not so brutal and neglectful. Too many people care more about their booze, cigarettes and alcohol then their children. Too many parents are greedy and supply their own needs or wants and give little thought to their helpless children. Maybe Americans should become obsessed with children for the good of America,at least for the good of their own children.

Answer 5

well I agree with your point but I think the reason why you feel that society is doing this is because they have no choice but to. It can violate of human right laws by attempting to make grown adults change their selfish points of views. It almost goes back to tha old saying "Cant teach an old dog new tricks"
Just like the rest of our generation we don't want to take the hard way the easy way is to just start on the next one.
Good Luck Hun

Answer 6

Rock on dude!
When I was growing up it was "shut up" or "act like you got some sense"! A slap upside the head was all that was needed to set a kid right! If I acted up I got an @ss whippin'!
Nowadays it's time-outs or counseling or psychotherapy or ritalin.
The disciplinary measures that I received as a child are considered as abuse these days!
I grew up with proper raising,but now I see children who have more rights than their parents! It's no wonder that our kids are ending up in jail in record numbers,and our country going to sh!t!

Answer 7

I totally agree with you. As a Mother, I must set forth good examples for my Son for his persona will be based on what is taught to him by his parents and society. In my neighborhood, there are good kids and there are ones that are best to avoid. With that being said, you come to realize why the kids are as such when you see their parents. As adults, we must take the first step in setting examples for our adolescents as well as responsibility for them too. The children are the future, but it's up to us to create and mold a better society for our children so that they learn to pass that on for generations to come.

Answer 8

What makes me sick is the mother who pleads with her little brat, who is driving everyone crazy, "Please don't do that again, Caitlin (or Jason), or we're going right home." Both she and the child know she'll do no such thing, because there's no conviction in her threat and she never follows up on any of them anyway.
To be fair, I've seen this in Canada too.

Answer 9

Anyone who believes in fairytales is a child.
That leaves-- maybe 5% of the population as possible adults?

old news.